Lessons from Campers
1.) Several campers talk about this “feeling” that only camp can give you (I know exactly what they are talking about). Well that “feeling” is peace…from God. I think it is really important that everyone experiences this peace, but camp isn’t the only place where you can get it (even though I’ve found it seems more “pure” there). You can take that peace with you. I think every camper does, but then in a few weeks that is all gone. You are done the post-camp weirdness, fire, excitement, etc., and life goes on. But that peace is meant to be a year round thing. Come January every camper (and staff) should still have “Jesus” statuses on Facebook, that fire to do His will, and the love and friendship with each other! For the first time (since first grade) I have left camp with that peace. For the first time I decided to take the peace and not just drop it on my way out. For the first time I am at peace with my life post-camp (we will see how long that will last). But campers inspired this lesson.
2.) All week there was talk about the “mountain top experience.” For the first time, since I can remember, I did not have an emotional experience. It was the first time in the committal service I didn’t have tears running down my cheeks or felt the need to talk to someone. Campers questioned this not-so “mountain top experience” in their lives. I was quick to say it was okay, until I evaluated myself. I, too, questioned my lack of tears and emotions. I thought, then, about how God spoke to me during camp. I found that God was JUST AS (if not MORE) vocal and evident during the week, while others were in tears. I found God in different ways (though I’m only sharing 3) that showed me Him in my life (without the tears).
3.) This is my favorite I think. I had a camper come to me with tears pouring down her face. She just sat and bawled for like 15 minutes in my arms. It took some digging, but she just said to me, “I want to strengthen my relationship with God.” Looking back I think about how powerful that one sentence is. What if everyone of us wanted to strengthen our relationship with God? Would we come honestly? Would we let the tears of guilt, pain, etc. stream down our faces, even in front of a stranger? This camper had me thinking about MY relationship with God. I honestly wanted to respond with, “I feel ya, bro.” This has had me praying and thinking constantly, even at work.
There are so many more lessons I could share, but I hope that the campers can inspire you as much as they inspire me.
To learn more about Camp Penn and the rest of the Susquehanna Conference Camping Programs please check out the "Resources" page.