All year long at the Potter’s House we’ve been hearing stories about camp, comparing one camp to another, talking about what this summer would bring. Some who had never been to camp were a bit frustrated and not so sure why it was such a big deal! Personally though I have had the opportunity to be both camper and camp staff. I’ve actually worked in different capacities at several camps. I’ve been a lifeguard, cleaning staff, cabin counselor, and wilderness staff member. I loved each and every experience . . . well okay I honestly didn’t love being cleaning staff. Not only did you clean up what the campers had left behind but also anything the variety of woodland animals had left behind!
About a week ago I had the opportunity to visit some students I know at the camp they call home. Several of the students are working on full time staff and some are volunteering during the summer when they are able. On Thursday I drove up to camp and arrived during elective time. I had the chance to observe two of my students leading electives. One was teaching a bible study on forgiveness and the other was facilitating a group at the climbing tower. From there we moved through a whirl-wind of noisy mealtimes, a game of what is best described as extreme rock, paper, scissors (just add 40 people and lots of running and you’ll get the idea), some time by the lake and an intense and competitive time of capture the flag. Now if you’ve never been to camp . . . here’s the thing. Camp is pretty much about doing as much as is physically possible in the period of the day. From the time you get up in the morning until you go to bed – you move, eat, play, sing, yell, etc. So it can produce an enormous feeling of energy as you are taking part in all these activities but it also requires an enormous amount of energy and intentionality to keep it moving in a positive direction.
Throughout all these activities one thing stuck out to me about the college students I knew. They are amazing leaders and very passionate about camp. I have to say I was struck by how engaged they were with all the campers. They only have a week with the kids in their cabin and they were making the most of it in order to transform their young lives. It reminded me what an incredible experience camp can be for both the camper and the staff person. Camp is an opportunity to live in an intense and close community, a community that is all focused and moving in the same direction. Relationships are key, you are saturated with time together and with the small elements of each others lives. Late night talks across bunks, questions answered around the evening camp fire, the counselor who models Christ’s love for you. These moments can change a life. The students I know have taken it upon themselves to live out the lessons and life they have been a part of at the Potter’s House this past year. They are sharing in small glimpses what the Kingdom community is about with around eighty to a hundred kids a week! Who knows if the kids they will talk with and play with this summer have ever heard the Good News or had someone take the time to answer their questions about Christ, who he was and what he did for their lives. But these college students are doing just that . . . each day at camp living their lives for His glory and taking seriously the time they have at camp. That’s exciting and I am enormously proud of them!!
