Dear Camp Staffer,

[I'm physically exhausted from our team reveal last night and all the hype surround the announcement. It got me thinking about how much I care for these staffers, and what a huge job they have this summer. So, I decided to try and share some wisdom with them, for what it's worth..]

Dear Camp Staffer, 

Congratulations! You are part of a very elite group of CentriKid staffers. But don't let that go to your head. God has called you to camp this summer, and it is hard work! Yes, even on a stationary team.

I pray that you sincerely love the kids you'll minister to this summer. You are a part of Kingdom work much bigger than just you, your team, or your locations. I hope that you come to camp wanting to know God more and to help kids understand what a BIG God we serve, and how incredible He really is!

Remember, it's not about you. It's not about you being the popular staffer on the team. It's not about meeting your spouse at camp. It's not about crossing this hurdle just so you can do something "bigger and better" in the future. It's not about your team being better than all the other CentriKid teams. It's really about God. Jesus. Holy Spirit. Kids. Salvation. Grace. Kingdom. Prayer. It's not about you -- it's about what God is doing in the lives of campers, leaders, and even staffers. It's about how GOD PROVIDES!

Be the glue on your team this summer, the one who holds the team together (not the scissors that cut it all apart). Resolve now to build God-honoring relationships with your brothers and sisters that you call teammates. Don't leave the summer with unresolved conflict, broken relationships, or hurt feelings (girls, that's you!) It's worth it to reconcile early and often. I promise. I speak from experience.

Respect your leaders. Love them and learn from them. Seek their wisdom. Value their feedback. They've been given the great challenge of leading you and helping you succeed this summer. Your leaders genuinely want to see you excel at camp! They are praying for you and your teammates as you prepare to serve, and they continue to pray for wisdom as they lead your team.

Come to camp as spiritually prepared as you know how. It's more important than any other preparation you can do. Be ready to have your world completely rocked... this summer will change your life. Never forget what a big God we serve!

Meredith

Thanks for reading. I'm beyond blessed to have been able to serve with this incredible ministry for so long! I'm very thankful for all my leaders who have helped me grow, given me great examples of Godly leadership, and given me a passion for what God is doing through camp! I welcome your camp wisdom... so comment and share.