A Week #1 Counselor:

As the demands of the fall season threaten to push aside summer memories, I find I have to work harder to remember... kind of like putting your cell phone on the charger before the battery fades completely! As I read my notes from camp, the memories came flooding back.

I wonder if "Caleb" is playing soccer this fall. He sure showed both the desire and ability to perform well. He scored our first goal during the pickup match! But a liking for soccer is not all we had in common. We shared some personality traits, too. Both of us struggle to deal with our anger, but he had so much more reason to be angry because of all he was living through. Yet, as I encouraged him, I, too, was encouraged to witness the impact of God's love for him as demonstrated by the entire camp. Surely, this kind of community is what Jesus intended when He explained how to be a good neighbor, and as He prayed above all for unity among His followers.

And then there is "Derrick": Quiet, but kind, friendly, and polite. He is not only active, but he challenges his small frame with physical demands even bigger athletes would avoid. Nothing is too tough for him! Yet, I sense his greatest challenge takes the form of day-to-day living as he deals with circumstances that are beyond his control. By the time he left camp on Friday, he was assigned to yet another adult caregiver.

As I watched them drive away, my prayer with the two of them felt so inadequate. There must be something more we can do....

'Grandma' Billow, Camp Nurse:

My experience with Hope's Haven campers this past spring was very interesting. My job description was giving medication 2 to 4 times a day to 12 children. I, of course, got to know the children who received more medication than the others. These children, 8-12 years of age, were very precious individuals placed in our care for one week, Monday through Friday, to expressly be filled with God's Word and the love Jesus has for them. They learned first hand that there are people who really care about them and several asked Jesus to be their Savior and Lord during that short week.

I was glad to play a small part in the spiritual growth of these children. The week went by quickly and I know these children took with them memories of camp, fun, and God's love expressed through his servants.

To God be the glory!

Learn About Camp 2009:
Read Camper and Counselor Perspectives.
Read Stories from Camp.
Read our list of special Helpers and Supporters.