"To sum up camp in a few simple words...it’s my happy place. Its not just 150 students coming together to have a little fun and produce a show in a week, but so much more than that, and for those who have never been, it's hard to understand. Last summer, going to camp literally became the best week of my life and although I recognized that no two years are the same, I began a countdown the days until camp, starting in February and the anticipation of being in those moments once again was unreal. I knew I would get to see both old friends and meet new, while growing by leaps and bounds in fellowship with them all.
I walked in Monday morning a little worried because I knew in my mind I had such high standards and I prayed that God would just bless the week, work wonders, and keep me open-minded (that last point being a major one.) After the night ended I felt as though God wasn’t totally present in my heart and I got nervous because that's all I really wanted for the week. Well, BAM, He answered all of my prayers. God continued to amaze me in some ways that I didn’t even realize until after I was back home! I came to realize that the words we sang most primarily during worship, were exactly what I needed to hear in this stage of my life, “I may be weak but your spirits strong in me, my flesh may fail, but my God you never will.” Throughout the week, He was whispering right in my ear and presenting right in front of my face everything I needed to know. Those were the moments I cried out to Him that I wanted it to be true, “All I am, I surrender.”
I’ve been yearning for a closer and more constant relationship with God and I could feel him in abundance, proving He would always be there. He put so many blessing in my life during the week and I couldn’t be more thankful that I had this opportunity. Many of us were still faced with obstacles this week but it only gave us room to grow in faith and understanding. Camp gives us unending opportunities for growth and discovering the person we’ve been, the person we are, and the person we want to be. One message that really stood out, was when Jon lead devotions and said “You can’t change the world if you’re in the Dead Sea” a quote so prevalent to our generation. He, as did the other counselors, allowed me to take a step back, and realize the bigger picture. The unfortunate drag and foux community within our society and I understood that that is exactly what I had been doing and now something I will strive to further myself from.
Scanning the chapel during our personal time after devotions, a smile instantly appeared on my face as I noticed each camper in their own world, finding ways to become closer to God. I wish I could explain why, but it brought me much joy. Another shining example of the power and glory of the Lord was during faith night. I don’t think I've ever witnessed such a fulfilling experience where the sound of our voices alone shook walls. The tears shed and the hugs given alone were testaments to the safe environment and fellowship we had created. In all honesty, there are no words to truly describe the week and all of the emotions that go with it. But, one thing is definite…that was not a week! It flew by in the blink of an eye and those short 5 days were not enough, but it cannot be forgotten in another 5 days.
For another year, this one special week will be the conversation topic that both my friends and family will tell me to finally shut up about, but I wont be able to. The friendships, joy with the laughter and the support with the tears, an energetic show, an inspiring and amazing team of counselors, and the undeniable constant presence of God is not something that’s easy to let go of. To be away from the rest of the world for a little while, surrounded by such greatness, is more than I could ask for. I don’t have to feel stress or worried or judged. I feel nothing but love and laughter and support. For that week, right where I was, is all that mattered. To be carefree and spirited and all the people around you the same, is a feeling that I don’t get often in many other places, ever. For those short 5 days I was exactly where I needed to be. #campFPTB in a nutshell…my happy place."
I walked in Monday morning a little worried because I knew in my mind I had such high standards and I prayed that God would just bless the week, work wonders, and keep me open-minded (that last point being a major one.) After the night ended I felt as though God wasn’t totally present in my heart and I got nervous because that's all I really wanted for the week. Well, BAM, He answered all of my prayers. God continued to amaze me in some ways that I didn’t even realize until after I was back home! I came to realize that the words we sang most primarily during worship, were exactly what I needed to hear in this stage of my life, “I may be weak but your spirits strong in me, my flesh may fail, but my God you never will.” Throughout the week, He was whispering right in my ear and presenting right in front of my face everything I needed to know. Those were the moments I cried out to Him that I wanted it to be true, “All I am, I surrender.”
I’ve been yearning for a closer and more constant relationship with God and I could feel him in abundance, proving He would always be there. He put so many blessing in my life during the week and I couldn’t be more thankful that I had this opportunity. Many of us were still faced with obstacles this week but it only gave us room to grow in faith and understanding. Camp gives us unending opportunities for growth and discovering the person we’ve been, the person we are, and the person we want to be. One message that really stood out, was when Jon lead devotions and said “You can’t change the world if you’re in the Dead Sea” a quote so prevalent to our generation. He, as did the other counselors, allowed me to take a step back, and realize the bigger picture. The unfortunate drag and foux community within our society and I understood that that is exactly what I had been doing and now something I will strive to further myself from.
Scanning the chapel during our personal time after devotions, a smile instantly appeared on my face as I noticed each camper in their own world, finding ways to become closer to God. I wish I could explain why, but it brought me much joy. Another shining example of the power and glory of the Lord was during faith night. I don’t think I've ever witnessed such a fulfilling experience where the sound of our voices alone shook walls. The tears shed and the hugs given alone were testaments to the safe environment and fellowship we had created. In all honesty, there are no words to truly describe the week and all of the emotions that go with it. But, one thing is definite…that was not a week! It flew by in the blink of an eye and those short 5 days were not enough, but it cannot be forgotten in another 5 days.
For another year, this one special week will be the conversation topic that both my friends and family will tell me to finally shut up about, but I wont be able to. The friendships, joy with the laughter and the support with the tears, an energetic show, an inspiring and amazing team of counselors, and the undeniable constant presence of God is not something that’s easy to let go of. To be away from the rest of the world for a little while, surrounded by such greatness, is more than I could ask for. I don’t have to feel stress or worried or judged. I feel nothing but love and laughter and support. For that week, right where I was, is all that mattered. To be carefree and spirited and all the people around you the same, is a feeling that I don’t get often in many other places, ever. For those short 5 days I was exactly where I needed to be. #campFPTB in a nutshell…my happy place."
