The Camp Skyline LT's Attitude of Gratitude
During the summer I have the great joy of teaching our Leadership Training Program class. This activity is offered to our age outs, the oldest campers who also tend to be the silliest! If they join the program they are fondly referred to as LTs and learn how to be an effective leader in and out of camp.
About halfway through the summer I decided to begin class by having everyone say something they were thankful for and something they were looking forward to. Originally, the exercise started to combat the negativity that tends to creep up on us when we’re tired. I continued asking the LTs every session, though, realizing how uplifting it was to just stop and be grateful in the midst of the ever busy camp day. The girls’ answers would range from anything to “I’m thankful for my camp friends” to “the devotion last night”. And, if you can imagine, a majority of the time the answers would involve food (a girl’s gotta eat)! One thing that all the LT’s answers had in common was that they were delivered with a smile. It’s kind of difficult to not be happy when reflecting on what you’re grateful for. The girls not only smiled when expressing their own gratitude, but also smiled and laughed along as their friends shared, too.
An important aspect about having an attitude of gratitude that I often forget is sharing your gratitude with others! This past summer the LTs served as a great reminder of this. Isn’t it funny how that usually happens, you’re suppose to be teaching them something and they end up teaching you? Just like Ephesians 5:19-20 says, “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Personally I’m thankful for the campers and LTs, counselors, and fellow staff members that make camp what it is and, of course, all of the camp critters! I hope this Thanksgiving week we’re all filled with not just turkey and potatoes, but also an attitude of gratitude that we extend throughout the year and share with others. Stay tuned later this week to find out what Sally’s thankful for and what she’s up to on her Thanksgiving.
