A lot went through my mind after my walk/run that I take every Sunday during free time. As I was hitting the point between the tree line and the open fields I realized something that was just a light to my mind. The junior high camp left on Friday and as I am typing this message the intermediate camp is coming in (the 5th and 6th grade campers). After this camp is over there is one more week and then the camps that Camp Otyokwah offers is complete. Once that point hits the guest groups that Oytokwah is able to bring in begin to arrive and the staff become fully facilitators, programmers, and on call for most of the day. It seems like the other day that I was arriving onto the Camp Oytokwah campgrounds where I was planning for the staff to arrive. I sit here realizing that the Otyokwah camp season is going strong and that the staff has been bonding in an effective manner. There have been a lot of things taking place from serious prayer circles to training kids on how to become "minions." The free time this weekend was much needed as I felt myself needing some R&R in order to maintain the energy that I am personally able to bring forth to both campers and staff. I have loved seeing how the staff team has been able to gel together and bring forth the talents and skills needed for an effective camp program.
Looking back through the summer I realize that this camp season goes far beyond the programming, facilitation programs, and the games that all of the campers have the chance to be involved in. Some of the events that have come forth this summer have brought the staff and campers as a body to pray, discuss serious issues, and coming forth to Jesus for the first time. This summer has been an effective summer ministry wise and that is where the true meaning of camp ministry comes into play. I remember seeing kids climbing up the rock wall (some for the first time) that did not think they could make it up and some were able to hit the top. That has been my main job this summer facilitation wise, which is to belay people off the rock wall. For those of you that do not know what belaying means that is the lifeline for all climbers. I have total control of the rope, amount of slack, and in a way how far the camper can go. This facilitation has brought me closer to Jesus and how He works with us. In a ropes course the facilitator talks about "challenge by choice" where the facilitator encourages the participants to reach their limit, but at the same time it is nothing forced. This is the same aspect of how Jesus works with us. Jesus gives us a challenge by choice element where He does not push us beyond what we can bear, but there are also times where He knows we can do something as long as we have the FAITH and TRUST in what He is doing. As I was sitting at lunch today I was looking at a verse that I am placing in my head for the rest of the summer...
"Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away."
(Matthew 24:35 NASB)
Everything in this world that is around us will eventually die away but the promises, prophecies, and words of the Father that we serve will live on and on and on and on (do I need to go on any further). Each camp has been a character of itself, but at the same time every one of them have shown to have the aspects, tools, and the encompassing value of the fruits of Jesus Christ. As I look forth to Intermediate Camp there is going to be a topic about music and why we do certain things in worship through music (like raising our hands, clapping, closing our eyes, etc.). Be blessed everyone, and pray for God's guidance and control on the upcoming week!
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