Discipleship is something that I was so unsure of last summer. I wasn't sure how to disciple the girls that I was working with. I wasn't always sure if I was having an impact on the kids during the times where we didn't have planned activities.
Discipleship is something that I don't always know how to do with each of the campers I spend time with.
The past two weeks I loved spending time with the girls I worked with. I didn't always know how I could help them see God in their lives. But I kept on spending time with them, knowing that the time I would spend with them could be the time that they might remember later in life as a time that they saw God at work.
Discipleship isn't always about teaching others--sometimes it's about spending time with God.
It was tonight during discipleship with my cabin that we walked over to the Storybrook. For a time we sat in the woods with sharpies and rocks, writing the things that get in the way of our relationship with God. I didn't have the largest rock with me, but I still managed to put several things on that rock. Having walked to the dock of the Storybrook pond, and the girls had sat down, I walked towards the shore. It was there that I stood for a moment, asking God to take those things on that rock from me, before I chucked the rock into the pond.
At the same time there was machinery working on something at adventure tower, which was right behind where I sat, listening to God speak. It was then that I realized that God was telling me that I was still "under construction", but that in being "under construction", he was working through me to show these girls to God.
Discipleship isn't all about being perfect, having the right words, or knowing exactly what to do in every situation.
Discipleship is about being who you were meant to be and showing the kids who God is through your own personal struggles.
Monday, July 6, 2015
Saturday, July 4, 2015
The Unsung Heroes
During the past week at camp, I was sitting with the summer kitchen staff on the deck of the Copper Country dinning hall, and we had a conversation that not everyone would ever think about having. We talked about the unsung heroes of camp.
When you think of camp, you probably think of the fun activities, the counselors that take care of and live with the kids, bunk beds, not so hot mattresses, not getting enough sleep, and lots of grilled/fried food. You might think about the people who run activities like boating/water sports, wall climbing, swimming/life guards, and other activities that could be dangerous no matter how well trained the staff is. My question is how often do you think of the kitchen staff, the nurses/infirmary staff, the office staff, the grounds crew, the staff that work the camp store, those who sort and get the mail to campers, or the office staff?
Think about camp staff this way:
Without the infirmary staff/nurses, who would make sure that your child's meds were safe and that they got their meds when they needed them? What would happen if your child had an allergic reaction, broke a bone, or got sick?
What would happen without the office staff? Who would answer any and all phone calls? Who would answer all the e-mails? Who would do all the paper work that has to happen?
If there was no grounds crew, grass would not be mowed, no weed whacking would happen, no weeding would be done, no one would fix buildings.
Without accommodations, no building would be cleaned.
Without a kitchen staff, what would campers and staff eat? How would they have the energy to run around having fun at camp?
Without the camp store staff, no one could buy stuff from the camp store.
Without people to sort and pass out mail, you couldn't send a letter to the person you knew that is a camper or a member of the camp staff.
When it comes to camp staff, no one position is better than another.
Here at SpringHill, there isn't one member of the staff who is better than another. As a staff, each of us have a different role. Some of us bake cookies. Some of us fry stuff. Some of us serve food. some of us do office work. Some of us work on the grounds. Some of us take care of campers. Some of us deal with sickness, broken bones, allergies, and medications. Some of us run activities. We all play an important role in campers lives.
This past week, the rest of the summer kitchen staff and I talked about how without any single one of us, without the rest of the staff here at SpringHill, nothing would run as well as it does. As a group, we agreed that there are certain "departments" at camp that tend to be forgotten on a regular basis. We called the people that work in these areas the unsung heroes. These are the people that are rarely thanked for their hard work, who are forgotten about, and who aren't always seen as equal to the counselors. These are those who work in mail, who work at the camp store, who work in the office, who work in the infirmary, and those who work in the kitchen.
Last summer, I rarely heard a thank you from anyone for the hard work that I put in in the kitchen, and I was okay with it most of the time. There were times when I'd look around on closing day, and see all these parents saying thank you to the counselors. I never heard a thank you from a parent last summer. The highlight last summer was a Friday morning when I was sweeping the dinning hall floor, and a group of boys came over to say thank you, and one of them proceeded to shake my hand and give me a hug.
This summer, I've been lucky enough to get to go out into the dinning hall most every day during lunch to hand out dessert to the campers and counselors. Seeing the faces of fourth through sixth graders light up when they saw the dessert I was delivering to their table has already been more than enough of a thanks for the number of hours I put in on a daily and weekly basis. Just yesterday, as I said goodbye to the girls I had worked with for the past two weeks, one of the girls handed me a note she had written. She told me to wait to read it until later. After the girls were gone, and I was standing around waiting for the high school staff end of week meeting to happen, I read the note, and began crying. She had written a note just to thank me and tell me how I had helped her in her faith walk. Reading that note was a reminder that even when I don't get thanked by campers and/or parents, I still can have an impact on the people around me by showing up and being myself.
