Cheering on God’s Work: A Memory of Everlasting Joy
“ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Going into the camp, there have been many uncertainties, notably how campers would interact with each other. As a new intern, the idea that kids would share the same schools and family friends intimidated me. I knew it was inevitable that various problems could transition from school to summer camp, such as bullying. I anxiously wondered if these problems could potentially set the tone at the beginning, especially when kids would feel most uncomfortable as they don’t know everyone.
When camp began, the expected happened. A lot of the kids were new to the camp and didn’t know each other very well. On the other hand, the returning kids had their set of friend groups. Even while the campers gradually became more relaxed with each other, several problems arose. Some kids did not like each other, and bullying occurred to the point where certain kids were uncomfortable being in our camp.
However, as time went on, God would use His mighty hand to turn things for the better. The kids would step out of their comfort zone to connect with the other kids. The age difference did not divide the campers from befriending each other, and even the troublesome kids put tenacious effort into caring for the younger ones.
All of this led up to theme day, where Lily was leading a theme day based on the seasons. The kids were very interactive during the fall station, where they made frames and took pictures with each other. The kids would then receive polaroids and add them to their frames. However, the main highlight would follow after this station.
To celebrate winter and Christmas, campers sat in a circle and took turns trying to open a present with oven mitts on. Upon learning about the activity, campers initially showed competitive spirit, wanting to be the one to open the present. However, the kids suddenly started to cheer for each other, and it wasn’t just a few kids, but all of them cheering for the person opening the present. This became my most memorable experience. At that moment, I was in complete awe of the love felt in the room. Seeing the kids cheer reminded me of how far they have come, and of how God used His loving hand to help them bond with each other in such a meaningful way. As the cheers continued to echo across the gym, the campers continued to resonate in my heart.
Moments like these are what motivate me to continue serving at TCM, that positive impacts are made on the children through being ambassadors of Christ.