Thoughts on Camp Get Louder

I spent the last week at Lion's Camp Crescendo for Cumberland Presbytery's Senior Camp. All in all I had a blast and learned quite a few things:

#1 It is good to go back. I spent my youth years at camp crescendo as a camper. Many of my favorite memories happened in the cabins, pool, student center, cafeteria, and animal room. I even went as a counselor and built even more memories then, coming back after 4 years was in some ways weird because I did not know many of the students and even staff but it was great to be back. It felt good and right and to some degree like I hadn't missed a beat. This was probably because some of my best friends in the world work the camp as well but it felt good to be back.

#2 Being Counselor is way better. There is only one thing to say here, I never had to walk up the hill. That's right I was lazy and or hurt the whole week and never once went you know what a good idea is walking up a big hill. No golf carts and being a counselor = amazing! But in all honesty the best part of being a counselor is the relationship you get to build with the kids and to see how the week progresses and moves. From Sunday night until Friday morning it went from 106 different students to one family. Learning love, grace, and worship from students is one of the highlights of the job.

#3 Worship is different....and that's ok. Too often we get caught up in whether people worship in contemporary or traditional, liturgical or not. Do you robe up or is it come as you are for pastors. In the end it doesn't matter. We had conga lines, fist pumps, jumping up and down and we had people on their knees in front of the cross praying. Songs and preaching were not the point it was the movement of the Spirit so know matter how the Spirit moves, catch it and go.

#4 There is never enough time. I added up that I spent 97 waking hours at camp with students...97 (Just so you know that is almost twice how long we spend in Sunday School a year). Even with 97 hours I still wish I had more time with them to worship, study, and laugh. Camp is an amazing experience and one where you can get 4 hours of sleep and still be going the next day and you just don't care.

#5 Golf Balls and Water Balloon Launchers don't Mix!!!! I really don't want to go into this but just know that it leads to a huge bruise on your hand and the inability to not punch your friend in the forearm.

Overall camp was a great week Camp Crescendo is a special place to me and to many others. I am so thankful that God led our presbytery there and that Kevin and Billy have worked so hard to maintain an amazing place. Also to Leslie, Matt, Phill, and Vicki you all are awesome and amazing great job on a great week. Until next time.....