*For those of you wondering what is currently going on in my life.*
It’s been a while since I’ve blogged, but the camp-life keeps me busy.
In a way I could probably be a lot more successful at fundraising had I decide to not work at a summer camp, and yet I couldn’t say no. Camp has been a part of my life since I was first introduced to 4-H camp, in 8th grade, thanks to my Extension Educator and role model, Heather Millett. It was a place of escape, at camp I could be a different person, I could break out of my quiet shell, people were more kind, they wanted to know about you, and they actually listened. It was the one week I counted down the days to. I quickly worked my way up to a CIT then a counselor, and by senior year of high school I was honored to be a Junior Director. We pretty much ran the camp. It’s crazy looking back, knowing that most of the campers I had back then are now finishing up their last few years at camp. The best part is that even though years have gone by, I could meet up with anyone and talk for hours, like we did on the turf, as if no time passed at all. You can bet that anytime memories pop up on time hop that we are all sitting there wishing we could go back in time.
After senior year, I went away from college, and took a “responsible” job in the factory for a summer. It was a great life lesson, but not something I wanted to pursue in. Instead of continuing a well paid job,the next summer, I found a job out in the Rocky Mountains. The moment I laid eyes on the mountains I fell in love, it was as if they were calling me. God’s glory was everywhere I looked. In this new environment away from home, I was hesitant, what if these people didn’t like me? What if I mess up? What if I don’t fit in? But alas, I began making friends, there are moments during that first week of counselor training that I will never forget. Covenant Heights was a place that I could forget about all of my worries and just give it to God. I watched kids come and go for two summers at such a wonderful place, and I fell in love with each and every one of them. I would sit and talk with one girl every night right before campfire, just to let her know that she was loved and that everything would be okay. I introduced some to the story of creation, and others I helped break out of their shells by getting them excited about my favorite part of the day (aka Chapel), but most importantly I got the opportunity to watch the campers grow. Two summers out at that wonderful camp (Covenant Heights) filled my heart, and yet after two summers I tried my trade elsewhere. It was hard to not be at camp, but yet somehow a spontaneous road trip occurred, and I ended up back at the place that meant so much to me. I reunited with friends and saw long lost campers who refused to let me leave. It was a much needed trip, that reminded me of my love for the beautiful state. People say camp isn’t about the place, it’s about the people, and yet to me it is just as much the place as it is all the amazing people that I had the honor to meet and work with. Covenant Heights gave me peace of mind, there was a presence that would help ease any and all tension on my heart, mind, and soul. It became my refuge, my runaway home.
After graduating college with a B.A. in Studio Arts, I struggled to find a job that filled my heart. Thanks to my best friend, I was sent a job advertisement for Camp Rancho Framasa. This would be a new experience seeing as I never worked at a camp during the school year. I learned many different team-building and leadership teaching skills, how to belay high ropes, many odd and random tasks, along with some outdoor education. School groups from all over the state would come for these programs to learn, grow, and bond. It was crazy to see the difference that can occur in just a couple days. What I loved most about this camp though, was the community. Everyone was always so encouraging and supportive. I would get a few days off here and there that would also open it up to me being able to give back to the community, as I began to run with Brown County’s Cross Country and Track team. The area itself soon surrounded me in a great community that I will forever be grateful for, and friends that will last a lifetime. But the thing about most camp jobs, is that they do not last forever.
This summer I challenged myself as I accepted a new camp environment, and a new camp roll. I decided to focus more towards what I studied in college, but yet still fulfill my love for camp, as a summer Art Director at Camp Carson. It’s hard not to compare the camps I have been to. Each creating their own great memories, but none has touched me as much as Covenant Heights. Life has been hectic lately, as I adjust to a new camp and we completed our first week of campers. The people are great, and It was amazing to watch how they would interact with their campers. This being said the bad has tried to keep me down. It seems like a string of bad luck has been upon me as I learned that my runaway home will be closing in November. Where will all of those kids go!? So I won’t be able to visit whenever I wanted? It’s been rough just thinking about it. It was a magical place and my heart aches for all of those who will not get to experience just how great it is. Along with the little bit of bad news, I broke 2 watch straps, the lid to my nalgene, and cracked my phone screen all within a week’s span. But don’t worry, I did not let that keep me down, because this first week of camp was pretty great. I loved getting to interact with kids again, being able to fully bust out of my comfort zone and go crazy. I’m encouraged to be loud, to dance and sing at the top of my lungs, to be the most energetic person around at 6:45am before Fog Jog, to reach out and love, and most importantly: to cry. I tell people often, that if they ever need a listening ear, that I am always available, that it’s not good to hold it all in, to talk about it. And yet, I rarely ever do. I walked around camp when I heard that Covenant Heights was closing in a daze, I wasn’t fully there and it was noticeable. My least favorite question is perhaps “is everything okay?” because the moment I was asked that question I struggled to hold back the tears. I was never much of a crier, but as I continue through life, the tears have begun to come more easily, and that’s okay. It’s okay to be vulnerable and unsure.
Uncertainty has consumed me these past few weeks as I think about the future, the people in my life, and fundraising. Doubt is creeping in and sometimes it is hard. Working at a camp is not ideal when it comes to fundraising, because I only get one day off a week, in a place that is not my hometown. So, I can easily say that I could have been more successful had I returned back to the factory to work, but I couldn’t say no to the power of camp.Camp is a different world and I truly believe that it is the place where everyone comes to become their best selves, to grow in many ways. It is also a place that I don’t like to mix with my everyday life, and so if I ever let you into my camp life, know that you are one of few. Everyone at camp has a common goal, and that goal is “For The Kids” because everything we do is to ensure that the campers have a positive experience, self-growth, and memories that will last a lifetime. Do I regret this struggle I put myself in? No, because I know that God is their walking beside me and will help me when he sees fit. He is preparing me for something, but who knows just what that something is. So for now, he wants me here and I’m okay with that, because I have met some wonderful people to get where I am.Thank you all for being a part of my life!
“Be the BEST version of You”
Anyone have any fun camp stories to share!? Questions? Comments? Jokes? Fell free to subscribe to my blog, I’ll try to stay on top of it. And please feel free to donate, any small amount is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
