Introduction

Being away from my family and friends for the entire summer is something that I have grown accustomed to, given that I have found myself involved in summer camp ministry every year since I was too old to attend as a camper. The purpose of this newsletter is to keep my family (and any curious friends) informed about my life while I’m away. It’s a good way for me to organize my summer (because you would be surprised how much can really take place in 10 weeks) and to keep in touch with those I normally wouldn't have much time to contact throughout the week. The vast majority of the content of this writing was created late at night, after the day’s events have ended, when I actually have some free time to sit and type. My intention was to release an email newsletter out each Sunday to anyone interested in knowing what I’m doing out here. Unfortunately, I am not always in an area with WiFi connection, and so it may be difficult to turn these out on time. I will do my best to make additions as I write them and WiFi is available.

Mission Immersion 2006

From 2006 until the present, I have never missed a year of summer camp at Riverside Retreat. My first year as a counselor was in 2010 when I was 16, and I worked with 3^rd-5^th graders, which is the youngest age group our camp caters to. I worked with that particular age until 2013 when I was moved to the middle school group. This year, rather than being responsible for any one particular age category, I have been given the title of worship and lifeguard coordinator. This makes me more of an extra set of hands for any (and all) of the groups, which are all on the campus simultaneously. I will be present at each praise/worship event for all age groups, running the audio/visuals and making sure the service goes smoothly by collaborating and coordinating with the worship leaders and speakers. I will also be responsible to attend each water activity with every age group, and to coordinate the lifeguards between the pool and kayaking. I like the idea of being more flexible between age groups rather than stuck in one spot for the whole summer, and I expect everything to run well.