Camp week
I have never been away to camp. As a child, it was something that I always wanted to do. It seemed like every one of my friends got to go away to camp each summer while I was left behind. My dad just wouldn't hear of it. It went down the same way, year after year. I would come home begging to go, and my mom would ask to look at the brochure, appear very interested and then say, "Go ask your father." That was it. When you heard those words you knew your fate was sealed. "Go to some strange place? Stay in some strange bed? Be away from your family? Be out in the wilderness? What are you-crazy?" And then it was over; just like that.
Now, some could argue that I wouldn't have survived it as a "camp kid." And they might be right. I was an only child and had never been without my parents or family. I don't do bugs real well. I'm (still) afraid of the dark. I might've been one those who cries themselves to sleep each night, aching with homesickness. Who knows? So when the opportunity came up to finally live out one of my (many) childhood dreams, I seized it.
Hannah was thrilled of the idea of heading off to summer camp. "Can I go, please, please, please?" she asked at the end of church one night. I looked at Eva and asked, "Do you want to go to summer camp?" "I don't know. Can you come with me?" she said. Hmmm. Go with you? I hadn't even thought of it. I guess I could. Our children's pastor was just saying that he still needed a few counselors. Okay. Sign me up. So it was that simple that I became one of the adult counselors.
Packing was quite intimidating. Flashlights, insect repellent, towels, soap, sheets, sleeping bags, pillows, an oscillating fan, etc. The list went on for a while. Keep in mind...I had to do this for three individuals. I realized that I had bitten off a bit more than I could chew. We had only gotten back from our San Francisco trip on the 5th. We had to be all set for this trip by the 11th. Not a whole lot of turn-around time. After a few late nights, I managed to get it altogether. The next thing I knew, we were saying our good-byes to Rob and pulling out of the church parking lot.
I ended up being the counselor for a group of 8 ten and eleven year-old girls; none of whom knew me. That was a challenge in intself, but a "growing" experience all the same. I was blessed to be in rooms right next door to Hannah and Eva, so I could see them virtually anytime. Their counselor was a friend of mine and someone that I both admire and respect. I knew that they were in good hands. Overall, the week went well. The girls had a BLAST! They were able to stretch their wings somewhat and feel more independent. I was able to live out the "camp dream" that I had been embellishing in my mind for over 20 years. I got to know some friends from church a little better. I was emotionally challenged, but spiritually renewed.
Hannah can't wait to go next year. She's already thinking about what electives she'll pick. Eva isn't quite as ready to sign-up again. She says she had fun, wants to go again, but...she would really prefer if I go. It's too soon for me to even think about it. On second thought, five days alone with my husband sounds pretty darn nice!
Now, some could argue that I wouldn't have survived it as a "camp kid." And they might be right. I was an only child and had never been without my parents or family. I don't do bugs real well. I'm (still) afraid of the dark. I might've been one those who cries themselves to sleep each night, aching with homesickness. Who knows? So when the opportunity came up to finally live out one of my (many) childhood dreams, I seized it.
Hannah was thrilled of the idea of heading off to summer camp. "Can I go, please, please, please?" she asked at the end of church one night. I looked at Eva and asked, "Do you want to go to summer camp?" "I don't know. Can you come with me?" she said. Hmmm. Go with you? I hadn't even thought of it. I guess I could. Our children's pastor was just saying that he still needed a few counselors. Okay. Sign me up. So it was that simple that I became one of the adult counselors.
Packing was quite intimidating. Flashlights, insect repellent, towels, soap, sheets, sleeping bags, pillows, an oscillating fan, etc. The list went on for a while. Keep in mind...I had to do this for three individuals. I realized that I had bitten off a bit more than I could chew. We had only gotten back from our San Francisco trip on the 5th. We had to be all set for this trip by the 11th. Not a whole lot of turn-around time. After a few late nights, I managed to get it altogether. The next thing I knew, we were saying our good-byes to Rob and pulling out of the church parking lot.
I ended up being the counselor for a group of 8 ten and eleven year-old girls; none of whom knew me. That was a challenge in intself, but a "growing" experience all the same. I was blessed to be in rooms right next door to Hannah and Eva, so I could see them virtually anytime. Their counselor was a friend of mine and someone that I both admire and respect. I knew that they were in good hands. Overall, the week went well. The girls had a BLAST! They were able to stretch their wings somewhat and feel more independent. I was able to live out the "camp dream" that I had been embellishing in my mind for over 20 years. I got to know some friends from church a little better. I was emotionally challenged, but spiritually renewed.
Hannah can't wait to go next year. She's already thinking about what electives she'll pick. Eva isn't quite as ready to sign-up again. She says she had fun, wants to go again, but...she would really prefer if I go. It's too soon for me to even think about it. On second thought, five days alone with my husband sounds pretty darn nice!
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