I love camp.
I've known this for a while, of course. I feel like the fact that I've worked there is enough evidence. However, just in case we need more, Becca and I got into the habit of reading our old Xanga entries every night after our campers had gone to sleep. We decided that Becca was kind of lame in her Xanga-ing days, as was I my sophomore year. It's kind of lame, but going back, a lot of my posts involve ACU camps. Countdowns to actually going to camp and even excited mentionings of registering for Kadesh.
I think it's because camp is where you're allowed to be exactly who you want to be even just 50% of the time you're not at camp. I don't really know how this is, but I think it's mostly because it's a completely even playing field. Everyone wants to be their best self while being honest about themselves, all while knowing they don't have to worry about being judged. It's all about community.
It's kind of hard to understand to outsiders. Sometimes it is to insiders. But the community that's formed at ACU camps really do have the power to last. Not just as campers either. I've been so incredibly blessed by the communities formed while working at camp.
What I guess I'm trying to say, is I don't fully understand why real life can't be more like camp. Why can't I wake up in the morning and sing a song of praise to my Creator? Why is it so hard for me to set aside just 15 minutes a day to study God's word? How hard would it be for me to volunteer at places who need me all year long? Why can't I work towards creating strong friendships rooted in God's love for us all?
I think it's me and my own stupid belief that camp stays at camp and the real world will always stay the way it is. My new goal is to change my mindset and work towards change. Bring on the revolution. Too cliche, Kadesh?
