Faith, Fun & Friendships

While things were still ramping up for campers to arrive here at Caroline Furnace, some of our staff members got to take a trip to help our Director of Summer Programs, Lindsay, at her church with Day Camp. It’s an opportunity for kids around the local community to experience some time away from home to experience new things and learn about God, without the commitment of being away for a week, like here on-site. Luke wanted to share his experience from his week at Day camp and how it compared to his time spent at Caroline Furnace so far.  

“This week, I was a Day Camp Leader at Caroline Furnace’s first every Day Camp held at Shepherd of the Hill Lutheran Church in Haymarket, Virginia. My favorite memory from Day Camp this week had to be during Bible Study every day. All the children asked thought-provoking questions that led Bible Study in different paths each day. I always looked forward to reading the Bible to these children because you could tell that they were excited to learn about the stories. This week I learned a lot about how important friendship is for the kids at camp. My little explorers this week made bonds instantly and they kept them throughout the week. Seeing how giggly and happy these children get when they are playing activities or telling stories or even just having snack time never failed to bring a smile to my face.  

Every week at camp is filled with challenges, but learning how to overcome those challenges is what made me learn the most this week. I saw God when I heard the children laugh and when they walked in the door every day. It was truly a pleasure to get to be able to facilitate an environment where these children could grow in themselves and with God. No two days at camp are the same, and they never will be. Camp is built like that for a reason. It’s made to prepare you to tackle any challenge that you may face.  

I feel like this week really made me step into a leadership role and take control of the day. This could be through simple things such as telling directions to counselors or leading Faith5. Sometimes it was more difficult tasks such as disciplining and running activities outside.  

This week let me explore what I am good at when it comes to camp. I believe that this week in specific will be special to me because it was my first week that I was with kids all day. I learned how to be resourceful in times when the schedule was obstructed. I learned what I excelled in at camp and how to let the kids teach you the best way for them to have the best time at camp. This week of Day Camp did not come without struggle. It was nice to be away and live in a normal bed instead of a twin bed, but I missed my friends back at camp. Learning about myself on my own was hard and stressful, so I am excited to be back at Caroline Furnace this week and be reunited with my other counselors.