Incredible. Fun. Faith-filled. Memorable. Wild. Pure. Adventure. Community. These are just a few of the thousands of words that describe working at Bible Camp for an entire summer. However, one word I thought of prior to working at a camp, is fear. Flashing back to the spring before my first summer working at camp, I remember being excited and thrilled that I would get to work at the camp I went to as a camper, but I recalled this feeling of uncertainty and almost dreading the day to leave for staff training as summer approached. These fears consisted of living away from home, leaving my friends, being shy, not thinking I could be a leader and being uncertain that I could guide campers on their faith journey. I mean camp was easy as a camper: I would show up, participate in the activities and my counselor told me where to go next. I had no responsibility and now I was about to go to two weeks of training to become this amazing, responsible and all-knowing counselor? “No way could that happen,” I thought to myself.

These thoughts consumed me, all the way up to the first day of staff training. While on the way to camp for the summer, I remember being lost in my thoughts and still worrying about if this was the right decision and if I could actually do this for an entire summer. Within that moment I was so filled with doubt and fear, all I could do was pray. When I got to camp, I closed my eyes and tilted my head ever so slightly and I said a short prayer. Now I don’t recall what I prayed for exactly, but I’m sure it was along the lines of asking God to guide me on this journey and to help me be the best counselor I could be. After praying I felt slightly relieved but if I’m being honest there was still that feeling of uncertainty. No one knows the timing on God answering our prayers, but in that moment it was in a matter of seconds. As soon as I walked through Cross Fire’s doors I was greeted by both old and new staff, they welcomed me with a warm embrace of hugs, introductions and kind words. It was as if God was saying “This is where you belong” and from that moment on I knew God wanted me here and would help me conquer any fears that would come my way.

Looking back, it seems funny now that I was ever afraid to work at camp. I have made so many friends and memories over the years. I can truly say that camp has made me who I am today and one of the main reasons why I have an amazing relationship with our God. If you’re reading this and have thought about working at camp this summer but feel that fear is holding you back. All I can say is that it is normal to be scared of changes and fearful of missing out on activities or events happening back at home. However, if you’re willing to take a leap of faith, I encourage you to fill out an application to any of our LWLBC sites, to be a part of our staff this wild summer and let God conquer all your fears. When the summer is over, you too will look back and describe your time at Bible Camp as incredible, fun, faith-filled, memorable, wild, pure, adventure, community and forget the fear you may have come in with.

God’s Peace,

Michael Waalen
Ox Lake Program Director