One Down?!

I can't believe that Camp One is already over - Camp Eight (our last session) will be here before I know it!

The first week was really good. There was a lot of flexibility involved due to a changed schedule from previous summers, my bunkhouse being moved into a room in the pavillion, etc., but nothing that couldn't be handled. I had 20 girls in my bunkhouse (last summer, I only had 12) so it was an adjustment trying to figure out a way to connect to all of the girls. I also had one girl that was sick all week, and another one that threw up on the last night. And the typical third grade campers that asked a bazillion questions.

My friends and I have been trying to compare Brookhill to other camps, which is hard since none of us have ever worked at other camps, but we have friends that do. From what we gather, Brookhill is very very different from other counselor experiences. The staff does not really hang out during the week: at meal times, canteen, rest time, shower time, etc. all of our attention is devoted to the kids (and if we were carrying on an extended conversation or eating lunch together, we would be reprimanded). We are continually reminded that we are there for the kids - our staff bonding time is on the weekends. I am thankful for their strictness on this issue, even though it is hard sometimes, because it causes us to really build relationships with the kids at camp. At night, we pray individually with the kids in our bunkhouses, and it is such a cool thing to know that I am investing into their lives. On Friday night, we had a time of ministry where one of the directors talked about getting freedom from things that are holding you back from having a strong relationship with Christ all year long, and I got to pray with girls who wanted freedom from insecurity and unforgiveness, etc. There is nothing in the world that surpasses that feeling. I am so glad that I am in a position to be used by God this summer.

Oh, and I of course lost my voice this week - it always happens during the first week, then comes back about halfway for the rest of the summer. I was talking to some girls who thought this was my real voice, and I had to explain to them that I do not always sound so hoarse and man-like.