The Best Summer Yet

"Sometimes you will never know the value of of a moment until it becomes a memory..." -Dr. Seuss

Such an amazing summer cannot be summarized in a single blog post or even in enough words, so I will let the pictures do most of the talking.

Workshop. Two weeks of training to get ready for campers... how to build fires, play sports, and care for campers in everyday situations. I did not feel "ready" at the end of it, but the nervous excitement prior to campers coming was felt by many so I guess we were as ready as we ever would be!

Week 1: The Tan Tigers

Week 2: The Tan Tornados 

Week 3: The Tan Tigers (again :P haha the girls always came up with the tribe names)

Week 4: The Terrific Tan Turtles That Talk Til They're Tuckered

Week 5: The Blue Hortons

Week 6: The Blue Sweaters

Week 7: The Blue Elephants

Week 8: The Blue Fluffy Unicorns Dancing on Rainbows

I absolutely loved counseling! The quirky moments the goofy giggles and the deep conversations... it was such a joy to be a part of these girls lives for a short week. The days were full and often long, but the weeks were fast and the summer went by in a blink. Consistently, my favorite days were Saturdays. Because by then it usually felt like the tribe had clicked and we were able to just all hang out and play and laugh :) At times I felt like I learned more than I taught, and it was probably true! I learned a lot about my selfishness, and about compassion and serving where it is needed, not always where I wanted. I am so thankful for the ways God brought things to my attention over and over again, even though it wasn't pleasant. I am so thankful for the friendships that developed this summer too. What a blessing to serve alongside such wonderful people. I was blessed over and over again by seeing fellow summer staff women and their Christlike examples in situations. It encouraged me and pointed me back to the cross. I was so thankful for the quick, in-passing conversations that happened with my fellow counselors too, uplifting and such a gift when they did happen! All in all it was an amazing summer, this post doesn't do it justice at all... I will miss camp, but am very thankful for opportunity I had to be a part of something so marvelous. Now on to the next great adventure :)