Dear Jenness Park Summer Staff,
I know summer is almost over and most of us went back to our different lives, whether that be school or work, however; I wanted to take the time to express my gratefulness to all of you for making my summer wonderful this year.
I’m serious. You all made my summer so memorable I might want to reapply again.
As, I look back on this summer, I can definitely say I was nervous coming up to Jenness Park Christian Camp. For one, I’ve never heard of Jenness Park. Since, I go to college in Oregon and Jenness is in California, the probability of hearing about the camp are slim.
I also had no affiliation at all with Jenness. None of my acquaintances, friends, or family have ever heard of this camp. So for me to apply to a place I only heard of online, was a risk I was willing to take.
However, as soon I arrived at the campsite on May 22, I felt extremely welcomed by our dear Guest Services Manager Bob Veach, and the rest of the summer staffers who were already there.
For those that were already there that day, you immediately took me as one of your friend’s you have seemed to know forever, inviting me to pizza. The next day, we went into town 30 miles away to explore Sonora’s downtown area.
We found an epic clothing store, which also had a miniature recording studio which Bobby and I, being the rappers we are, freaked out over. There was a candy store, and a coffee shop with an old soda fountain and lots of antique books over 100 years old!
As strange as it sounds, I could tell this was the place God wanted to me to serve him for the summer. When more of you summer staffers arrived, the family only grew, and so did the love.
I loved all the adventures we had goi�ng into town, whether that was going to church, town, and yes lots of trips to Wallie World! I also had a blast with the pool party and square dancing.
To Bobby, I had an awesome time rapping on stage with you and sharing our talent while glorifying the Lord at the same time. I could feel he was smiling down at us, pleased to call us his children.
To Mary, Olivia, and Katie I loved hiking with you all, goofing off, having deep personal conversations, and all of your sweet natures, hugs, and smiles. You’re all so beautiful.
Paris and Isabelle, you are the most unique people I have ever met! You also display a love for others as Jesus did. Thanks for introducing me to anime and making me fall in love!
For those who got to know me at a deeper level, thanks for accepting me and my wild nature whether I was writing songs, or displaying that “black gurl” magic. Yup, no explanation there.
To my kitchen staffers, we belong together! All of us weirdos basking in our weird glory, and working long hours with laughter at the core and smiles at our faces. And of course saying “sick” a certain way anytime we saw something disgusting while washing dishes or cleaning on turnover day was the best.
To all the girls living in the house, I love you all for your Christ-like nature and joy!
But to all my summer staffers, despite all the fun we had, and sharing our weirdness, while also at the same time driving each other nuts, I had fun working alongside you all. I enjoyed working for the Lord and getting to minister to over 500 campers with you all.
As I look back, it wasn’t all fun and games. We worked long hours, but also came together as brothers and sisters in Christ through Bible study and worship.
We were able to be real with one another in our relationship with the Lord.
You all did give me a few things before I left you all for the year. First, were of course hugs but the others were: reminding me to love unconditionally as Christ did, I’m never going to be perfect, and be joyous in all that you do.
This letter only expresses half of what is on my mind, if I could I would go further, but for now you are just going to have to take it as it is.
To everyone else that is reading this, I encourage you all to apply for a summer job at a Christian camp.It might just change your outlook on life.
