Happy Memories? Contagious Passion? Bring on Kids Camp!

Off on another kids camp at the end of the week!! I'm so excited!!
Some people think I'm nuts- I've had a crazy semester and I work with kids all the time and really just need a rest...

But here is what comes to mind when I think of kids camps...

I remember small groups with kids who are so eager to read the bible and love asking questions and finding out more about God.

I remember kids who were too scared to go down the water slide and then finally plucked up the courage and did it and loved it.

I remember kids who started camp a bundle of nerves who opened up to be funny and friendly and couldn't stop talking about all the fun they'd had when their parents came to pick them up.

I remember kids who drove me INSANE all camp with their fighting and arguing and then they told me what home was like... and the frustration melted instantly. I still pray for you now...

I remember the music, the action songs and watching you get really into it!

I remember how we rolled in the mud, got covered in stickers, paint, newspaper and shaving foam and when we had to eat dinner with our hands tied together.

I remember when I fell out of a kayak, had stickers (and most of the hair) ripped off my arms.

I remember how my heart broke when you told me you were being bullied.

I remember the cooks who were so lovely and such beautiful people.

I remember how much you lit up when we encouraged you.

I remember hearing you pray and feeling like God was smiling.

I remember how proud of you I was when you braved the sticks and the leaves and slept under the stars.

I remember being really tired at 6.00am leaders meeting and being so thankful when bed time rolled around.

I remember the new leaders who half way through camp understood how incredible it was to be on kids camps and the contagious passion got you so beautifully!

I remember refusing to go on a burma trail and paying for it with a bucket of cold water tipped over my head the next day.

I remember creating dramas and songs and flags and watching our group become a family for the week.

I remember the hugs and the crazy things you did to my hair.

I remember my nose being incredibly itchy and everyone getting a kick out of my unusal habit.

I remember as you sat on my lap and asked me why I cared so much about Jesus.

I remember when you told me how much Jesus mattered to you.

I remember how you wanted to recommit your life to Jesus.

I remember how I was before my first kids camp as a leader and what an INCREDIBLE difference they have made to me as a person. Not only on a faith level but also on a confidence level...

While camp may exhaust me, I am so excited to be a part of it, to share my Jesus with a group of kids and to create some new memories.

Is it any wonder I want to lead on another camp???