As I look back on my years growing up, there are several memories or events that stand out to me. The one consistent event in my life has been attending camp each summer. For one week, every summer since I was nine, I would go to sleep away camp. After I outgrew my days of being a camper, I became a counselor. I look forward to that one week the entire year.
For one week each year, I am taken away from reality. I am surrounded by 300 campers and 50 camp staff members. We all have one focus for the week, God. There's nothing to distract me, besides the slight homesickness, tummy aches from consuming enough sugar for a year and finding the cutest boys at camp, but other than that, my time was dedicated to my relationship with my Savior.
This week was unlike the 51 weeks other weeks of the year I experienced. As a young camper, our craft time reflected Christian symbols, our songs praised Jesus, our games were played with friendly and humble competition. I had a counselor answering the questions I had about the Bible and Jesus, I had adults praying over me, I had the love of Jesus poured into me by everyone that surrounded me. With much prayer, consideration and the example and guidance of those older than me I was led to a saving relationship with God. It was at camp I became a Christian.
Even though it's only one week of the year I'm at camp, it caused a change in me. With my relationship with Christ, came a new way of life, better thoughts and intentional actions. I did not become perfect after becoming a Christian, in fact, I become more aware of my shortcomings. There was a change in me. It wasn't abrupt or maybe even noticeable to most people. But the person I was and could be at camp, was the person I wanted to be the entire year following. The fellowship and encouragement of being surrounded by professing Christians, shaped me. I became a better me.
Camp never ends after we say goodbye on that last day. The impact of that week at camp each summer goes far beyond the boundaries of the campus. I make friends from neighboring states I stay in touch with throughout the year. I become a part of a staff that prays over their campers throughout the year. I make connections to people that led me to places I could have never dreamed of. Without the people, the encouragement, the places I've been connected to from camp, I know I would not be where I am today.
That one week of the year, at that special place, has impacted my life. Going to camp set the tone for my relationship with Christ. Going to camp shaped my personality. Going to camp helped to get me where I am today. There's nothing more I can say than, thank you. Thank you to the summer camp that helped raise me; you brought me into the family of Believers, and I'm never looking back.
