Building a Youth Camp
We had two weeks at IWU before we headed out for camps. Those two weeks were hard, but amazing. The first week was training. Mark Atkinson was with us to share much of
what he knows about camp. It was an
awesome time to talk about some of what is in store for us this summer. During these 4 or 5 days, we got to know the
other teams a little bit, just like we did last year.
But this year, we got to know the other teams so much better
because of the second week. We would get
coffee together in the morning, eat PB&J for lunch together, go out to
dinner together, and hang out all evening together. The times that best helped me get to know the
teams were each morning when the CIA teams would get together to pray for each
other. In the evening we would do the
same as well. To hear specific prayer
requests, praises, and concerns for the summer gave me ways that I could better
pray for and encourage each member.
Because one of the bands was at Wesleyan General Conference
during the week, and camps hadn't started yet, we got to help Fairmount Camp
get ready for their camps. If ever we
were going to learn about doing the thankless jobs, it would be during this
service project. We washed dishes,
painted trashcans, painted fire hydrants, painted bathrooms, made beds, cleaned
out deep freezers and fryers, cut down branches, weed-wacked, put in
insulation, put up dry wall, and found a gas line. While each of those sometimes seemed meaningless, we knew we were making it possible for teens to meet Jesus in the weeks following. We ended each day exhausted and ready for a
relaxing night. I was so proud of Team
Shine. Even when they were away from the
rest of the workers, working on a less-than-exciting job, Samuel, Leslie, and
Dayne never complained or quit working. They continued to do their best to
serve the camp. This week of service
with my team makes me so excited to serve with them for the next seven weeks of
camp.
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