I can now say that I’ve survived my first week out at Mid-South Youth Camp. In some ways it seems impossible that the first week is already over; in other ways it seems like I’ve been living out here for months instead of a week and a half.
It’s been incredible. I’ve always loved camp, and I’m soooooo excited that I’m getting paid to attend camp and do what I love for two months. The kids are hilarious. This week’s bunch was mostly young, a lot of 9 and 10 year olds, and I wish I’d kept a journal of all the ridiculous things they said.
This group of counselors is fabulous. I’m sure every group thinks that they’re the best ever, but I really think we’re right up there. Everyone but the head counselors is new, but you’d think we were veterans. There’s been zero drama or cliquishness and everyone’s fun and friendly. It’s an awesome group to work with.
In just a week, I’ve learned a lot about myself: what I want for my future, what’s most important to me, my flaws and my strengths, my abilities and my limits. Children have a funny way of making a person introspective and reflective. In so many of them I see myself and how much or little I’ve grown and changed since I was a child.
Oh, and I also learned that I’m horribly allergic to pine. Did I mention that I’m living in the middle of a pine forest?
The best part of it all? I’m going to have an awesome tan.
No, really the best part is seeing the impact a dozen college students can make in the lives of a bunch of kids. It’s watching a lonely girl overcome homesickness and become camper of the week. It’s holding back your own tears as you watch a young boy cry while saying goodbye to his counselor. It’s seeing two of your new sisters fall in love with Jesus and decide to devote their lives to him.
I’m so blessed to get to do this for another seven weeks.
