First Time Camper
One of my campers came to Phantom Ranch for the first time this year. His father told me his son was nervous about being at camp because he had never spent a night away. This was evident when his parents left and he cried a bit in his bunk. Later that night we were having a bonfire and s’mores with everyone at the amphitheater.
It was noticeable that he was holding back tears, so I took him aside. As he shed some tears, we talked about home. That night before bed, my co-counselor and I prayed for him. The next day, the boy was doing better and started opening up more and more throughout the week.
By Thursday, he was having fun with everyone in the cabin and was enjoying all of camp! Friday morning, during reflection time, I reviewed what he learned, and it was clear to me that he was excited and ready to be a next level follower of Jesus.
It was awesome to see how this boy learned to enjoy camp by the end of the week and how being here helped him become a better follower of Jesus. When I talked to his dad at pickup time, his dad smiled when he said his son didn’t want to go home! Praise God.
Bible Skits
As a high school lifeguard at camp, I helped with a ‘walking on water’ skit at the beach. I set up 5 or 6 milk crates just deep enough to keep the crates hidden from sight when viewed from the beach.
A few other staff hauled a row boat into the “U” and acted as the disciples, one was Peter, and I was Jesus. When the young campers came down to the beach to watch the skit a narrator (Jerry Meyer) told the story.
On cue, dressed in a costume robe, I walked on the water, from milk crate to milk crate. I am not sure how realistic it looked, but I got some cheers and the kids laughed when Peter ‘fell’ off his milk crate.
This pleasant memory led me to think about this summer. There will be corny skits, fun games, learning new skills, making new friends, engaging Bible teaching, singing, and so much more. Cabin counselors will make a difference in the lives of many kids.
