Dear future campers,

I don’t know anything about you yet, not even your name, but I already feel like I know you. We have a mutual love for the best place in the world — camp; the place where dreams come true, the place that’s closest to heaven on earth, the place that makes outsiders wonder how going to a large lot of land that serves cafeteria food for a week can possibly be the greatest seven days of our lives. Camp is my favorite place in the world, and I am elated beyond belief to help make it your favorite place in the whole world too. To put it simply, I am just so excited to meet you.

First of all, I want you to know that I, your counselor, am not some perfect human being of any kind. I am messy and broken. I’ve had my fair share of mistakes and I look forward to being 100 percent translucent and honest with you about them. I hope that through that you feel comfortable enough to open up to me about anything. I am here for you and want to have genuine conversations with you and give you all the advice and hugs that I can in our time together.

Second, I am so excited because I want to know your heart. I want to learn about what wakes you up in the mornings, what your pet peeves are, what your friends are like, and your most embarrassing moments. I want to get to engage in those intentional conversations that only happen when you are away from the real world and technology. I want to dig deeper and hear your biggest fears and your deepest secrets.

Most importantly, I can’t wait to learn about Jesus with you. He is going to do some big things in your heart and mine. I will be praying that God shows us brand new things while we are at camp and that we grow so much spiritually. And the truth is, coming home from camp is going to be the absolute worst. Not only because of how hard saying goodbye to each other will be, but also because you will be going back home to the brokenness of the real world. I will be praying that after camp, you do not lose your “camp high”; that your heart will scream and shout for Jesus.

Lastly, I want you to know that wherever your life takes you after camp, I will always love you and be here for you. Any time you wanna talk, I will only be one phone call, car ride, or text away. Even if it’s just to say “hi,” I will be there period.

If for some reason, I never do cross paths with you again after camp, keep these things in mind:

This world is going to insult your innocence, but whatever you do, do not grow up too fast.

Being the “it girl” is so overrated. Be yourself. God specifically designed you as you are. He makes no mistakes. Rest in knowing that.

Don’t lose touch with your camp friends. The friendships you make at camp are so special. Make an effort to keep up to date with their lives.

Stay in the word. The Bible is the only thing on this earth that is 100 percent true. It is what will keep you rooted in your faith. Always remember that your worst day with God is better than your best day without Him.

I’m counting down the days until I get to see you and your beautiful faces.

With all of my love,

Your camp counselor, friend and “Mom”

P.S.: Be prepared for me to beat you on the volleyball court. But also, get ready for the wildest adventure, the goofiest one-liners and the most irreplaceable memories of your life. And you better start working on your country dancing for Western night.