Each week of summer, on the Thursday or Friday of camp, we ask the campers to take a minute at either breakfast or lunch to fill out comment cards, explaining to us what they liked, what they didn’t like, if there is something we can do better, something we can change, etc.
One of our favorite parts is going back and reading these comment cards. The stories that are shared are most times heart warming. Other times, they may be heart breaking. Either way, these stories and testimonies that the campers share are so beautiful because they are simply so pure and genuine.
Check out this short story from a camper from a couple summers ago.
“Camp Siloam is the best. This is my second year and I’m definitely coming back next year! Yes, all of the humbling verses, like James 4:10, Humble yourself before the Lord and He will lift you up, it made me realize I need to put others first more often and so instead of using all of my camp money on myself, I bought my brother something at the Hub (instead of a cute scarf I liked).”
Note that not only did this camper understand the scriptures and the need for change in their life to become less selfish, but this camper also acted on this understanding, taking a step and exhibiting kindness, putting in the effort to make a real change in their life.
How? By a simple act of love for their brother, who they purchased a souvenir for rather than buying an item for their self, because lets be honest, turning down that cute scarf is not an easy thing to do.
It’s amazing how a child can remind you of the beauty of God’s love for us and how we are to mimic that same love to those around us. As I challenge myself, I would like to also challenge you —our friends, our supporters, our family— as the holidays are near and it becomes easier to get caught up with the hustle and bustle of buying gifts, will you turn down that cute scarf for yourself and instead give to those around you?
If you or someone you know would like to help make it possible for children and youth who don’t have the funds, go to camp this summer, you can #GiveTheGiftofCamp through our online giving page!
Camp Siloam 