Summer time and camp time are pretty synonymous. This year, we had three boys attend summer camp. Jozsef no longer qualifies to attend as a camper as he has aged out, but he did qualify to go as a counselor, which he was more than happy to accommodate. For Connor, this was the first year that he was old enough to attend, which he was pretty excited about. And for Nikolas, this camp experience was an unplanned gift. You see, Nikolas was expecting to sit this session out since the plan for him was to attend camp in July, however, when there were last minute spaces available, the leaders asked if he was able to attend on scholarship--an opportunity Nikolas quickly and gratefully accepted.
All three boys packed up and traveled to Mission Camp--a time of community service and fun while leaning into a deeper personal relationship with Christ. Jozsef was a co-leader for a cabin of boys (actually, they stayed on a college campus, so there was a suite of boys for Jozsef to concern himself over). This group of boys also comprised his small group--a bible study group that he was to lead at various times of study and especially after a speaker taught for greater digestion of the new information. Jozsef loves teaching the bible so this was great for him. He was also in charge of helping to monitor their behavior during group times and in the dorms. The boys took well to him and his energy, but even still, they pretty much wore him out over the course of the week--especially after the last night when they declared an all-nighter. Jozsef entertained them, and them entertained illness for the next two weeks as he was spent from the energy output of study, games, worship, service, and chaperoning.
Nikolas had a blast. He hung out with some guys he already knew from youth group and also made it a point to circulate through the attendees so that he could get to know new people. He studied hard, served well, and played hard too. He saw his brothers at camp--in passing--which was odd and nice at the same time. None of them were in the same groups or on the same buses so each of them had their own camp experiences, which I think was great. Both Jozsef and Nikolas had the same service job--organizing an after school care facility--kind of like a YMCA--but the place was so big that they were stationed in different sections and never really worked together. Nikolas' group of guys hit it off so well, that upon arrival home, they formed a weekly bible study so that they could continue to fellowship together. So far, so good with their commitment and it's been wonderful to see Nikolas really take an interest in stepping out and making something for himself, apart from Jozsef.
Connor had a great first camp experience. The fact that camp was at a beautiful college campus really helped the comfort factor with nice rooms, good beds, and great food. The service Connor signed up for was on the farm. Connor loves to work with plants so he had no problem helping to harvest a crop of garlic. The guys in his group were friendly, one of them he actually was hoping to have in his group so the fellowship was extra sweet. It was great for Connor to have brothers on board for when he ran into snags (like losing his luggage keys--no worries, we gave Nikolas an extra, just in case) but to still have enough space from them so that he felt like he was having his own camp time.
All three boys came home tired, but super excited. All of them said they'd go back again--for sure. All of them returned with friendships deeper than what they left with. All of them came back with a little bit more knowledge of the bible and God. All-in-all, I'd say it was a super week at camp, even though Jozsef turned up sick.
So here's to summer and the opportunities it affords us all for fun and growth! :-)
