Youth Camp

Don’t all of us camp counselors and directs earn a shirt every year that should say, “I survived camp of (insert year here).” I know I do. But somehow that shirt is elusive, and all I end up with are dirty shirts that don’t get flipped to the dryer and need to be washed again with more detergent and vinegar, and even scent beads to smell de camped again, and then I have to wear old shirts that don’t fit right.

Maybe next year we will get our shirts.

But all shirting aside, I did survive two youth camps this year, and I would totally do it again. One was our annual youth camp that we are in charge of at our home church in Texas, and the other one we help with administration, games, activities, etc in Arizona with a group of Navajo youth.

Not a camp goes by where I’m not thankful for the opportunity to be there and to help other youths at a place where I learned to love God and received the desire to serve him in a full capacity. This year marked 25 consecutive years of going to camp, and although at one point, I did feel a little old from this, I am so honored to do what I love.

I’ve learned a lot through the years on how to administer them: what information the forms need, how to set up a menu for the food that how to week, what good and not so good helpers and counselors look like, how to educations counselors, a plan for developing teams and activities and competitions, silly and fun “wake up” songs, devotions, themes, shirt designs, girls crafts, supply lists, medicine and phone logs, rainy day plans, impromptu scavenger hunts, field trips, ice breakers, skits (both serious and funny) but one thing that I cannot plan for is how the Lord will move in a service and how he can change lives. I give 100% on my part, and then it’s His turn to move or not to move, and it’s up to His discretion, our prayers, and the kid’s hearts and wills.

So what is my purpose for writing this, not to brag, but to share what I’ve learned, and to share that it is worth it. Every sacrifice that I’ve made, the time, money, and even tears, that I’ve spent on camps over the past 25 years are worth it. Being able to be a vessel used to help others, especially kids, is a priceless gift.

So, if you have the opportunity to make the sacrifice and go to camp, go. If you get the ability to serve, serve. If all you can do is bake some cookies for a few meals, then bake.

Every little thing helps. We have some young adults that come to camp and their only job is to mop the floor and take out the trash, but what a blessing it is to us directors! Without all the team doing the big and little jobs, the task seems insurmountable, but when we all work together, the load is eased and the unity is strengthened. It’s some of the best fellowship that I have with our church people all year. Serving together (if you get self out of the way) is precious and a gift and so very worth it. Summer is almost over for me, and back to scheduled programming (teaching and administrating our Christian school), but I’m so thankful for this season. I wouldn’t change it. I would do it again.