Ten Things I Miss About Camp

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.