10 Reasons Why College is the Perfect Time to Serve at Grindstone Lake Bible Camp

        Morgan, Nicole, and I had all been involved in ministry and had known each other for years; we thought that working at a summer camp together would be just another chapter in our college season.  But it wasn’t just another chapter; it was one of the chapters that shaped our relationships with each other and our creator.  Looking back, there was no better choice than walking away from internships, classes, and all the things that we “should have done” while in college and serving with one of the ministries that holds a place in all of our hearts. 
         After reflecting on the goodness that God has done in our hearts through Grindstone Lake Bible Camp, we decided to write down just a few of the reasons why you shouldn’t just do camp ministry, but you should do ministry through GLBC.

1. You get to spend time outside.  Who doesn’t want that? 
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2. You learn how to work well with others. If you can get along with people when you have little sleep, are expelling a great deal of energy, and living in tight quarters for 8 weeks straight; you can work well with anyone!
 
3. Nobody judges you if you’re sweaty or dirty, because everyone is sweaty and dirty.
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4. You don’t have to play it cool when asked if you like to play games; in fact, you’re encouraged not to play it cool.  You’re encouraged to get your tube socks on, paint your face, and try to steal that flag even when the odds feel impossible. 
 
5. You learn skills like time-management, flexibility, and communication, all of which will benefit you in any career path. 

6. When working at a small camp you get to have personal and authentic relationships with supervisors and co-workers.  They know you at your worst and still love you. 

7. With those personal relationships, you gain the flexibility to learn/grow in certain areas of interest because of the hearts that Kevin and Amber Burgess (Camp Director & Registrar) have for supporting their staff.  That’s a big thing; most camps don’t have Kevin & Amber (or a baby Mordecai). Example:  You are the nurse but you love playing soccer, bam. All of a sudden you are now a soccer instructing nurse that also gets to lead worship. And they pay you to do all those things. Amazing, right?
 
8. You get time to grow in your faith during a foundational part of your life—your coworkers and supervisors are invested in your faith journey, available to have authentic conversations, and hold you accountable. 

9. There is limited cell reception and internet access.  Being unplugged for a few months is good for you and allows you to be present—trust us, it’s great. 
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10. You make life-long friends!! Nothing brings you together quite like a summer filled with campfires, sunsets, yelling at the top of your lungs in excitement over every little thing, kids that drive you crazy and that you also love a lot, and worshiping and talking about Jesus nonstop. This is the stuff friendship is made of, folks!

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Authors: Danielle Yaste, Morgan LaPlante, & Nicole Smetana