The next time you pick a child up from any camp, or are at a camp for any reason, say thank you to the staff. Be sure to thank all of the staff. Most of all, be sure to thank the unsung heroes. After all, these are the people who make the parts of camp that no one thinks of as just important as the counselors.
When you think of camp, you probably think of the fun activities, the counselors that take care of and live with the kids, bunk beds, not so hot mattresses, not getting enough sleep, and lots of grilled/fried food. You might think about the people who run activities like boating/water sports, wall climbing, swimming/life guards, and other activities that could be dangerous no matter how well trained the staff is. My question is how often do you think of the kitchen staff, the nurses/infirmary staff, the office staff, the grounds crew, the staff that work the camp store, those who sort and get the mail to campers, or the office staff?
Think about camp staff this way:
Without the infirmary staff/nurses, who would make sure that your child's meds were safe and that they got their meds when they needed them? What would happen if your child had an allergic reaction, broke a bone, or got sick?
What would happen without the office staff? Who would answer any and all phone calls? Who would answer all the e-mails? Who would do all the paper work that has to happen?
If there was no grounds crew, grass would not be mowed, no weed whacking would happen, no weeding would be done, no one would fix buildings.
Without accommodations, no building would be cleaned.
Without a kitchen staff, what would campers and staff eat? How would they have the energy to run around having fun at camp?
Without the camp store staff, no one could buy stuff from the camp store.
Without people to sort and pass out mail, you couldn't send a letter to the person you knew that is a camper or a member of the camp staff.
When it comes to camp staff, no one position is better than another.
Here at SpringHill, there isn't one member of the staff who is better than another. As a staff, each of us have a different role. Some of us bake cookies. Some of us fry stuff. Some of us serve food. some of us do office work. Some of us work on the grounds. Some of us take care of campers. Some of us deal with sickness, broken bones, allergies, and medications. Some of us run activities. We all play an important role in campers lives.
This past week, the rest of the summer kitchen staff and I talked about how without any single one of us, without the rest of the staff here at SpringHill, nothing would run as well as it does. As a group, we agreed that there are certain "departments" at camp that tend to be forgotten on a regular basis. We called the people that work in these areas the unsung heroes. These are the people that are rarely thanked for their hard work, who are forgotten about, and who aren't always seen as equal to the counselors. These are those who work in mail, who work at the camp store, who work in the office, who work in the infirmary, and those who work in the kitchen.
Last summer, I rarely heard a thank you from anyone for the hard work that I put in in the kitchen, and I was okay with it most of the time. There were times when I'd look around on closing day, and see all these parents saying thank you to the counselors. I never heard a thank you from a parent last summer. The highlight last summer was a Friday morning when I was sweeping the dinning hall floor, and a group of boys came over to say thank you, and one of them proceeded to shake my hand and give me a hug.
This summer, I've been lucky enough to get to go out into the dinning hall most every day during lunch to hand out dessert to the campers and counselors. Seeing the faces of fourth through sixth graders light up when they saw the dessert I was delivering to their table has already been more than enough of a thanks for the number of hours I put in on a daily and weekly basis. Just yesterday, as I said goodbye to the girls I had worked with for the past two weeks, one of the girls handed me a note she had written. She told me to wait to read it until later. After the girls were gone, and I was standing around waiting for the high school staff end of week meeting to happen, I read the note, and began crying. She had written a note just to thank me and tell me how I had helped her in her faith walk. Reading that note was a reminder that even when I don't get thanked by campers and/or parents, I still can have an impact on the people around me by showing up and being myself.
The next time you pick a child up from any camp, or are at a camp for any reason, say thank you to the staff. Be sure to thank all of the staff. Most of all, be sure to thank the unsung heroes. After all, these are the people who make the parts of camp that no one thinks of as just important as the counselors.
Friday, June 19, 2015
The gift of a stick
"God has given us each gifts, even if that gift is only a stick, it is still a stick--how will you use to it to glorify him?" Unknown
I happened upon this quote today during my training cabins small group today and wanted to share it here, with you.
Today, during our morning meeting/small group, each member of my training cabin wrote a letter. None of us knew who would get the letter we wrote. All we knew was that we were writing a single letter that someone else in our cabin would get. We did it last year with all of the TST female staff at an all female campfire. Last year the letter I got said so much about what I was going to experience and learn in the pat year and the growth that would happen.
