Two months ago, the laughter, tears, relief and solemn realization
that summer had ended would beckon a mass exodus from Crofton, Vancouver
Island. Two months ago, many of us who served at summer camp would be departing
home, or to holiday, to study, to family, to work, to the unknown, and most
certainly to a week or more of welcome sleep.
The sober days after the conclusion of camp would prompt a
plethora of reflection-driven status’ on Facebook and the like, perhaps in part
to bring closure of a special time, or to commence the ‘new chapter’ which awaited.
One month on, I was contemplating what makes camp so special. Two months on,
and in the absence of some of the things on the list below, I realized that
camp provides a space in which many core human needs may be met.
So, here are ten things I miss about camp:
1.
Community
The availability of friends and the
ever-present bustle of camp life means that you are never alone if you don't
want to be. It’s more difficult to spend time alone than it is to spend time in
the presence and company of others. This is often a stark contrast to life if
one is not intentionally seeking community.
2.
Genuine
Relationships
The core craving of
our being is to be in genuine relationship with one another. There is nothing
more comforting than to confide in a friend who cares for you regardless of
anything you say or do, and only such relationships provide the opportunity to
be completely yourself – the freedom to be ‘stupid together’ is a special
thing.
3. Laboring & Working Together
Laboring
and working together forms unity. Teamwork builds camaraderie. Struggling and
triumphing together is one of the few ways in which groups of people bond. On
an 'individual' scale, shared experience with another provides joint memories and
the opportunity for humorous recollection and encouragement of alternative
methods.
4.
Purpose
& Mission
Vision for
'why' one is doing what they’re doing is integral for motivation and attitude. During
summer camp, we are continually reminded of our reason for being there. To have
reason and purpose empowers, energizes, and when a mission is greater than
yourself, you often find strength when you have none left.
5.
Sacrifice
& Investment
When we sacrifice
we 'buy into' an idea, action, relationship or cause. Sacrifice results in a
sense of ownership and reminds us that we have value. Though investment may seem
hard, it's worthwhile in the long-run. For Christians, being a servant is not
an optional extra. It’s an attitude we adopt when we decide to follow Jesus.
Being servant-hearted involves both sacrifice and investment - both of which
are essentially the same thing.
6.
Fun
Summer camps are designed to foster a fun
environment. Subconsciously (or not), most of us like making others laugh and
enjoy themselves. With the right attitude, we're rewarded with a sense of
fulfillment when we produce enjoyment for others – though this ‘reward’ is a by-product
and shouldn't be the goal.
7.
Growth
& Discipleship
The challenge of
camp & the roller-coaster that it often becomes either reveals or
(re)defines our character. We grow from learning (sometimes from each other,
mistakes, shared experience) and while growing pains can hurt, it rewards us as
a whole. The opportunity for ‘iron to sharpen iron’ and for mentor-mentee
friendships to be formed promotes ongoing growth and development for both
campers and staff.
8.
Natural
Beauty
Countless studies* reveal
that being around nature reduces stress. I’d argue further; reflecting on and
being within nature prompts within us questions of spirituality as we gaze at a
beautiful universe that's much bigger than ourselves. During camp, a chance to
hang out in a forest or to admire the picturesque coast is never far away.
9.
Trust
& Respect
The knowledge that the
best interests of everyone is at heart guards us and encourages us to build
each other up and affirm one another. At times, this also means respectfully
and gently correcting one another.
10.
Safety
Safety is last because it’s something
so easily overlooked. We take safety for granted until we're in a place we feel
threatened, intimidated or in danger. Safety relaxes us physically, comforts
us mentally, and creates a place to be open and brutally honest, emotionally and
spiritually. Safety enables us to be who we were created to be, without fear of
the judgment or persecution of others.
I’m sure I could continue this list with a comical
recollection of hilarious things and people that I also miss from summer camp,
but I think the above list is sufficient.
The above provides both a picture of
camp, and a framework for which we should be living or involved outside of camp.
What’s missing?
*I’d normally cite such studies, but I've forgotten the name
of the architecture books and the other reputable online journals/articles I've read. Search Google Scholar (or a library) if you wish.
