If you've ever been to a church camp, whether as a camper or counselor, you know the phases you will experience while you're there. The rush of activities and genuine time with the Lord make church camps a great experience. You get to meet a lot of new people and play stupid, yet fun games. There is time and space to work on your relationship with God, not to mention all of the insightful conversations you are bound to have. Besides, who doesn't love a week away from your parents? (Unless they work there, of course). Church camp is a way to grow closer to others, to God, and to get to know yourself better. Here are five stages you go through at camp:
1. Excitement.
After weeks of prepping, you are finally on your way. You have been reading over the packing list and mapping out strategies to maximize hang out time with your friends. You can't wait to get there and see what team you're on, whose in your cabin, and what kind of games you'll play. Maybe you'll bunk with an old bestie or get the chance to meet someone amazing. Not to mention how great the service will be; it might even be better than your own church (but we won't tell them that).
2. Competitiveness.
Alright ladies and gentlemen, these camp games are serious business and we're going to win no matter what it takes. From the top spot in sports to the silly awards they randomly give away, we are after them all. Yeah okay, we might let "Cleanest Cabin" slide; I really don't feel like cleaning this whole room every day, camp is tiring so someone else can have that one. BUT ONLY THAT ONE.
3. Annoyance.
Ok, I've been with these same people all day, every day, and they're kind of getting on my nerves. Ok, maybe they're getting on my nerves a lot right now. It's hard to focus on maintaining a good attitude all the time with all of these people and no time to myself. Who does she think she is anyway; she can't call first shower *EVERY* day, can she?
4. Sadness.
I just realized this is my last night at camp and all these friends I just met, I probably won't see for a whole year. We became so close so fast and now it is all over. Even the worship time and sermon were depressing because they save the best for last and now I want to go to church here forever. I am just not ready to go back to normal life yet.
5. Eagerness.
As the sadness is fading and everyone is returning home, I realize technically it's not even a whole year until the next camp so I'll just count down the days until I can see these people and this place again.
