Working at a camp is so much more than just babysitting kids all week and making sure they have fun. I got to work with campers of all ages, ranging from young children with their parents to adults with disabilities. Although I was the one teaching them, they taught me just as much, both serious and silly.

1. Prayer doesn’t require perfectly crafted words.

God wants to hear from you, the real you, without any filters or bravado. That means that standing in the middle of the lake during swim time or simply looking out at everything God has made are perfect opportunities to pray and talk to God. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy, just tell God what’s on your heart.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. -1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

2. Sometimes you just need a nap.

Does this even require an explanation? Go forth and get some rest. It’s good for you.

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3. You can’t just talk at people about your faith; it’s a conversation, not a monologue.

At camp, we had simulations that required kids to share their faith with people who needed to hear God’s Word, whether they’re Roman guards or troubled characters they may encounter in their own lives. Some campers didn’t take it seriously and had to be reminded that there was something to be learned from the experience. Others, however, blew me away with their patient explanations of God’s promises and their gentle offers to pray with and for me and everything my character was going through.

4. Boys are gross until they’re at least 35. At that point, some never recover from cooties, but some are alright.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that kids say the darnedest things. The girls in my cabin solemnly explained this little nugget of wisdom to me on the first day of camp during 4-6 grade week. I was amused.

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5. Kids deal with real stress, as well.

It can be easy to think that the problems we encounter as adults are so much more stressful than children could understand, but bullying, broken families and abuse have real consequences, and that’s a daily reality for a lot of kids.

6. Petting cute animals takes priority over all other plans.

When there’s a soft kitty named Twinkle 50 feet away, you herd around her first and ask questions about the schedule later.

7. Brutal honesty is not always the best policy.

You don’t tell people their teeth are still yellow after they’ve been brushing for five whole minutes, even if it’s true.

8. Stop taking yourself so seriously. Get out of your comfort zone, be silly and just have fun.

Who cares what anyone thinks about you? Going all out and being thoroughly goofy makes everything that much more fun and memorable. Plus, the kids love it, so why not?