There are friends you meet at school, friends you meet at work, friends you meet through other friends and then there are the friends you meet at camp.
Something is different about camp friends and it’s hard to put a finger on it. Camp is a place where you come as you are and nothing is too strange. Camp is a learning experience where traditions, games, and your true heart is welcome. From the dares to the dart game it’s all so weird but all so great.
You learn of these strangers' names, hometowns, passions, hobbies, pets, siblings and all of it is interesting and new. Not sure if it’s the fact that a group of genuine, wholesome people are put together to socialize or that you don’t have a choice is what makes camp friends so awesome. Within a matter of a few short days, you feel like you’ve known these people your whole life. You could argue that it’s the type of people they are... and that is the truth. But I think there’s something more than that. I went to a Christian Camp called “Impact Retreat” in College Station and I can’t help but thinking that when God fills a room with a group of individuals something amazing happens.
The simplicity, understatement and pure happiness you have with a group of strangers after knowing them for a short time is incredible. There is something so beautiful about being completely vulnerable. I think when somebody gets to know your heart before knowing anything else the friendship becomes so special.
In the English dictionary, the definition for the word vulnerable is “susceptible to physical or emotional attack or harm.” This is, in fact, the truth despite how dramatic it sounds. Being vulnerable with what you’ve gone through, struggle with, or live through is terrifying. You never truly know what has happened in an individual’s life until you sit down and ask them. Ain’t that the truth.
There are layers of every relationship and each one has its own beginning and end. You meet people who will impact you for a short while or impact you for the rest of your life. I believe friendship is one of the most important relationships you can have; there’s an overall unspoken agreement and understanding that they’ve got your back and you’ve got theirs. I think time marinates a friendship but experiences truly grow it. Vulnerability, honesty, and laughter is what strengthens a bond between two people; isn’t that sorta cool?
There’s also something awesome about a competitive aspect that brings people together like no other. There’s nothing like screaming chants and yelling at the top of your lungs for a tug-a-war competition with new found friends. The sprained ankles and lack of a voice is worth it when you’re having a good time. (Maybe not the sprained ankle part, s/o Ally)
Moral of the story is that making new friends in a new town is hard when there’s so much to say. There's so much to cover, so much to explain, and so many experiences to be had. But that's the point. And growing a relationship like that is so great.
The beauty of “camp friends” is that you are put into these situations that alter you to be completely broken down in a way. In a Christ centered camp, Jesus truly reaches out his hands and pulls you up and directs you to the light. I think experiencing that with a group of people is what makes “camp friends” so awesome.
