We started today with one of my favorite camp traditions started by Laurie and Gordon: Counselor Bible Study in Pinecrest.
Nearly 40 counselors piled into our living room at 6:45 am for fresh coffee, hot cinnamon rolls, and fellowship. We pride ourselves at Illahee in having the best counselors. I know we have the best counselors because we on Leadership take the time to get to know them. We get to hear where they are finding joy or experiencing hardships. We want to know where they go to school, what they want to do after summer, and why they returned to camp. The “Great Girls” of Illahee are best exemplified in our many amazing counselors and we’re grateful for the impacts they are already making on these July campers.
This morning, we sat and read a story from the Gospel of Mark emphasizing Jesus’ unique and countercultural approach to children.
People were bringing children to him in order that he might touch them, and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them. -Mark 10:13-16
In an ancient time when children were seen as a nuisance, burden, and unproductive family asset, Jesus saw value in them. He goes a step further and even challenges his listeners to “receive the kingdom of God like a child.” Like he so often does, he looks to the margins and sees worth in those who otherwise might have been told they are worthless.
We discussed what we think that means in the context of camp. Our July session is a good bit younger than June. We have girls as young as six sitting at family tables with campers going into their sophomore year of high school! It creates awesome moments. I don’t fully know what God’s Kingdom entails, but I imagine inter-generational dining is a crucial part.
Walking around camp today, reflecting on morning Bible Study, I am reminded of how often I tend to ignore the opportunity to learn from those younger than me and how they uniquely “receive the Kingdom of God.”
When I see Lily making her way to riding, taking her sweet time, looking at the bugs, singing a song to herself, finding so much joy in the little things I can learn from her.
Then Lucy, another Hillbrook camper came into my office yesterday with a very silly idea. She said we should paint whiskers on everyone’s faces and all dress up like cats and dogs one day. I’m not sold yet, but I can still learn from her creativity and silliness.
Then there’s Estella. She made me the coolest friendship bracelet designed to look like watermelons. She worked on it all day, and it was far more complicated than anything I could accomplish. Her focus and craftsmanship are worth learning from.
There was a group of girls enjoying the “Paddle Party” this afternoon during Choice Period. They were stoked to get on some paddle boards to simply goof off. Trying their best to stand up and dance, they always fell in the water, and they always came up with smiles. Simple entertainment is a beautiful thing.
I can learn a lot from these campers. We all can.
We finished the night after a delicious meal of orange chicken, kale salad, and dumplings with the “Olympics Opening Ceremony.” Camp received a special appearance from ancient Greek Spirits Chugowampia and Marcopolus. They welcomed the Olympic Nations competing this session for grand prizes like a Pizza Party, Cookie Baking in Pinecrest, and even a Tea Party at Laurie and Gordon’s house. It was a silly night, fit for the child inside us all.
I saw an article recently entitled: “When should you give your kid a phone? Whenever you want their childhood to end.”
At the last closing campfire, counselor Parker Daly spoke about the ability to return to childhood at camp no matter your age. Camp gives the gift of being a kid back to those who, by no fault of their own, have lost a bit. Camp gives Lily the chance to wander. It gives Lucy the ability to voice a silly idea without judgment. It gives Estella time to be creative without a care in the world. It gave some paddlers a chance to dance and fall in the water for an hour. It even gives Parker, a junior in college a chance to be a kid again.
“The child is in me still, and sometimes not so still.” -Fred Rogers
Cheers to endless childhood at Illahee!
Lucas