Every summer of camp is different. Even if you are placed on the same team with the same camp locations, every summer will be different. Why? Because of the people. Because of the relationships.
Relationships and the people you serve with make camp so much fun. But on the other hand, those same relationships can make camp very much a challenge. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing! Being challenged is what makes you a better individual. I’ve seen both of these scenarios play out. I’ve been a part of camp teams that placed little value on investing in other people. And you know what? That team had a good summer. God used them in big ways and kids came to know Christ as their personal Savior. What more can you ask for?! Well….I think a lot!
You miss out on so many opportunities when you decide not to invest. How do you think Jesus Christ approached His ministry? Did He merely just try to reach those along his path and not go out of His way? Absolutely not! Jesus took the time to invest, to go out of his way, to truly minister to those who needed Him.
Camp gives us a tangible opportunity to be like Christ in that way. But when you think about it, your job, your hobbies, your marriage, your friends…those are all tangible opportunities to do the same. We just have to decide whether or not we are going to invest in others. Not just those we connect with, not just those people whom we share common interests, but ALL those who Christ has purposefully placed around us.
When you decide you are going to love people for who they are, have a geniune heart to see other people succeed, and love helping people, you will in turn be blessed beyond imagine. God wants to use you in the lives of other people. You just have to say yes and INVEST!