Surprising Moments: Experiencing God’s Light at Camp
This summer God has allowed me to work as an intern at TCM Sonshine Day Camp. I heard of this opportunity last year through someone I met at school, and the idea of signing up for it stuck with me until summer 2024. As a Sociology student, I thought it would be a great opportunity to learn more about underprivileged communities and the diverse people who live there. I had also been praying for quite some time for work related to Sociology, and surely enough this was in the ballpark.
In this blog post, I will share two moments I had with campers that surprised me. These moments stood out because I prayed for new experiences working at this summer camp. Since this was my first experience I had no expectations in terms of how the children would interact with me.
My first surprising experience happened during lunchtime when I was sitting with the camper named Andy. Out of curiosity and spontaneity, I decided to ask him if I looked happy. He responded by saying that I looked 49 out of 100 happy. At that moment, I thought his response was due to my strictness or constant reminders about his behaviour. To my surprise, he said the opposite of what I thought! He said that I looked 49 out of 100 happy because I have a lot of work to do, such as doing bible lessons, leading games, and planning various activities. Hearing that made me feel appreciated for the work I do at summer camp. It showed that the kids recognize and value the hard work we interns put in and that our efforts don’t go unnoticed. I felt that it was God's way of encouraging me to continue to put in my best effort as an intern. Andy also said that his two favourite staff ever was a former Outreach worker named Lincoln and me.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you.”
My second surprising experience happened again during lunchtime, and this time I was with the camper named Alex. From my conversation with Alex, I learned that it was his first time at TCM Sonshine Day Camp, as well as the rest of his siblings that came. I also found out that he attended another camp in the community with his siblings in the previous years. When I asked why, he mentioned it was because we go swimming twice a week, have free time, and “overall it's just a better time here”. That made me very happy and surprised, as this was a reflection of our team's efforts and God's work in us. God really showed his providence by giving us wisdom on how to make things enjoyable for the kids, such as the fun ideas that we came up with, like making slime and lava lamps.
“And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Moreover, I want to talk about the changes I saw in Andy since day one at camp. I had already met Andy in the after-school program, and during that time I would observe and help out in any way I could. There weren't too many behavioural issues from Andy at that time, but it started showing up when camp started. At first, I was quick to address his problems hoping that I could be on top of things and that he would respect me more. I would direct him to the camp rules that were set out and explain what he did wrong. However, he brushed things off and agreed with whatever I told him. It wasn't until week 4 that I noticed he started taking ownership of what he did wrong whenever I asked him about his disruptive behaviour. I didn't have to point it out to him because he would confess what he did wrong when I asked him, “ Andy do you know why I’m talking to you?” From that instance, I could see how God was able to work in him because he is more open to taking responsibility for his actions instead of denying them.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Lastly, I will talk about how God has changed me and what I’ve been shown. I know God has been showing me that I need to have a heart of patience, because working with kids requires a lot of energy, and oftentimes I help them out with completing tasks such as crafts or cleaning things up. God is also changing me into someone who takes more initiative such as being more vocal to help lead the kids. This has been important to me because it will help me serve God in future opportunities, and from a career standpoint when it comes to leadership and taking initiative.
“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”