C.A.M.P!!! (one from the archive)

Original date: June 14th, 2010

Nearly 20 years ago I went to Camp NEKAMO.  My mom signed up to be a counselor for another age group, knowing I would not go unless I knew she would be there. Camp changed that nine year old girl forever.

A few short years later, it was time for me to spread my wings and fly to Camp of the Rising Son, in French Camp Mississippi. Assistant Counselor was my title. And the only reason I was going so far from home for so long was because my brother, Zach, was with me.  Camp changed that brother and sister forever.

One year later, at the mature age of 17, I returned to Camp, met a boy named Mark, and camp changed that boy and that girl forever.

Hand in hand, Mark and I started our own marriage together at Twin Lakes Camp and Conference Center. For three years, Mark served as Guest Services Assistant Director, and I was Program Director. Our first baby was born to us while we were there. The birth of that little girl, at camp, changed that married couple’s life forever.

The people we love deeply from our years of camp ministry are irreplaceable.  Your connection never dies no matter the distance or time.  You’re bonded together with something impenetrable. And camp people are undeniably the most fun people walking the face of this planet, just ask us. Camp changes people forever.

Today, June 14th, our eldest walked away from me with her back pack jammed packed, camp flowing in her very own blood, courageous, bold, and camp changed that Mama’s heart for forever.

~s