Summer 2009. Seems like an eternity ago since that summer
and yet it was the summer that would make a huge difference in my life. That
summer was the first time I experienced church camp.
I just finished my Sophomore year in High School and my mom
and a good friend of ours from church were wanting me and two youth from church
to go to a church camp called Camp Caroline. I resisted going, but the decision
was made for me.
It was such a long drive. While the two other youth rode
with the Hillyer van, another disciples church in downtown Raleigh, I rode with
my parents. That comforted me, but the entire time I kept wondering how I was
going to make it an entire week alone. I assumed I would be alone because I
assumed that no one would hang out with me or be my friend. It was the nature
at school so I assumed the same for all social situations I encountered.
We eventually arrived and got registered. My parents left
and the adults led us in some weird dance activity. I hide in the background,
hoping no one would notice I wasn’t dancing. Then the directors of the camp
spoke to us and said we would be split into small groups. They announced who
was in which small group, but I didn’t hear my name, so I just joined the last
group to be formed, who thankfully I knew the leader (she was my minister’s
wife). I stuck with their group for about 20 minutes, until someone came by and
asked, “Is there a Kevin over here?”
My first thought was, “Did I do something wrong?” The
director explained that they had been looking for me because I was in the wrong
small group. So, I guess I did do something wrong, or that was my assumption
anyway. I felt so embarrassed, but no one was upset. He walked with me through
the dark camp ground to my right small group, who were really happy that I
wasn’t lost and got there to meet everyone. It was the first of many moments
that week that made me feel loved.
The week continued and throughout each day, I discovered the
nature of what camp is all about. Camp is about community. Through the camp
community, we created a sanctuary from the stresses and pain of the outside
world. Through the camp community, we reminded ourselves of the power of God
through the love we provided for our neighbors and ourselves. Through the camp
community, we welcome new people to experience how camp communities change
lives.
I used to believe that the camp grounds were magical and
that whenever people came to camp, community was already established.
However, while my experience can lead to this assumption,
the reality is that camp is not magical simply because of the location or
program or God being present there (those these certainly do help!)
The real magic of community comes from the actions that we
teach and lead while at camp.
When you see a person sitting alone or not feeling included,
speak to them, invite them, listen to the stories that they bring into the
community!
We all want to feel welcomed, to have a sense of belonging,
and to know we are loved for being who God made us to be. When we welcome all
people into the community, then we implicitly say to the person you are
welcomed, you belong, and you are loved for being You!
To anyone who needs these reminders in life and needs a community
that gives them a place to belong, camp can lead to a major change in a
person’s life!
However, when this welcoming atmosphere is not present, camp
can lead to not so good changes in our lives.
I’ve heard plenty of horror stories of people, either as
adults or children, who attend camp and were ignored, discriminated against, or
rejected by the community for one reason or another. These reasons can include,
but are not limited to: one’s identity, one’s actions in which the community
deemed were “sinful”, or simply for being different.
If this has been your experience, I am truly sorry. This is
not what camp communities should be about.
Camp communities should invite differences of all people. Camp
communities should not be concerned with “sinful actions” but recognize that
people’s actions do not define the whole person. Camp communities should be a
place where people experience the love of God through the love of others.
It is my hope, for all people who will be at camp this
summer, that you create a loving space that will help change people’s lives in
meaningful ways!
I have been blessed that my experience my first summer was a
life changing experience. And after my first camp in 2009, I continued to have
life changing experience at various weekend retreats and summer camps for the
next few years. Even after I graduated High School, I volunteered as a
counselor and worked as a camp staffer for several summers. Last summer, I was
even honored to serve as a Camp Staff Director at Christmount. It now seems
strange that this will be my first summer in eight years that I will not be
participating in any camp program. Instead I will be participating in a
different kind of ministry through the Hospital system. I am truly going to
miss the camping season this summer.
For all the campers who are planning to attend camp this
summer, I wish you many wonderful memories and lifelong friends that you will
create and experience!
For all the counselors and camp staffers, I wish you a
chance to share your gifts and joy with all the campers you come to enjoy your
week (or weeks) with!
For all the Directors and Keynoters, I wish you peace in the
midst of camp chaos and the chance to share your guidance with all the campers
and counselors/camp staffers you get to lead!
For all camp communities, I invite you the chance to create
a life changing experience, for ALL people, so that they realize they belong
now into your community for life.
May your camp experience change your life and may your Ruah
always be with you,
Peace,
