Camp, camp, camp!

Hello again! Last time I wrote to you I was just getting back from an amazing week at Beach Week! This time I am writing to you as I recover from another amazing week at camp. I just returned two days ago from a camp our church calls Cross Camp. This camp is geared towards graduated third graders through sixth graders. I have never been to Cross Camp before so I was a little hesitant about this camp, plus it is nothing like Beach Week. This camp is in Lindon, Tennessee literally out in the middle of no where with no cell phone reception or anything. It was definitely a nice mix up, though, going from giant crashing waves, and beautiful beaches, to kayaking and paint balling. This trip also consisted of a lot more students than Beach Week. There were about 290 kiddos and a total of about 320 people including counselors and such! Craziness! All there to bring glory to our Almighty King. 

The week went a little something like this... We got there on Monday afternoon and hung out and got our cabin assignments. Tuesday-Thursday had the same kind of schedule: 

8:00-9:00 Breakfast

9:15-10:15 Time with God

10:15-12:00 Morning Worship/Tarp Time

12:15-1:15 Lunch

1:15-2:00 Cabin Time/Get Ready For Free Time

2:00-4:00 Free Time

4:15-5:45 Team Time

6:00-7:00 Dinner

7:00-9:00 Night Worship/Service

9:15-10:00 Late Night Fun

10:15 Lights Out

I like this camp because number one, I am considered an adult counselor, and number two, the students could not get out of bed until we told them to. I guess I just liked the control I had haha. No, I really did have an amazing group of sixth grade girls in my cabin. Like I have told you all before, I feel called to teach youth in someway and I think this camp was only assurance on that desire. These kids are so incredible it blows my mind. We had bible studies to teach them and I was afraid of being "too advanced" for them, but once we started and they began to recite scripture, I was completely taken back. Wow, did I underestimate these kids. The way they worshiped and got on their knees to pray to our God was absolutely breath taking. 

Wednesday was probably my favorite day, though. Not just because it was my 20th birthday, but because of what happened throughout the entire day. First, I was awakened by the sweet melody of "Happy Birthday" being sung by 10 lovely young ladies at 6:45 a.m. Early, I know, but so worth it. They were so excited and sweet, all I could do was smile. Later, at morning service, I had to go up in front of the whole camp and do a silly dance that is famous at VBS called "Singing in the rain." Also worth it. That afternoon I was told  Happy Birthday and hugged over and over again by kids and fellow counselors, which was awesome, but to top it off, my brother, best friends Mary Beth, and Coco, and friends from church all came to celebrate my birthday and speak at our night service. I was thankful for just those awesome surprises, but God has something even better in store. During our night services we have an invitation at the end for kids to pray to receive Christ and all of the counselors counselors are there to talk with the kids who do so. Well, the first two nights I didn't have anyone come up to me, which was fine because I know if God desired for me to share with someone, He would bring them to me. So, Wednesday I am worshipping and looking around for anyone to see if they need someone to talk to just as I did the other nights. My eyes met a sweet young girls eyes as she walked towards me and I asked her, "Do you need someone to talk to?" She nodded and we walked outside. The conversation was so sweet as she shared what was on her heart with me. That night she had asked Jesus to come into her heart and I was able to pray with her to receive Him into her heart. What a powerful, blessing of a night to have on my 20th birthday! God is so good! I could not have asked for a better gift than to be apart of bringing one of God's children closer to Him. 

The week went by quickly, filled with many laughs, tears, and salvation. God changed many lives and rekindled fires in many of the adults hearts as well. Camp is always a sweet reminder of God's love for us and it never seizes to amaze me how He always shows up. I am a firm believer that this young generation has the potential to grow up and change the world. All they need is a little encouragement, and full faith that God is with them every step of the way. 

Now go out and encourage some kiddos!