The facilities and the activities made for just the right setting for fun and friendship. The big field across from where we bunked together all week was perfect for water balloon fights and team events. And from the olympic-sized pool to a hike across the swinging bridge, each afternoon we had free time that offered many ways to enjoy a summer Tennessee day. The weekly themes each year were thought through and prayed through by the church and camp staff members. The small groups were equally as discussed, planned and prayed over. They were intentionally designed to help the students talk through what they were learning, pray for each other, and of course the all-important purpose of coming up with the perfect group skit for skit night. 🙂 The campfire service on Friday night was usually very moving and there was a unique sense of God’s presence.
My parents were usually a part of all the youth camps. They decided to let me make the call my Senior year, in case I wanted to have a last year without the rents being there. I don’t remember what they did, but I do know that I never once wished they weren’t there. They never tried to parent me or over-involve themselves in any way in my week. They always joined in the fun … getting involved in skits and other activities, and I am thankful that we are able to share memories of these great days when we reminisce as a family, even though we sometimes barely saw each other the entire week. We weren’t there to be together as a family, but as a family we were able to grow because of what we experienced there.I certainly realize that there were those who made “decisions” (the emotional kind that didn’t last) at camp, like there always are, but I also know that I really grew immensely from those weeks. I grew in my desire to spend time reading the bible and praying. I grew in my desire to be a witness more. And I also grew in my desire to be a better daughter and sister and friend.
Unchained Melodye 