NMC Summer Camp

In about a week, I'll be headed to my fourth Summer Camp for Nappanee Missionary Church and I couldn't be more excited! Every year brings with it different messages, activities, people, experiences, and memories.

My first Summer Camp took place the summer before my sophomore year. I don't remember too much unfortunately, because at that time, I was still trying to get a hold of the whole "Christian" thing. I can recall the cabin I stayed in and the people I roomed with. I remember not knowing alot of the worship songs, mostly because I never listened to that kind of music before. We always met in the pavilion down the huge hill and one of the days we went to Cedar Point, like the Senior High always does. It was fun, but since I was so shy back then and didn't know alot of people, I didn't feel too comfortable most times.

JUMP! My second Summer Camp took place my senior year. Although I had been going to church on Wednesdays for almost three years, I was still missing something about being a Christian. This camp helped me figure out and it was here that I had fully committed to pursuing an authentic relationship with Christ. I also committed to attending church on Sunday mornings as well and have gone ever since! I made and strengthened a ton of friendships and still remain in contact with many of those people today. I was challenged and tested in faith, leadership, agility, and communication during our team initiatives, but throughout those, gained new perspectives on everyday trials in life. Many firsts happened at this camp. Aside from my first day as a true follower of God, I was also asked by Derry, although he probably doesn't remember it, to pray in front of a large group (over 200 people I'm sure) right before eating. I'd never prayed in front of anyone except my small group of five people and now I was being put on the spot to pray aloud, through a blow horn, in front of a group of people I hardly knew. I was scared to death. Fear filled my entire body. But...the whole theme of camp got to me. Jesus said, "Come, follow me" and JUMP. It was that same feeling that went through me as I was standing in line at Cedar Point to ride the Millenium Force, another first for me. It was pouring down rain and everyone was singing and clapping and getting excited, and then there was me-almost near tears because I was so scared to ride the roller coaster. But once we got at the front of the line, a friend used that same line, "Come, follow me." And, within seconds, I was experiencing another first. So many new things happened at that camp and I can still recall every single one. I absolutely loved it!

SEEK. Last Summer, I went to my first Junior High camp, as a leader. It was incredible. I was blown away by the kids and their passion and love for Jesus. Through them, I grew even more in my own relationship with Christ. I was put in a position where I had to be authority, yet be a friend to the students and I became so attached to some of them. During the worship times, they all were completely crazy for God and in turn, I was on-fire for Him as well! I found myself being just as sweaty and out of breath as they were after we all jumped up and down to the awesome music by Jason and the band. We had great times worshipping through music, through TAWG, and through our cabin times. My cabin group was amazing, not to mention I was co-leading with my best friend which is always a plus. Together we united two completely different cliques from the same school. It was neat to see them grow closer to each other, but ultimately to God throughout that week. I still talk to every one of those girls, and pray for them as much as I can. They influenced my life and walk with God, and I hope I've done the same for them. They were the first group to really stir up my passion for the junior high ministry. And although they are moved up to senior high now, the memories of late nights, long prayers, sugar overloads, and lots of laughter will forever be with me.

BRACE YOURSELF! In a week, I'll be headed off to join the junior highers again for Summer Camp. I'm already torn with who's going to be in my cabin due to the fact that my 7th graders that I had this past year and the current 7th graders that I have in my Sunday morning class are all going to camp. I've gotten so close to them already, but I'm really just trying to pray that the right groups will be formed. I don't want to set myself up for disappointment. I'm told that I won't be with my group as much as I hope to this year though. Since I'm working at the church now, my role will be one with a ton of responsibilities. I'm slowly starting to feel the pressure, especially since we're getting down to the last week where my work days will be spent in full preparation for camp. It's going to be a crazy, stressful week, but the result is going to be great! I'm ready to BRACE MYSELF for the new students and leaders that I meet. I'm ready to BRACE MYSELF to see what God has in store for me. I'm ready to BRACE MYSELF for a path of unknowns in my life and the kids. I absolutely can't wait!!!