I Have Gone At Camp

Thus starting the best summer of my life, I grew closer to God then ever before, made life long friendships, and saw God work in amazing ways in the hearts of kids. This summer was the most productive summer, spiritually, I’ve ever had all because I followed the call. Following the call was not an easy thing to do, I had to quit my current job which was a great Job with a nice big paycheck every week, and leave home for two months, all to take up a job that didn’t pay well and that didn’t have the most comfortable sleeping quarters, but it was well worth it and I am planning to return to the camp next

Last summer I volunteered to be a camp counselor at a camp in Blowing Rock, North Carolina called Camp Sonshine. This camp is different from others in that they bring children ages 5 to 18 from inner city Memphis, Tennessee to the Appalachian Mountains. This

Never shall I forget that night, the first night in the camp that turned my life into one long night seven times sealed. Never shall I forget that smoke. never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transform into smoke under the silent sky. Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith forever. Never shall I forget those moments that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes. Never shall I forget those things, even were I condemned to live as long as God himself.

We donated our time to a charity during the fall, the JROTC program decided to do the Mana Cafe to help those in need. It was a food drive and people would help gather food together to deliver it to families that needed it for the winter. Everyone was pitching together and doing their part to get the food together and in the people’s car. Even in the cold weather, everyone was having fun, knowing that they were doing excellent in their hearts. Therefore that day families were allowed to eat despite their economic struggle and all as a result of the service we did to help them.

Milton Reid was New Hope Baptist Church’s first full time pastor. Before Rev. Reid came to New Hope’s the pastor only served on the second and fourth Sunday. Our communion was held on the second Sunday. Rev. Reid changed the communion to the first Sunday and rearranged the choir. He gave the Senior Choir the first and third Sunday and the Junior Choir the second and fourth Sunday. My mother made robes for the choir and even embroidered names in them to prevent any mix-ups. She also ordered sheet music for us from the Theodore Presser Company in Chicago, Illinois. At the time there were no available places in the area to purchase sheet music. These things were done by the “Grace of God” and at no expense to the church. We had rehearsal every Monday night. The memories are pleasant even though for many years during the winter months there was no automatic heat. I would go to the church ahead of time to make a fire. Most of the time my father would help me, and sometime I was on my own. I would make sure the fire would burn before going back home then return later for rehearsal if it was not warm when the choir members came in they would gather around the potbellied stove and I was up front on the piano with my coat on. By the time the church really got good and warm, it was time to

However, the hardest thing to deal with at camp is the kids that are from broken homes. It is difficult to be so blatantly aware that a young child is suffering and is not loved at home. Camp is very draining both physically and emotionally. I have worked many weeks but I could not look forward to a paycheck. I had to find something to keeps me going and that thing is that at the core of my values and beliefs is concern for others and knowing through service and love I can make their week the best it can be. Just as the staff at Dallas Valley impacted my life, I hope to have meaningfully helped and inspired my campers. This experience has taught me that not all hard work or good deeds are seen but they are worth more than the recognition. I learned there is so many more important things in life than making money. I am very grateful to have worked at camp. I can now take the people skills, the patience, and the responsibility I learned at camp and use it at school, at home, and in the work force. Moreover, I have solidified my values of integrity, service and

Everyday we walked to different churches. These walks were long and unique. Every time the children saw us they would come running towards us and grab our hands. As soon as we arrived at the church we would set up the puppet theater and tables with provisions. We first welcomed the people through songs and a puppet show and then we had them stand in line to receive donations. The puppet show filled the air with laughter and our tables with provisions filled empty stomachs. Days before it was time to leave my pastor asked to speak to me. She gave the opportunity to preach to the people of the church we were rebuilding. I could not believe it! For the next couple of days I spent the night thinking and writing about everything I wanted to share with the people. Sunday arrived and I stood in front of the church and shared how blessed I felt to be there and meet them.

That first year of JC’ing I realized what I had missed the previous year. I was able to enjoy the same fun experiences at camp but have more freedom, which came along with the responsibilities. I learned how to be a proper disciple towards my campers I was

I heard about Camp Able through some of my friends that I had grown up going to summer camp with. While I thought helping people would be a great bonus, I

The camp withholds a deep, meaningful sense to me and inundates my soul in a spiritual atmosphere. The peace I am able to feel at the Camp is unprecedented, and I have come to realize it is due to the perfect combination of nature and God´s presence. From the very first minute we get there and are able to witness the alluring sight, we are able to feel peace and an overwhelming feeling of joy. These sensations intensify during worship at the chapel, supported by the psalms sung by everyone in the crowd. When I worship God, I praise him for all the good he has done in my life. I also ask Him for wisdom and a clear perspective so I can see how I should live my life. It is unbelievable how I can actually feel his presence in that place, and how He embraces me when I need it the most. The camp is also a great opportunity for some students to give their life to Christ, or if they have wandered off his presence, they are able to reconnect once

Three years ago I went to the Cumberland mountains of Tennessee. June came more quickly than I had planned. Before I knew it, it was time to go on my mission trip. Twelve hours of driving seemed like it took forever. During that twelve hour drive, I thought a lot about what I had imagined the week would be like. I knew it would take hard work and an open mind. Those twelve hours finally came to an end, we were in the mountains of Tennessee. I had mixed emotions that was going through as we settled into our cabins and looked around the camp site. It was definitely overwhelming when more church groups arrived, but I had to keep in mind that I needed to have an open mind about the week. Monday morning came in a flash. We fueled up with breakfast before we

On a cold summer night the sun was shining brightly in the sky. The sounds of bears were given to my ears in the breeze as it came through the forest trees. Wolfs could be seen in the tree line hunting their pray. Feeling the rugged rocks that you tread on. Fresh air smells like pine scents with a glowing spray of a river. There was a spiritual being present that made my heart quicken and my body became still. HE came to show the way for HE is the truth, the way, and the life for through HIM we well shall see the face of GOD. This started my first step into what is a fantastic journey is exciting yet wondering what is gone to happen. Each step brings peace no matter what the challenge is because HE leads me. Some search to find a round their

During the last two weeks of my summer employment with the Salvation Army Pine Lake Camp, a team including myself was sent to The Salvation Army Berkshire Citadel to run a series of camps, but there was a few unforeseen complications. Our team lead had to be suddenly transferred to another team, leaving the Calgary team in a predicament. Before the issue had even been raised to the group, I was approached by the camp program director, she pulled me aside and asked if I would be willing to colead the team. I was shocked, and honored she acknowledged me, as the youngest person on the team, to be given so much responsibility. The role I had been given required myself and a college student to work together to coordinate, promote, budget, and

Nine years ago, my parents dropped me off at overnight camp for the first time ever. Wow, nine years ago… that’s just hard to think about. Anyways, I do not remember much about that first summer, but it must have been fun because I came back the next summer, then again, and again, and again, and again, and, while, you get the point. I really liked it there. Back then, I would not have been able to explain what I loved about camp so much. I would have said something like “my great friends” or “all the sports we play,” but now I understand it means so much more than that. If I was to explain all the memories I made on that hillside throughout my seven year career as a camper, this essay would be well over 650 words, so I will refrain from doing so. Instead, I will talk about my transition from camper to counselor and how it helped me realize the importance of giving back.

During high school I have been selected to be part of Beloit College Upward Bound program, which is for first generation students aiming to exceed a higher education, this program helped me be become prepared for college and also work experience by helping the community by helping out in food pantry