My First Day as Staff at Camp Squeah

As a camper I admired Camp Squeah. The friendly staff, beautiful surrounding nature, the presence of God, and the summer season created a wonderful environment to be in. I always looked up to my counselors when I was younger and I knew that one day I wanted to be a counsellor as well. I wanted to experience what they were experiencing a be a part of that team.

Before I knew it, I was old enough to apply to work at camp. I emailed in my application with high hopes for the summer. I had done the Junior Leadership Training (JLT) course the summer before, so I knew a bit of behind the scenes work already and I knew my way around from all those years as a camper. I was ready to serve God that summer.

During my interview with the camp program director in the spring, it was mentioned that I was still fairly young, and therefore I might not get to be a co-counsellor, like I had hoped for. I really love working with children and that is why I wanted that position. After the interview, I was somewhat upset or discouraged about the way that my summer might turn out. I wasn't sure what to expect now.

In June, I found out that I was accepted into work crew at Camp Squeah. I wasn't sure what work crew was, or what it entailed. There was no job description, but I figured that wherever God leads me, I should go. If I was needed in work crew instead of co-counseling, I'd be willing. Then it was time to pack and head off to camp...

The days before going up to camp, I was really nervous. I didn't know what kind of work I would be doing there or what to expect. Most of the staff there were older than me, and I would be one of the youngest. Also, staff there from previous year would already have their friends, and I didn't know how I would fit into the staff group.

During the drive up to camp I was somewhat anxious of what I'd be doing, and who I would meet. But as soon as I got out of our SUV and I walked into the lodge, I was welcomed with warm smiles and open arms. Four other people from my JLT program were there, so I knew some people. Also, I recognized and knew some people who were on staff from previous years.

I got to know all the staff and made many new friends. Some people I worked with on work crew that summer I still get together with now and on weekends. Working at camp in the summer was SO MUCH FUN and I can't imagine not having many of those friends now. We had many laughs during our work there, and working has never been so fun in my life!!

It didn't matter whether we were clearing trails, stacking firewood, cleaning bathrooms, doing dishes, or hiking all over the mountain to take down the campsites at the end of summer... we made every job given to us a pleasure and we always had something to laugh at. I am very close to these friends, and I am so glad that a few of them attend my school as well. My nervousness at the beginning had quickly passed once I met all these new wonderful people!! I look forward to going back to Camp Squeah again this summer. =)