God Bless Camp Wiregrass

As many of you know I spent the past week at Camp Wiregrass serving as a counselor for about 70 5th-6th grade boys and girls. Camp has been a part of my life since 2004 and every year I look forward to seeing old friends and making new memories. I have counseled since 2009 and have moved up with many of my campers. Some of my campers are old enough to be counselors them selves which completely blows my mind. This year, I didn't think I would be able to go because of various work and school activities. But I couldn't just miss a year of camp! My heart was wishfully hopeful that I would get the opportunity to serve in this capacity, but my mind didn't get the same message. After all, I have adult responsibilities and I knew for a fact that I would not be able to take that much time off from my job. About a week before camp, I was let go from my job for random scheduling reasons. I was shocked and of course disappointed, but my immediate thought was "maybe now I can go to camp".  I asked the director if he could use me and sent in a application ASAP. I also thought this particular week of camp was out of the question because of scheduled finals for my online classes, but when I re-checked my schedule, I discovered they were not until the next week. For me, this was all too much to be a coincidence; God's hand moved. A few days later, I packed and prayerfully prepared for what God would use me for within the coming week.

Driving down the narrow road upon entering camp always brings joy to my heart. I see the sign and am flooded with memories of many people who have touched me in some way through out the years.

This past week was super hot with a few rain showers sprinkled throughout, but for the most part, it was a safe, problem and drama free week. I was put into the Creek cabin with counselors Kayla Jones, and Emily Doran, as well as the village queen Michelle Otwell. I was blessed to serve with these godly women and have nine beautiful girls in our cabin. Below is a picture of our whole cabin on banquet night minus Michelle (taking the picture). 

All of these girls have a story, and I enjoyed hanging out with them and getting to know their different personalities, and let me tell you, they were all personalities! Mary Elise is very sporty and athletic. She always seems to go with the flow and not let things affect her. This girl would much rather be in her athletic shorts and tennis shoes than in a dress, but she is beautiful no matter what. Lauren is very mature for her age in my opinion. She is very sweet and considerate and we always had good conversation. She is beautiful inside and out. Little Maddie was not a camper (Michelle's daughter) but she spent a lot of time around our cabin and is very articulate, sassy, and verbal. We all enjoyed her adorableness. Tionna was our first time camper. She was a little reserved at the first of the week, but quickly warmed up and made new friends. She was difficult to wake up and get on the athletic field but  was very sweet and attentive when asked to do something. Madeline was very sweet and always full of questions. She has a very "mother like" personality and was always looking out for others. Hannah is a very spunky and sweet girl who also got girl camper of the week! We all called her Walmart because of her smiley face shirt on the first day, or broken toe because somehow she managed to rip off her big toenail. But this didn't slow her down, or keep or from all athletics or activities! That girl is tiny but wow! At mealtime she could sure shovel in the food! She was always the first in line for seconds and had never ending energy. 

Felicity was our little "diva". She enjoyed being the star of the show but you could also tell that she understood a lot about life. At the first of the week she warned us of mood swings and that she was overly emotional and my thought was "oh no, she will be our little drama queen" but there were really no issues. Caley LOVED to talk. She always had great stories, and didn't care if anyone was listening or not. Sometimes her mouth would get her in trouble like when she was yelling at bedtime or making up stories about others, but knowing her family life, it just seemed as if she needed a little extra love and attention.  She is super smart and very athletic and always willing to read or answer a question in bible class. Bethany was quite, but had the funniest expressions! She also did what was asked of her most of the time and came up with the most random songs. Yes I am talking about the BBQ chicken song!  Dayton was very sweet and knew how to make people laugh. She didn't really enjoy athletics and when we were playing a game similar to kickball  when we asked her to get out in the field with the rest of the team. That little booger did stand in the field, but it was next to the bleachers where the ball would never ever ever come. I let it go because I thought that was a pretty creative way to be do what we asked of her, while still not playing. She also had to take benadryl in the mornings because of skin allegeries. Drowsy Dayton was quite a hilarious sight and her and only made her funny faces and dance moves even more funny. 

Short overview of the week. On Tuesday night we did a counselor hunt and I was never found! (haha suckers). Ashylnn I will never forgot hiding in my sweltering car with you for 45 min. I thought we were going to die! On Wednesday night we went for a hike and had an awesome bonfire devotional. Thursday night was the banquet (50's themed) and Cornerstone performed after evening chapel which was awesome. 

Overall, this was a great week and I hope my girls and the rest of the campers got something out of it. My favorite parts of the week were singing praises in our nightly devos, working Canteen and getting to know all the campers names, and just hanging out with the campers and getting to know all their unique personalities. I am so thankful that I was able to take a week off from social media, school, and life, and just be immersed in the camp culture, focusing on God and the immediate people around me. Camp Wiregrass will always hold a special place in my heart and I hope these kids will have the same fond memories and grow long lasting friendships as I have done. It's been real Camp Wiregrass! 

Until next time, 

K.L.E