Summer from a College Student
Job: Core Counselor
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This past summer at camp was the best summer of my life. I learned so many things, met some amazing people, made life- long friendships, grew closer to God, and so much more.
God taught me so much this summer. He showed me humility. God used my weaknesses as a way to reach campers. I had things I was so ashamed of in my life and never had shared with anyone before, but was able to share those experiences with campers and tell them how I grew from it. My first week as a core counselor I was terrified. I was in charge of seven 4th-6th graders that were watching my every move. They were so fun to talk to and get to know, but when it came to devotions at night I felt totally lost. I realized that I needed to relax and let God use me. And He did. I had a camper (who I never imagined would approach me) come up and we prayed together and she accepted Christ as her Savior. Being a part of this experience was probably the most exciting thing ever. No matter the week or grade of the campers I couldn't help but love them all. I had days were I was totally drained, but thanks to amazing friends/ staff members who constantly were there for me and supporting me I got through each day. Camp showed me that I can truly be myself and not be judged. Even though it was my job as a counselor to be the teacher, I often felt I was the one who was continually learning and growing in my walk. There were many many entertaining memories I made over the summer. Camp had this weekly tradition on having a campfire dinner on Wednesday nights. My dinner for my cabin never seemed to go smoothly, but the first week of camp was particularly bad. Ryan Nelson came to start the fire and it was just not going. He backed up into a log and tipped it over. All of a sudden my little girl campers started screaming and running away. When I looked at the log I saw the biggest spider of my life about an inch away from Ryan's hand. When he asked about the problem I said, "um... Huge spider." He shrugged his shoulders like whatever until he looked down by his hand. I never in my life have heard a grown man scream so high. He changed all my campers screams into uncontrolled laughing. This summer I was able to have three campers twice over the summer. They had so much fun the first time they had to come back again. I since have met up and gotten coffee with two of the campers. It has been great keeping in contact and staying a part of their lives. Camp will forever be a safe haven for me. I grew so much over the summer, met amazing people, and was able to have an impact in so many young lives. God taught me how He could use my weaknesses for His glory and I hope that His Kingdom continues to build through Grindstone Lake Bible Camp. |
Summer from a College Student
Job: Women's Assistant Program
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This past camp season was a season of answered prayers in my life. From the very beginning of the summer God provided in amazing ways. The numbers of campers the first week was lower than usual and I was worried about the rest of the summer, and by the end of the summer we were running a completely full camp. One day when I was doing some shopping for Grindstone and the cashier started asking me questions about what the items were for. When she heard Grindstone she started smiling and told me that she had went there when she was a kid and that she was glad to hear God was still working after all these years; and God certainly is.
I also saw God answer prayers for me personally. I didn't know very many people on staff and was worried about having strong relationships with the people around me. I longed for relationships that would last past the summer that would continue into my next chapters in life. God provided in amazing ways and I found that no matter their age or where they are from, the staff that I have met at Grindstone Lake Bible Camp over the years have taught me the truest sense of community." |
