This first guest post is from Amanda. I met her when she left comments for me. When I checked out her site I immediately subscribed. She’s got everything from Fancy Nancy books to campfire chicken recipes! Since I’m at camp myself only readers that have previously left comments on my blog will see their comments. I’ll approve the rest when I get back – if I make it.
Amanda is a full-time mom to a five year old son and a two year old daughter, as well as a wife of almost 11 years. In addition, she blogs at Mommy’s Idea Book, a blog devoted to sharing information, tips and encouragement with other moms, wives and homemakers. She enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with her family.
Although it may sound a little pitiful, my only real camp experience came when I was 18 years old. Yeah, I know that sounds a little old to be going to camp. Well, let me explain the situation. I had tried out and was accepted into the Alabama All-State Youth Choir for my church denomination.
All the choir members had to go to camp to practice together for a week, and then go on tour around the state singing for a week. Unfortunately, my church had already signed up for a different week of camp so I had to go by myself. I was scared half to death because I didn’t know what to expect since I had never even been to camp before.
Then, due to practicing half the day, I really didn’t get what you might call a traditional camp experience. Oh, but don’t think I am complaining. I grew in many incredible ways as a result of this experience
Here are some of the things I gained thanks to my camp experience:
- Independence: I had never been a very independent person, but since I wanted this so badly, I was forced to get out of my comfort zone and learn I could do things for myself and by myself.
- Deeper Relationship with God: Since this was a Christian camp, I grew in my relationship with God. It was wonderful to be surrounded by other young people of the same faith and singing and worshiping God together.
- New Friends: After being at camp and going on tour for a total of two weeks, I formed some awesome friendships. As a matter of fact, I still have occasional contact with a few of those friends.
- Realization of a Dream: Several years earlier, I had gone to see my cousin while she was in this choir. It blew me away. They sounded so good and I so loved to sing, but I never thought I would be good enough to make it into this choir. However, God obviously had it planned all along, thus fulfilling a dream I had carried for several years.
I know this is not your typical camp experience, but these are the things I remember most about my camp time. It really changed my life and I’m so thankful for the opportunity.
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I agree that camp can be life-changing. This is my son’s first week at summer session/camp. (He is not quite 3 years old.) Although it is for just a few hours in the morning, I knew the first day it had a postitive impact upon him. He was speaking more clearly, in complete sentences. He was incredibly hungry (which he has never been in his life.) And he was calmer, and more attentive at home. I think playing, the interaction with different authority figures, and being on his own a bit helped him mature in just one day!
For me, I went to an overnight camp when I was 11 or so, and it was a christian camp. I believe that experience led me to convert to catholisim 15 years later. I feel my life is fuller with God in it, and the individuals and experiences I took from that time at camp, really led me to where I am today.
Thanks for a great post Amanda!
Abbie
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i couldn’t agree more, aside from all the fun that the kids (and well the kids at heart) can have at camps, the things that you mentioned very much sums up most of what kids can benefit.. equally important to gaining a closer relationship with God, i think, is independence… i feel that it’s something that you cannot directly teach to anybody, you live it, you experience it…