It’s that time of year again. Kids are getting out of school and gearing up for their three months of summer fun. While some college students have been patiently waiting for this day to arrive. Many are probably wondering what makes the end of the school year so important. Well, with school ending, summer camps begin. This is why my summer camp is more than a job.
For the last couple of years I have had the privilege of working at a Christian camp about forty minutes from my home. Now I’d like to think everyone has a place they hold close to their heart, and mine happens to be camp. For six weeks I get the world’s best job… From Lifeguarding, to helping in the kitchen… it doesn’t matter. I’m at camp. I’m getting to spend six weeks with kids of all age ranges coming from all different backgrounds. Some of these kids have been through more than I can imagine or have seen in my short nineteen years. These are the kids that inspire me to pursue my dream of helping others in some way, which for me just happens to be social work. These kids that come in broken are most often the ones who are so full of love and just radiate a love for Christ- something that most Christians who aren’t hurting have a hard time doing. The age group that hits home the most is our 11-13 group. Seeing middle school students struggle with some pretty tough stuff really breaks my heart. I don’t think people really realize how close you can get with your campers in a short six days. Watching each group leave at the end of the week is one of hardest things you have to do.
Now before I forget camp has blessed me with more than camp kiddos. Camp staff. These are some of the most amazing people I have gotten to know. Through long sleep deprived nights, to some pretty deep conversations, camp staff is one unit. If one person is down we all pull together to help where it is needed. When the staff arrives at the beginning of training week it is a mix of emotions, as you greet old staff, and scope out who is new to the team. The great thing about my Christian camp is that we pray together, read together, and worship together. The bond we share is one where Christ is the center. We build each other up. We share plenty of laughs and face palms.
Understand I don’t work at camp to make money. I’m not there because I have to be. Summer camp to me is a place of rest. A place I go for six weeks to be inspired by kids, and grow in Christ. Camp is six weeks out of the summer where I don’t mind feeling tired. The staff is just an added bonus. Let’s just say I love camp a little.
