Avalanche

It's interesting that the theme of our first camp is Avalanche, when your world comes crashing down upon you. During the last week, I have been stressed, and pushed to the edge mentally, physically, and spiritually. I am learning that I just need to take the leap into the unknown and work with what I have in my life today. As the weekend of our first winter camp approaches, I have been slowly preparing recreation games and activities for the middle school students. Meanwhile, I have been creating a summer staff manual and corresponding with youth pastors. I am trying to spend my off hours relaxing because of how hectic everything is within this youth camp profession.

The mission of this organization is to create a "life changing experience" for the visitors that come to the location. In order for us to create this unique experience, we must create recreation activites that are new, exciting, and effective in building relationships. My role as the program intern is to create these unique recreational activities. I have created several competition games that allow for students to compete in teams, which allows them to not only have fun in participating in the activities as a group, but also remove them from the possibly stressful atmospheres of school, family life, and work.

Everyday I learn how I am just a tool or piece of the complex puzzle that is the staff of United Christian Youth Camp. I remember everyday that this is a serving ministry that impacts the lives of others and anything that I can do to make someone else's experience more comfortable then I should do it. Since living in Prescott for the last few weeks, it has been hard to adjust to the new living situations and being away from known acquaintances, but I have quickly adapted by becoming involved in recreational activities, the surrounding community, and building friendships with other staff members.