The written word- from counselor to camper. February 21, 2008

This past summer I was able to share the written text, the Word of God, with many different campers throughout the week.  It was such an amazing experience.  I loved being with the campers, and spending time with them.  We ate our meals together, sat with them during service, and genuinely had a wonderful time.  Each week I was able to experience a new set of personalities, all which made me so happy to be a counselor.  Each night we would have devotions and throughout the day they would also have a devotional with the director or unit leader.  I also let them write as well.  I had a little pillow/cushion set up in a corner of my tent, so if any of my girls wanted to spend some alone time in the Word, the option was there.  I also gave them note cards in which they could write to me, and write to each other if they had any questions.  I was also available to talk to them each day and every night after devos, but I wanted each girl to have the option of writing.  Some people feel more comfortable when they write, rather than speaking.  I had a chance to bond with the girls, which of course happened over time.  I still write to them via instant messaging, email, or regular mail.
Overall, the past summer was one of the best experiences of my life.  I grew so much:  the spiritual aspect, mentally, and physically.   But most of all, I grew as a writer. I write in my journal more than I did before, and I had a chance to also express myself on paper.  I took away the lesson “it is better to write than not express at all”.  Some of those girls had trouble speaking in front of others, but then asked very insightful questions that I was able to answer to the best of my ability.