camp

-
Quaker Knoll Camp. Wilmington, OH. June 13, 2013.
"I'm thankful for my thankfulness."

One of our junior campers shared this during open worship around the campfire tonight. The campers, counselors, and directors had been sharing freely for about 20 minutes what they were thankful for. The gratitude included:

  • I'm glad I have a cool counselor who talks to me when I can't sleep.
  • I don't fit in at school. But at camp everyone thinks I'm cool and hangs out with me. 
  • I'm glad we're all friends. 
  • We don't always get along I'm glad my brother and sister are here.
  • I'm glad Katie came here to teach us about the Bible and stuff. 
  • I feel closer to God after being here. 
  • I'm glad we played mud kickball today. 
  • I'm grateful for the airplane flying overhead. Oh hey, there is the Big Dipper. I'm grateful for that too.
  • I'm grateful for everyone who took care of us this week, especially during the storms. 
  • I like food. 
  • I'm grateful I could open up to everyone and no one judged me.
  • I like Eric. He plays games with us. 
  • I'm grateful for my dad for paying for me to come to camp.
  • I'm glad I came to camp and I can't wait to come next year.
  • I'm glad I didn't watch any TV this week.

Silliness took over from there, as is expected at 11 o'clock at night on the last night of camp with a group of 8-12 year olds. But in the midst of that silliness was the comment, "I'm thankful for my thankfulness."

Everyone laughed, but I totally got it--even if the kid didn't. I was so grateful that the kids were grateful and that Betty had suggested we have this time of open worship to close out our campfire sessions. Hearing all that they had learned, all that they were grateful for, reminded me how important camp is, how transforming the experience can be, what a stepping stone to a deeper walk with God can take place in a few short days away from the world while focusing on God. If they had not been grateful, or had not expressed it, I may have left wondering if they had learned anything, if they had grown closer to God or at least were more interested in pursuing Him. But because of their thankfulness I know God did a powerful work this week. 

EMBRACE CAMP.

The kids also had a talent show, taught me to play Frisbee golf, and hung on my car like zombies tonight. That, too, is all part of what makes camp great.

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

names

-
Image
Yesterday my sermon was about the importance of names. Matthew 1 begins with a list of names, the genealogy of Jesus. Mark 1 begins with baptism, when our name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Luke 1 begins with an angel telling Zechariah he would have a son, to be named John. And John 1 says "In the beginning...", reminding us of Genesis when God called things into creation, named them, and gave Adam his first assignment--to name all the animals. And because we are celebrating Jesus' birthday this week, we talked about His all important name. Jesus, which means "God saves." And Immanuel, "God is with us." Not "for" us. But "with" us. Dwelling among us. Walking the earth. Filling our hearts. I also shared that Katie means "pure". A name I've always been intimidated by. A name I never thought I could live up to. But through this year of self-exploration, of embracing fears and family and lessons
Read more

No Purpose in Pie Town

-
Image
Life is always changing. Sometimes it feels like a long process, sometimes it happens in an instant, and other times it just sneaks right up on you. A year ago, Randy and I were in the middle of nowhere ( Pie Town, New Mexico ), 100 percent sure that it was our next move. His mom was told she only had 6 months to live , so our plan was to care for her in her final days. During our visit, I envisioned putting my office in the loft. And already anticipated being irritated by the television and phone calls and visitors below. Randy made up the plans to convert the garage into a master suite for us. We even picked out our flooring. I researched getting certified to teach at the local elementary school and Randy had scoped out the local diner where he planned to "sling hash." We were excited about the hiking and bouldering opportunities in the area and even bought special shoes. But as the months passed by, mom seemed to be as stubborn and healthy as ever. An
Read more

shortcomings

-
Image
I am a terrible housekeeper. I never remember to dust and I haven't seen my kitchen table in months. Yes I do eat at said table. And if you want to join me you are welcome to put your plate on a book or magazine of your choice. I have zero willpower. Every 3 months for 10 days I do a "cleanse" and only eat lean meat, fruits, and vegetables. I am yet to make it to day 5 without cheating. I am very wasteful. I waste everything. Everything. I had never heard of Saint Nicholas Day until yesterday (even though Wikipedia says it is popular in Cincinnati). And it sounds really scary. Kids getting butchered (on a similar note, did you hear they are going to make a movie out of the books Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark ?). Demons kidnapping naughty children. Giving presents to unmarried women who "need" to find a husband. (Maybe it's not such a shortcoming to have neglected to put my shoes outside Thursday night.) Typically when we talk about shortcomings
Read more