I have always loved the account out of the Gospel of Luke, where Jesus sends out his twelve disciples. “And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure disease, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal.”—Luke 9:1-2. Just a few chapters earlier in Luke 5:10-11, Jesus was calling his first disciples, saying to them, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will be catching men. And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.” The twelve were called by Jesus, followed Jesus, listened to his teachings, and encountered His miracles—healing physical & spiritual ailments, casting out demons, turning water into wine. Now Jesus says, “Now it’s your turn. Go and do the things I have been doing and proclaim the Kingdom of God.”
Each summer, in the Options Department, we have the opportunity to develop UIF high school students just as Jesus did with His disciples, by hiring a High School Staff to work at Summer Day Camp. In doing so, we have the unique ability to develop our students personally, professionally, and spiritually. This summer we hired six students, all of whom had grown up going to Summer Day Camp. It was also the first time many of them had been employed. As I interviewed Miyha, Dre, Teddy, Imani, Nahzeyia, and Kierra, they all shared their own experiences as campers and the impact Camp had on their personal faith. They spoke passionately about their desire to play a role in influencing current campers.
This summer, the High School Staff learned what it means to be servant leaders. They did many behind-the-scenes custodial tasks that allow Summer Day Camp to run smoothly. They delivered meals, took out the trash, helped with clean-up, set up for games and activities, and frequently filled in as counselors. In addition to their work responsibilities, we studied the theme of discipleship in the Gospel of Mark and completed several Options assignments like creating resumes, setting goals, completing a strength finder assessment, and making accounts on the College Board website. Though not always glamorous, the work these high school students did allow the camp to run, ministry to happen, and young lives to be transformed by the saving power of the Gospel. Here are quotes from a few of our High School Staff about their experience this summer:
Being a part of High School Staff, and occasionally stepping in as a Camp Counselor, has taught me about my own qualities. As a junior who wants to major in Education, working at Summer Day Camp has let me experience scenarios where flexibility is key. It also let me spread the word about God and experience first-hand the mini-miracles He works every day. – Miyha
This summer felt like a moment of worship and learning different things. I was able to build different bonds with the kids, interns, and other staff. It was amazing to learn the true meaning of my testimony & share my testimony with the campers. I saw God working through me and others to encourage the kids to focus on their true belief in God, to understand that they are here for a purpose and that God loves them. – Drevon
This summer, I definitely liked being on High School Staff. I feel like I got closer with a lot of the campers. I saw God work through me because there were a lot of hard times where I wanted to give up, but He filled me with His patience and love to get me through the summer. – Kierra
I enjoyed being a part of the High School Staff this summer. One thing that I learned is how to work better with a team. – Teddy