‘Camp Attitude’ A Blessing I Pray Will Be Shared

Wed., Aug. 25, 1999

Katie Gilliam Special To Opi

The kids eagerly eyed the huge pit of mud. Soon, their mosquito-bitten bodies would be covered. The entire group was transformed into a swarm of swamp monsters, their true identities revealed only by the huge smiles on their faces. As they raced down to the lake to wash off, one very dirty 12-year-old boy yelled, “I love camp!”

Summer camp offers fun, challenges, new experiences and an opportunity to grow. This summer, I worked as a counselor at Camp Spalding, a Presbyterian camp near Newport. I observed that kids at camp develop something I call the camp attitude.

The camp attitude is displayed through joy, perseverance, encouraging others, embracing challenges and enjoying nature and the simplicity of camp life.

The camp attitude shows up when campers ask a lonely child to join them at the swim area. Or when kids encourage each other on a hike or on the ropes course. It can be heard in the laughter of children as Jell-O and pudding fly through the air during camp games.

It can be seen in the tears on the last night, as campers reflect on parting with new friends and on ways they have grown in their faith.

At Camp Spalding, the camp attitude originates from a greater source. Christ works through camp to teach campers and counselors about creation, life and his love.

This summer, I came to the realization that the camp attitude doesn’t belong only at camp. I sent my campers home each week encouraging them to grow in their faith and keep in contact. As I hugged them goodbye and watched them leave, I prayed that they would retain the joy for life, the perseverance in challenges, the love for people and, most importantly, the dependence on Christ that they had learned about at camp.

I realize the importance of the camp attitude in my own life as I prepare to return to college for my sophomore year at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. I hope that I can take my own advice and hold on to the amazing attitude that I had the opportunity to observe and grow in. I believe adults could embrace the camp attitude in daily life by not staying focused on themselves during times of stress, but seeing it as a challenge to grow.

I pray that the lessons I learned this summer will help me look for Christ’s joy in every experience and savor every challenge I encounter.

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