God’s Daughter in Training

Here’s a question for you. What comes to mind when people think about summer? Some people could say that they think about how they have a break from school or spend time at the lake or chilling on the poolside. For me, it is all about the summer camp season. Personally, for as long as I can remember. I have now had the opportunity to work/volunteer at 7 different Christian Summer camps all in Canada.

Within working and/or volunteering at summer camp. There is so much one could obtain from it. From creating genuine friendships that can last a lifetime. To gain practical skills that you can use as one navigates life itself. You also have the chance to work on yourself and learn more about how you deal with different situations that could come your way. One also gets to experience who God is differently. Ultimately, it also has a tremendous impact on adolescents and young adults alike.

For me, this will sound very odd. But there is something magical about doing camp each summer. Two main things occur time and time again. The impact it has on a person and the transformation that happens whether you see it or not. These two things go hand in hand quite well. I will explain these thoughts further in the following sections.

The first concept is about the impact of going to summer camp. Here’s the thing, ultimately, we don’t know who will be impacted by what one says or does. Or even in a camp setting who wouldn’t know who could be affected by our story? I honestly believe that there is power when we tell our testimony to one another because we again do not know what baggage each of us is bringing or what we are facing at that moment. This is very important for all of us to remember.

Camp is a place where people can be their true selves, in a safe environment. Where you have leaders who are willing to alongside where you are at in your journey during that week you are there. Also, even after the camp is over for the week or at the end of summer. When you look back you see the impact it had on you in that moment of your life. I remember a time when I first was attending a camp as a camper and seeing the way the leaders poured their love and care into each of us during that week. They are there to listen, give advice, and help make you feel like you belong there.

The second concept is about the transformation that can happen afterwards. I said it could happen because it is a person’s choice if they want to be impacted. However, the change that takes place after the impact excites me even more because seeing someone realize the power of God working in them and seeing that click in their mind is fascinating and amazing. Even regarding transformation, a question that asked is, “Do you think you would be the same person that you are right now at the end of summer?” Or, “What is stopping me from experiencing this journey to the fullest?” I have seen time and time again, seeing people come to life when they hear about God at camp for the first time in their life. Or when they receive a bible from their cabin leaders, who have highlighted their favorite verse in it for them to see. God, can move mountains. He will make a way when there seems to be no way.

We are told as believers in God to spread His word to the near and far (Matthew 28: 19-20). What we do at Summer Camp is exactly that and more! The Parable of the Sower, which is found in Matthew 13: 3-8, summarizes what our hopes and goals are at camp. We get to spread God’s love and word, week in and week out, hoping it lands among the good soil and the seeds from that begin to be planted. Letting the roots begin to run deep in the soil. Colossians 2:7 NLT says this, “Let your roots grow down into him and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.”

Summer Camp is something like any other. If you haven’t worked at a camp before. I highly suggest it.