Camp!

I had the pleasure of returning to Camp Ridgecrest last week to work starter camp. I had worked the previous two summers there and wish I could have returned for a third time. Unfortunately, the real world has to hit eventually, as interviewing for a job took priority. I think it is great that Ridgecrest allows former staffers to come work the last week of camp. Starter camp is unique in the fact that every child who enters through the front gate is doing so for the first time. I love the fact that they all start on the same foot, exploring camp's grounds together while forming friendships that may last a lifetime! This also makes for a great cabin atmosphere, as no camper tries to be a bully and pull rank.

I was also excited to hear that I would be working with a good friend from the previous summer, Steven Fuller. We also had a third staffer in our cabin, Carl Gidley, who I ended up getting along with really well. The day before the kids came, I enjoyed listening to Steven, Carl, and the other staff tell stories from the summer. We all went down to Asheville for dinner that night which was a highly enjoyable experience. It seems like they really had a great staff this summer who were committed to bringing the message of Christ to their kids! Once the campers arrived on Sunday morning, things sure picked up!

My favorite part of the week was the camp out. I had not been camping since the previous summer and enjoyed relaxing in my hammock while the kids played by the stream. Starting a campfire is also a favorite, as we roasted hot dogs and told stories by its side. The rest of the week was full of fun including sock war, counsel ring, and lots of free swim time! I really bonded with my campers and had some great discussions with them about Christ. Two of my campers told me that they accepted Christ for the first time. It is my prayer that they will continue to grow in their faith and come back to camp next summer with a strong desire to learn more.

Another great part of starter camp is getting to hang out with the staff. One of my friends from Virginia Tech, Scott Suggs, also returned to work for the week. It I never had the privilege of working with him for a full summer, but it is always nice to see him in his element at camp. Many other staffers from the last two years were also there. After the kids left on Friday, a group of us played a round of Frisbee golf before departing. I played on a team with Scott, and up until the final hole, was not faring too well. On the tie breaking hole, I had the shot of my life as I hit the pole from about 35 yards away! It was a fitting ending to a fantastic week. Camp Ridgecrest is truly a special place and one that will always hold a place in my heart. God continues to work in a mighty way there and I look forward to seeing him continue to do so in the future.

Carl and I along with our campers

Preparing for Council Ring!

Goofy shot

With one of the campers from Cabin 1

Cabin 8 together for one last time before parents arrived

On my way back to Blacksburg, I was able to stop in Charlotte and catch up with some close friends. Three years ago I worked an engineering internship there and formed some strong relationships with people from Southbrook Church. I had dinner on Friday night with my friends Sara and Amanda. It was great to hear what God has been doing in their lives. Then on Saturday I stopped by my friend Justin's new house. He is getting married in six weeks! I am so excited for him and his fiance Tiffany. Finally, I spent a day with the Appletons. Mark and Leah were the associate directors of the BCM during my time at Virginia Tech. I don't think there were many other people who had as large an impact on my college life than them. They are now in Charlotte as Mark works towards his seminary degree and Leah stays at home with their 2-year old daughter Abigail. We had a great time in fellowship together and I was sad to leave on Sunday afternoon. I hope to see them again soon!

Now I am back in Blacksburg and ready to start new teacher orientation on Monday! It is hard to believe that I am finally beginning my career. I am both excited and nervous at the same time, and will be praying that God provides me with a good support system and kids who are willing to learn! I know that He is in control and will give me the strength to overcome any obstacles that may come my way. I will keep y'all updated once the students arrive!