Sweet Moments at Camp

Hey everyone, Danielle here. I was so excited when I first heard that one of our job responsibilities was contributing to the Urban Connection blog, but I’ve somehow had a difficult time remembering to actually write an entry. Attempting to update everyone on the past four weeks would take up much more space than anyone is willing to read, so I’ll pick out some of my favorite parts from the most recent weeks.

I’m one of the leaders for the 9 and 10-year-old group, and I am so thankful that I was assigned to this group of kids. There are definitely challenges to it (they see no good reasons to try and get along with someone they don’t like), but they are such a fun group to be with all day. These kids are torn between growing up and being too cool for some things, but still really wanting to do other things, because they’re still little kids. They are interesting to watch, especially when they try new things. During the second week of camp, we had a lot of really cool lessons where they tried all sorts of new things: team-building activities, dance, drumming. I loved watching them discover something new that several of them were actually really good at it. Even if they weren’t immediately talented at the new activity, the whole group definitely enjoyed that week. Kids this age seem to be becoming more aware of themselves and who they are, and I love getting to watch them choose what defines them.

Last week, Springtown church of Christ brought their youth group out, and the kids had a wonderful time learning so many new things about God. I think my all-time favorite moment at camp so far came that week. It was actually after one of the outside activities, so Miss Ashley was just talking to the kids (bonding time!), asking them what they had learned about God so far that week. Suddenly, the kids were all really excited about sharing everything they had ever learned about God. They were throwing out facts and stories, asking questions, and then asking harder questions (I thought God died on the cross? Are God and Jesus the same person?). Looking around at those 25 kids, every single one with a hand in the air, excited to talk about God, was enough to make my eyes sting. God is so present in this neighborhood and with these kids. It was a really beautiful moment and one that I won’t forget.

But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (II Corinthians 12:9)

My mind goes to this verse multiple times a day, when I realize that I alone am just not capable of eternal patience and love and understanding. Thankfully I serve a God who is!

There have been several funny moments at camp this summer. I'm grateful that my self-esteem isn't too dependent on the opinions of the kids sometimes. So far, I have been told, "You look like you're 99!" and "Miss, you looked better when you were 20." The kids also enjoying critiquing my athletic ability, or lack thereof. Some of the kids in my group are determined to teach me how to play basketball before the summer is over. Good luck, sweet children.