I love working at summer camps. I am passionate about sharing Christ with kids like Christ was shared with me. Working at United Methodist Camp Tekoa has given me a completely new outlook on what camping ministry can be. While serving my time, I have learned, laughed, loved, and lamented at Tekoa. Although I will never be able to share all of the reasons why I am forever changed and forever thankful.
Overall
The administrative staff
Looking at their pictures below, you wouldn’t think that these are the two guys behind the function of Camp Tekoa. James Johnson, director of 20 years and in the green shirt, and John Isley, assistant director of four years and in the purple, are two guys that have served a huge role in the development of the person I am now. They have taught me more than I ever could have imagined, including everything I need to know from kitchen food orders to bus scheduling for the entire summer.
Those things are all great, but more importantly these guys have taught me to love myself, understand that I have worth, and that my life matters. They have listened when I needed to talk about my short comings and my struggles, and they have loved me even when it was hard to do so. I am forever thankful for my time with them.
Summer staff
I never actually believed it when they said that some of the people I would work with at Tekoa would end up being some of the greatest friends that I would make in life. It wasn’t until I experienced life with them that I began to understand. Very soon after arriving at camp, I realized that I would be changed by these people. So many stories and so much laughter has been shared. There have been tears shed and hearts broken. All those things are great and have a place and a time, but the greatest thing that I have received from the summer staff is the love of Christ. On paper it doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t make sense for around 85 people to be shoved together in close quarters, forced to get to know and like each other, and at the end are expected to be able to work together well for twelve weeks. Yet, somehow the Lord makes it happen. Every summer He orchestrates a staff that makes it happen.
Campers
Tekoa would not be Tekoa if there were no campers. They are the sole reason that every week I give everything that I have in me. I am passionate about camp ministries, and Camp Tekoa has added fuel to that passion to serve campers. Throughout the summer, there are nearly 3,500 children and teenagers that are able to experience an adventure camp with Jesus mixed in the middle of it. Tekoa has offered several opportunities to serve different kinds of people that I never thought I would. Along with the residential and adventure campers, Barnabas week allowed me to work with adults with developmental disabilities, while Camp Opportunity week allowed me to work with children in the South Carolina foster care system. Every camper brings joy and happiness, but also challenges. Through it all there is the same goal. The goal of touching hearts, changing lives, and sharing the light of Christ.
Specifics
Spiritual development
Working at Tekoa has served as a key influence in my spiritual development over the past few years. Working somewhere that is as beautiful as Tekoa makes you realize that God is everywhere; He is in every person, every tree, and the wind that blows across the water. Being immersed in a community of believers has been a blessing in disguise. Going into my first year, I prayed that the Lord would be faithful throughout the summer and without a doubt, He was. The Lord has not only shown me what the body of Christ is supposed to look like, but also how it is supposed to function. The Lord is forever faithful and my time at Tekoa has proved that over and over again.
Tradition
Like any other camp, Tekoa has traditions. There is the camp song, the blessings that are sung before meals, playing Swamp Canoes, the talent shows, zip lines and the memorable candle light service on the last night of camp. All of these things are what make Tekoa the special place that it is. Campers come from all over to experience what their parents and grandparents experienced so long ago.
Support system
Working at any camp, not just Tekoa, can be an exhausting experience. Having campers present 24/6 gives you a new understanding of what you are capable of and the strength and grace that you possess. Even though it is hard work, I love it. Being a part of the Tekoa staff taught me that it is okay to need to lean on everyone else every now and then. It taught me that I am not a super hero and I not able to do everything on my own. I need help from my camp family; I need their support. The great thing is that we have each other. We truly take to heart Galatians 6:2, “Bear one another’s burdens.”
Being pushed out of my comfort zone
I cannot emphasize enough how much this part of my Tekoa experience has changed my life. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone in more ways than I thought possible. Not only have I been challenged spiritually, like stated above, but also physically. When I say physically, I am referring to working on the adventure elements and off site trips that I was able to participate in. Whether it was at camp on zip lines, the rock wall, or high ropes, or off site repelling down the side of a mountain, I was challenged to believe in myself as a reliable and well-trained facilitator.