And so, as I wrote this years letter, I thought of my faith walk and of all the new staff that were sitting in that circle. I won't say what I wrote because I don't remember much of what I did. But I remember saying that there were going to be ups and downs and that those experiences would change their life.
As I read the letter sent to me, I saw words of encouragement and words that I need to remember on a daily basis. I saw a reminder of the fact that I am beautiful, even when I don't feel it.
There are times when I've looked around only to see people that I think are more talented, are better at everything that they do, who are more popular. That's when I need to remember that quote that I started this post off with.
"God has given us each gifts, even if that gift is only a stick, it is still a stick--how will you use to it to glorify him?" Unknown
I happened upon this quote today during my training cabins small group today and wanted to share it here, with you.
Today, during our morning meeting/small group, each member of my training cabin wrote a letter. None of us knew who would get the letter we wrote. All we knew was that we were writing a single letter that someone else in our cabin would get. We did it last year with all of the TST female staff at an all female campfire. Last year the letter I got said so much about what I was going to experience and learn in the pat year and the growth that would happen.
And so, as I wrote this years letter, I thought of my faith walk and of all the new staff that were sitting in that circle. I won't say what I wrote because I don't remember much of what I did. But I remember saying that there were going to be ups and downs and that those experiences would change their life.
As I read the letter sent to me, I saw words of encouragement and words that I need to remember on a daily basis. I saw a reminder of the fact that I am beautiful, even when I don't feel it.
There are times when I've looked around only to see people that I think are more talented, are better at everything that they do, who are more popular. That's when I need to remember that quote that I started this post off with.
"God has given us each gifts, even if that gift is only a stick, it is still a stick--how will you use to it to glorify him?" Unknown
Remembering that I have my own unique gifts hasn't always been easy. Remembering that my sticks aren't someone else's sticks isn't always easy. Yet, as I sit here at SpringHill's Michigan overnight location, I can't help but remember that my gifts are being used here. I might not always use all of my gifts while I am here, but I use many of them.
This year, with a majority of the summer kitchen staff being new to being kitchen staff, I've found myself thrown into a situation where I can mentor the new staff and help them learn what I did last year in the kitchen while still learning from them.
I can't wait to see what this summer brings, and what I learn.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Training, learning, and life
There are a lot of things that I've begun to realize being back here at Spring Hill.
While I was here at Spring Hill last summer, I had to learn my way about a giant camp and meet so many people I had never known before. I still remember how several people took me under their wing to show me their way around, teaching me about Spring Hill, and the people I worked with began to pull me out of my shell.
This year, as I arrived at at Spring Hill ready for another adventure at camp. I knew that there were going to be returning. I also knew that there would be a lot of new staff. I wondered if I would get along with the new staff. All I knew was that I knew what to expect out of my job, where to find things and that I would love my time at Spring Hill.
On Tuesday night as all of the kitchen staff (hourly/year round and summer) were at the blobs and gusher, I found myself talking with two of the new members of the kitchen staff and telling them about what a normal day was like for the summer kitchen staff.
What I continue to find myself working on is learning to open up.
Last year I was nowhere as open about where I've been in life or where I am at with my relationship with God. This year I've already shown my testimony with my training cabin and our brother cabin. What I later found out was that when I shared my testimony this summer, I actually included just the right amount of humor to keep it from being too depressing.
I've finally begun to really trust that God will take me where I need to be.
While I was here at Spring Hill last summer, I had to learn my way about a giant camp and meet so many people I had never known before. I still remember how several people took me under their wing to show me their way around, teaching me about Spring Hill, and the people I worked with began to pull me out of my shell.
This year, as I arrived at at Spring Hill ready for another adventure at camp. I knew that there were going to be returning. I also knew that there would be a lot of new staff. I wondered if I would get along with the new staff. All I knew was that I knew what to expect out of my job, where to find things and that I would love my time at Spring Hill.
On Tuesday night as all of the kitchen staff (hourly/year round and summer) were at the blobs and gusher, I found myself talking with two of the new members of the kitchen staff and telling them about what a normal day was like for the summer kitchen staff.
What I continue to find myself working on is learning to open up.
Last year I was nowhere as open about where I've been in life or where I am at with my relationship with God. This year I've already shown my testimony with my training cabin and our brother cabin. What I later found out was that when I shared my testimony this summer, I actually included just the right amount of humor to keep it from being too depressing.
I've finally begun to really trust that God will take me where I need to be.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Training
I've been at Spring Hill since Tuesday and I've been busy ever since. This is my first update here since my arrival at SpringHill.
