Teen In Training

Timm came back from camp on Friday night. As a twelve year old, I was not worried that he would be homesick or be good, or even have fun. He has trouble (especially at school) keeping his mouth closed and his thoughts to himself. He has no problem telling people what he thinks, no matter the consequences. It's a gift and a curse.

Well, this year, he apparently was promoted. Being the oldest camper on his team, he was asked to step up to the challenge of helping as a "Teen faculty member". From what has been told to Mike and I, Timm really did a great job. He helped lead his team, he talked with two boys who actually came forward and were to be baptized at their home church, he did an outstanding job! Mike and I really proud of the job that he did. He was called to help and he met it head-on with no problem.

As a reward of being a "Teen", Timm got to stay up a little later a couple of nights. The best night was when all the faculty went out to the zip line and rode it at night. Now it gets pretty dark in the valley at Butler Springs. So going up into the woods, climbing up the stand and riding that little thin wire and harnesses at night would be a faith-builder. Timm said that all they had was a glow stick and you could see your objective, the circle at the other end. You push off and down you go, into the darkened night, not sure of where you are, what is below you, and wondering why you decided to do this crazy thing. Can't you just close your eyes and imagine gliding down at a very fast rate, the wind coming at you and then a sudden stop? It must be exhilarating!

Timm loved that he was called on to be a helper. I asked him if he now understood what it means to be a counsellor at camp. He said "I do and I am going back next year as a teen helper."

Maybe I will go with him next year. I want to see my children become courageous and faithful helpers, shining their light before God and men.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.
2 Thessalonians 1:3 We ought always to thank God for you, brothers, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love every one of you has for each other is increasing.