A Different Kind of Summer, Part II

Is Upside Upside Down Possible?

I promise the next few paragraphs aren’t a copy of my last post. Sometimes God loves repetition. Before I recap my time serving and leading at Middle School camp, I think it’s only fitting that I tell you about my time as a camper. Saying it was a crazy week would be an understatement.

Being a Camper.

Transitioning from Staff to camper wasn’t the easiest thing in the world to do, but after a day or two, I got used to it. Besides, there were too many other wild things going on for me to focus on that. Without further ado, I present to you:

Bible Camp Deja Vu.

• High School Camp #1, Day 2: Massive storm rocks camp, taking out the power in the afternoon. By the grace of God, it’s fixed before supper.

• High School Camp #2, Day 2: Massive storm rocks camp, taking out the power in the afternoon. By the grace of God, it’s fixed before supper.

• HS #1, Day 3: In the evening, complications occur with the water pump, forcing the campers to use porta potties and refrain from showering.

• HS #2, Day 3: In the evening, complications occur with the water pump, forcing the campers to use porta potties and refrain from showering.

• HS #1, Day 4: Water issues persist throughout the day, but after much hard work and prayer, the problem is resolved before bed.

• HS #2, Day 4: Water issues persist throughout the day, but after much hard work and prayer, the problem is resolved before bed.

The Upside.

It was a unique week, to say the least. Water issues and all, everyone had a great time. I wonder if the whole water situation was another reminder from God of our dependence on Him. (And maybe He wanted to show us a bit of humour by repeating what happened at the first camp, right down to the day.)

I enjoyed the time I spent with my cabinmates, many of whom I know from Youth. In addition to all the random strange things dudes do when they’re sent to camp for 4 days with no online stimulation, we also had some solid devotional times.

Plus, we went to Skills together. Swimming, canoeing, the climbing wall, and…scrunchie-making…were among our favourite activities. On top of that, the meals were amazing, and you can’t forget about chapel times.

Our cabin leader was the lead singer on the worship team, and he did a phenomenal job. The messages about The Upside of Down were impactful and thought-provoking. In short, the main topic was how Jesus’ kingdom is opposite this world’s.

Our youth pastor dove into the incredulous commands and requests Jesus made of His disciples, and how we need to go against what the culture says if we want to be a light for Jesus. It left me with a lot of food for thought, which was good.

Overall, while I did miss Lifeguarding and helping out, it was a fun week. Despite the downsides, God remained faithful through it all.

After a two-day trip home to hang out with friends and catch up on a few personal things, it was time to go back to welcome the Middle Schoolers.

Middle School Camp.

There’s definitely a different vibe at Middle School camp as compared to High School. While it’s still a blast, the chapel and worship times do lack a bit of the depth that you find in High School camp. However, there’s something special about seeing the younger grades at camp. Their energy and excitement are truly contagious.

The dishpit.

Our camp’s Middle School weeks are four days each. During the first week, I was assigned to the “dishpit”. After every meal, I’d head to the kitchen to help clean utensils, cups, pots, pans, and the works. Fortunately, we have a nice dishwasher, but it’s still quite the process.

My week in the dishpit reminded me that every job at camp is important, even if no one sees it. I was sad I had to miss some of the skills and chapels because I was in the kitchen, but it was a good time nonetheless.

My takeaway from the week as a whole was the reminder to do every job to the best of your abilities, even when people don’t see it. While my job was more closed off than say, helping lead a skill, I still got to glorify God with it. That’s what matters.

Cabin leading.

The following week was one of the busiest of the summer. For the first time this year, I cabin led. Last year I also led during Middle School camp, so I’ve had some experience. My cabin consisted of eight Grade 8 boys. Seeing them spend time together and develop throughout the week was an experience like no other.

I saw the guys grow in their love for one another, and also for Jesus. They had a great time together in the cabin, at mealtimes, and while doing skills as a group. They also engaged in devotions and worship at chapel. It was very cool to be a part of spreading Jesus’ love to the campers in a direct way.

Sometimes people wonder whether camp is worth it, or why we put so much money into it. Seeing the transformations occur in campers’ lives and hearts, and hearing stories about what happened during the week, makes it worth it. When our church performed baptisms earlier this year, so many people said camp had played a vital role in their walk with God.

My time as a cabin leader reminded me of why we do camp. It’s been such a blessing to glorify God this summer, and one I wouldn’t trade for anything. My time at Middle School camp only solidified that. It isn’t about what I do, but Who I do it for.

Watch the Clock.

A reminder for both of us: time is flying by. Believe it or not, we’re nearly halfway through the summer. Tomorrow I go to camp for the last Middle School week. Then it’s a busy couple days of getting together with friends and family, before I return for Day Camps. After that it’s family vacation, and so on, and so on…

As summer flies by, please don’t miss the opportunities. Don’t think that, “Oh, there will be time later…” Odds are, there may not be. We’ll blink, and summer will be over. My friend, don’t waste the time God has given you.

In part three of this summer series, I’ll summarize the final Middle School camp, as well as Day Camps, plus discuss the importance of investing in time with friends and family. Until then, God bless, and have an amazing summer!

-Samuel James

“The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”