Things I've learned

Hey Camp Family!!

Can you believe it’s already the middle of September? It seems just last week we ended our 80th summer! Eighty summers!! Can you believe it? I feel so lucky to have been a part of camp for so long. I started as a camper in 1977 and have only missed five summers since then (I’ll let you do the math).

I’ve learned so much through the years. My first summer, I was very homesick and no, my parents did not come get me. That wasn’t even an option back then and I am so glad it wasn’t!!! When I finally got home, I realized that if I hadn’t cried the entire time, camp would have been fun. The rest is history.

When my parents picked me up after my second summer they asked me what I learned. I promptly stuck my fingers in my mouth and let out a loud shrill whistle. I remember my mom saying, “great” and not in an “I’m happy tone of voice either”. I will say, whistling that loud has come in handy many times.

As I got older, I learned that camp friends are very special. We had to write letters to each other during the year. There was no texting, FaceTime or even talking on the phone. Back then we had to pay for long distance calls, if you don’t know what that means, ask someone that’s old. The reuniting every summer was amazing! It was like we had never left. We picked up right where we left off. Those of you that have been campers, know exactly what I am talking about. The camp bond stretches across every camp. There’s just something special about spending a summer at camp together.

Of course I learn something every year. I learn about the girls that are campers, the young ladies that are our counselors, my administration team and about myself and my family. This year was no different. I think one of my favorite things is seeing how much all the girls grow and mature during their time away from camp. It’s fun to hear about what they do at home, which activities they participate in, their friendships and most importantly how they have grown in their relationship with Christ. I get to learn about this in the older girls Bible Study class I teach. Many of these young ladies take Bible Study every year. They are able to start with Frances in the younger girls study then move to mine, the older girls. I love having girls that have taken Bible Study class for multiple years simply because I get the privilege of watching them grow in their relationship with The Lord. One of my favorite questions to ask is, “what do you want to learn about next summer?”

I am working on summer 2027’s class. It’s one I have had in my heart and mind for 5 plus years. I think it’s time or at least I have had a dear friend tell me she believes it’s time to do this study. I won’t reveal it yet, so stay tuned to the blogs because this is where it will be announced.

I hope y’all are having a wonderful fall season. As always, we miss you all and are counting down the days ‘till camp begins again.

In Him,

Sally