I spent my summer at a place that had given me so much and I've got to give back to it. My church started a summer camp when I was going into my freshman year of high school. I went the first summer and never turned back. This camp was full of happiness, God’s love, and friendship. I couldn’t have imagined a better place to spend a week of my summer throughout high school as a camper.
After my first year of college, I got the opportunity to be a counselor at this amazing place. Many of my friends thought it was strange that I wouldn’t want to get an internship or spend time at home but I knew that the only place I wanted to be was camp. Camp was something so special to me. It was an indescribable place that no matter what it made me feel so loved.
I had always wanted to be a counselor and be in a new leadership role but I had never imagined how beneficial it would be for me. I got to work alongside some of my best friends and also people that I wasn’t as close with but ended up being some of my closest friends by the end of the summer.
One of the most amazing things for me was working alongside the counselor I had my first year at camp. 6 years later we started a new friendship as coworkers rather than counselor and camper. She has been an inspiration to me since my first summer and continued to inspire me every day of the summer.
Working at a Christian camp brings a different level of depth. Being able to talk with campers about their faith journeys and also being able to share yours with campers is an amazing experience. Even the youngest campers have such a profound outlook on faith and God. They can say the simplest things that make such a large impact.
The ages ranged from going into third grade through incoming 12th graders. Theses ages were split into 3 different groups: elementary, middle school and high school all having multiple sessions throughout the two months. This large age range and different sessions of ages allowed for each camper to bring a different perspective and view of faith.
Being able to have deep conversations but also play fun games and have foam parties — it created an indescribable environment. This environment promotes being you and creates a safe space to express yourself.
When I left camp at the end of the summer, I knew that I had been changed for the better. I remember the talks that were given by different counselors and leaders, I remember the funny games, I remember the fun moments and inside jokes, but most of all I remember how much better of a person I am because of it.
I was changed by this place over my years as a camper but I was transformed into a better more faithful person the summer I got to be a counselor. I couldn’t imagine a better way to spend my summer and I would do it all over again. Maybe this summer?
