Camp is Like a Box of Chocolates

Written by: Brigette Sirineo | Intern at Kingston-Galloway

During the fourth week of Sonshine Day Camp, Brigette found herself shifting back and forth from the past to the present. As she interacted with the children, teaching and playing, talking about life and about God, having had challenging days and really rewarding days - she couldn’t help but think back to her experiences being in day camp and Vacation Bible School. Here’s what Brigette had to say.

“The moments that have stuck with me and carry with me into adulthood are those warm conversations I’ve had with leaders and other adults, emotions that I felt, and thoughts about God I encountered for the first time or the 10th time. I don’t remember any of the grown-ups being unprepared, tired, whether they had a good day or a bad day, I don’t remember if any of them had messy hair, or how sweaty or overwhelmed they ever felt. And yet, these are some of my day-to-day worries. We are planting seeds here. We are building relationships and praying that one day these children will come to know God for themselves the same way that someone like me, who was once in day camps, now shares with others about how good He is. 

With that fresh perspective, I pay less mind to the anxieties I have during preparations. I still take the time to ensure that I am doing all that I can that is within my responsibility but my motivation is not looking good in front of everyone listening. Instead, I pray and try my best to stay as close to the truths of scripture as I can in my words and my deeds. Naturally, that’s done through my Bible lessons and the way that I interact with the children, praying that the love of God is seen as an overflow of what He has already done for me and will continue to do.

Some of my favourite memories already are just being able to answer burning theological questions from these inquisitive minds, while also being able to share various favourite things from beaches, to colour, to frozen snacks. It’s always a mixed bag with these kids, you never know what they’ll ask but they always do so with an innocent curiosity. In many ways, the realities of this internship have surpassed my expectations. What an honour it is to lead these children to Christ and to do so with joy (no matter how exhausted I am at the end of the day)!”