The first night was fun. Ashley and I literally jumped out of our van and were walked into our cabins. We were cabin moms for the week. I had a co councilor which I am so thankful for because she knew the ropes and she was able to helps me out. My cabin was VERY diverse! I had a mix of girls that ranged from graduated seniors to going to be freshmen in high school and they were not all from the same church. This was very different to me because I grew up going to a camp and you stayed with your church and your grade level. Most of the girls seemed to know each other a little from going to camp pervious summers. By the end of the week we were one bonded cabin who all loved each other.
After we got all settled in the cabin it was time to learn the rules and go to the evening activity. This activity was CRAZY!!! The entire camp gathered together on the field and had a shaving cream fight. I was I had a picture of this but I participated in this. It was so much fun! By the end everyone was covered head to toe in shaving cream. Then it was time to wash off. You might wonder how do 300 campers shower in a timely manner and get to session. Jump in the lake to wash off and then go to session. Lets just say the lake was cold but the breeze and chilly weather was the worst part. It was all worth it though!
Each night after the speaker talked (which he brought it EVERY night!) there was an activity for the students to do. It was a way for them to encounter what they just learned about and put it into perpective. Most nights this got intense. The two activities that stick out in my head the most are the court room simulation and Angels vs. demons. In the courtroom the leaders made a case of way the worlds way is better (popularity,self image, dating, ect.) The students had to come up with why Gods way was better. This was a way for them to be able to defend their personal faith and beliefs back at home. It was interesting to see these kids defend what they believe. We would encourage them the own what they say and say it with confidence.
Angels vs. demons sticks out in my head for two reasons. One because the point of this game is to get to heaven but the problem is is that you are blind folded and have to wait for someone to come and save you. When you are being saved you have to asked questions and answer questions to make sure you are being led by an angel. Once you get to heaven you are ask: Why should I let you into heaven? If you did not have a good enough answer or the correct answer then you were turned away. There was also demons who tried to trick you but then took you straight to hell. I was an angel and it was my job to get people into heaven. It was interesting to hear peoples reasons to why they think they should go to heaven or what makes them a christian. The second reason this game stuck out in my mind is because I spent almost half the game talking with a student about who Jesus is and what he did for us. We shared life stories and the game finished. The conversation ended but you could tell she was still thinking. Her youth leader came over and knew exactly what was going on. I don't know id she made any decisions that week but the gears in her head were turning. The reality of this game hit many student at their core. The entire weeks activities were intense and did this to the students but I think it is very important for that to happen.
This week I met some awesome people and grew in ways I never thought I would. This camp is absolutely beautiful! One side there is a lake and on the other side there is the ocean. Yes, it was freezing but that just means I got to wear my homemade beanies :) It was a nice break from CIY but I missed it! I loved being a cabin mom and making connections with students and sharing my life with them. Thank you to this camp I say YOLO a little to much and people look at me a little weird but it is a little memory of the awesome week I got to spend with amazing people.
No comments:
Post a Comment