The preacher this morning told a joke that was both funny and true, “Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.”
That definitely summarizes our experience at Camp Freedom this summer. It just flew by and there was no way to stop it or slow it down.
Over sixty children participated in high quality activities centered around the book of Psalms. Throw in some really exciting field trips, songs, skits, and counselors from all over the world and some from their own backyard and you have the makings for an incredible summer.
Visiting the homes of our campers proved to be a highlight each week. We always ran into campers that weren’t on the appointment list meandering about. One instance is particularly memorable. We were on our way to visit one of our first-year campers when a student from our after-school program screamed, “MR. CHESTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” and came hurdling toward us.
Wrapping Chester in a huge bear hug, he began to tell us about the summer “camp” he attended, which was merely a lunch hand-out location at a nearby city park. He had been on our waiting list for a few weeks and I knew we finally had space to get him into camp. I mentioned this to him and he begged and begged for me to let him in. I assured him that he could start as soon as I talked to his mom.
He started the next day and continued to attend camp for the last three weeks. After a water balloon fight one day, we shared a short, but special conversation about his growing faith in God. I look forward to continuing to build a relationship with this enthusiastic boy.
A special thank you to all of you who keep our doors and hearts open to the young ones that God sends our way. I also believe that employing and mentoring teens in our community seems to be one of the most important things that we do, and we can’t do that without your gifts.
By: Kristin Walker, Camp Freedom Director