On June 9, I arrived along with the TST counselors. We spent the afternoon moving in, playing GWAPS (games with a purpose), and at campfire with our specialty staff groups. For me this meant doing campfire with the summer kitchen staff. It was fun seeing all the returners, and meeting all the new people to TST. The thing that stuck out to me was that after dinner, the summer kitchen staff joined the year round people for fun at the blobs, water zip line, and the gusher. It was my first time blobing, which I enjoyed.
On Wensday and Thursday, the summer kitchen staff had fun doing dishes, sweeping the dining hall, and making sack lunches. We've already had conversations about a rabbit, dead animals, and being unable to speak English. On Wensday night we even got to go to the water slide which was fun to do again.
Yesterday afternoon the rest of the staff arrived, and we did an introduction to camp and campfires with everyone. Today was SH history, mission, gospel essentials and why we do what we do. All of that was is the aud, which meant we sat still most of the day. We'll be sitting still tomorrow too.
I will get back on in the near future to write another post about the things that I've realized since I returned to SH, but for now I need to go get ready for campfire with TST. I'm sure I'll have more to include in that post once I get the chance to sit down and think about writing it.
Hopefully everyone's lives are treating them well and everyone reading this has a good several days!
On June 9, I arrived along with the TST counselors. We spent the afternoon moving in, playing GWAPS (games with a purpose), and at campfire with our specialty staff groups. For me this meant doing campfire with the summer kitchen staff. It was fun seeing all the returners, and meeting all the new people to TST. The thing that stuck out to me was that after dinner, the summer kitchen staff joined the year round people for fun at the blobs, water zip line, and the gusher. It was my first time blobing, which I enjoyed.
On Wensday and Thursday, the summer kitchen staff had fun doing dishes, sweeping the dining hall, and making sack lunches. We've already had conversations about a rabbit, dead animals, and being unable to speak English. On Wensday night we even got to go to the water slide which was fun to do again.
Yesterday afternoon the rest of the staff arrived, and we did an introduction to camp and campfires with everyone. Today was SH history, mission, gospel essentials and why we do what we do. All of that was is the aud, which meant we sat still most of the day. We'll be sitting still tomorrow too.
I will get back on in the near future to write another post about the things that I've realized since I returned to SH, but for now I need to go get ready for campfire with TST. I'm sure I'll have more to include in that post once I get the chance to sit down and think about writing it.
Hopefully everyone's lives are treating them well and everyone reading this has a good several days!
Friday, May 29, 2015
Life Continues
Life goes on, even when it seems like things have stopped.
For the past four plus months (since January 4), I worked at Camp Pillsbury. I regularly would get up at 6:30 to make breakfast on school days for campers and staff, and would be up until 9 or 10 pm. Then, at the beginning of May, I made a decision that would change so much.
I decided to put in my resignation, and leave Pillsbury on Memorial day weekend to move back to Michigan and spend the summer working at SpringHill.
I don't know what's next for me after this summer.
All I know is that I am back in Midland through June 9, when I'll head off to SpringHill.
For the past four plus months (since January 4), I worked at Camp Pillsbury. I regularly would get up at 6:30 to make breakfast on school days for campers and staff, and would be up until 9 or 10 pm. Then, at the beginning of May, I made a decision that would change so much.
I decided to put in my resignation, and leave Pillsbury on Memorial day weekend to move back to Michigan and spend the summer working at SpringHill.
I don't know what's next for me after this summer.
All I know is that I am back in Midland through June 9, when I'll head off to SpringHill.
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
Back at it
It's been almost a month since I posted here. If you've ever worked at a boarding school or camp, you'll understand the chaos of how many hours you work in a single day chasing kids down, helping with homework, doing facility upkeep, and just trying to keep your sanity.
There have been moments where I've wondered what I got myself into, especially in the past two weeks. There have defiantly been days when I felt like I was running around with my head cut off, and days when things were going well.
In the last week or so, I've come to the realization that I don't want kids in the near future. Right now, I just want to enjoy being single, and the whole dating thing (WHEN IT HAPPENS, which it isn't happening just yet). I may be learning a lot about children and different things that sometimes work and sometimes don't, but I'm sure that if I ever become a parent, I'll make my fair share of mistakes.
There have been moments where I've wondered what I got myself into, especially in the past two weeks. There have defiantly been days when I felt like I was running around with my head cut off, and days when things were going well.
In the last week or so, I've come to the realization that I don't want kids in the near future. Right now, I just want to enjoy being single, and the whole dating thing (WHEN IT HAPPENS, which it isn't happening just yet). I may be learning a lot about children and different things that sometimes work and sometimes don't, but I'm sure that if I ever become a parent, I'll make my fair share of mistakes.
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