Letter to My Staff

Dear 2008 Staff,

As our adventure comes to a close, I wanted to take a moment to share a few thoughts with you. It feels like just a moment ago, you were arriving to camp (many of you during one of the many May/June power outages), and singing our way through training (does everyone remember where your duck is?). The summer has been filled with laughter, fun, friendship, prayer, crazy campers, sunshine, singing, games and weekend adventures. There were some tough moments, some moments that seemed to drag on, but OHMYGOSH, it flew by and I am sad to see the end!

I want to thank you for your hard work this summer, but I don’t know if there are words that can truly do my feelings justice. A simple, “thank you, you worked really hard” doesn’t even skim the surface. Working at camp isn’t a normal job (I think you’ve all figured that out at this point). It is an intense, emotionally demanding, nonstop, exhausting, life experience. I have not only asked you to follow directions and do assigned tasks, but also to give your energy, be creative, build relationships, care, pray, love, be patient, be flexible, have a sense of humor… and to do this with little rest, few breaks, and after cold showers. I know it has not always been easy. And yet, I have rarely heard complaints, and everyone, all the time, didn’t just do what was asked, but managed to blow me away with your kindness, your willingness to help and your beautiful spirit.

I firmly believe that when we talk about changing lives through camp, it is not because of the activities or the fancy facilities, but because of the feeling kids experience when they are surrounded by positive people, who have a focus on fun, kindness, care, and encouragement. To feel truly cared about, and that you matter, and that there are people who want to help you seems to be the standard with all of you, but is unique to the rest of the world. To be surrounded by that kind of energy bathes your soul in a golden light that changes anyone who has the opportunity to experience it. I know that the campers who came here this summer left with that feeling, but they weren’t the only ones whose lives you so deeply affected.

This summer was challenging for me in so many ways. This was my first year at overnight camp, and I ended up doing the job of 2 people, when in reality, I even sure if I was ready for the job I’d been hired for. I came into this experience expecting to be led, expecting to learn, and finding out that I was going to be on my own was frightening and overwhelming. I know that all of you came in with expectations as well, and because of the situation, were asked to help out in roles you didn’t expect to play. Each day, sometimes multiple times I day, I was impressed/thankful/relieved/overwhelmed near tears with gratitude towards one, some or all of you for something wonderful that you did. I know many of you gave up breaks, worked on your night off, and took on responsibilities that were not originally intended for you. Please know that I felt and appreciated each sacrifice you made. If anyone ever asks you, “have you ever changed someone’s life?” you can tell them “yes.” because without all of you, I wouldn’t have made it through this summer.

How do I put such gratitude into words? Are there words to express my appreciation? You didn’t just work this summer, you shared yourself; you released your spirit and let it grace those around you. You were a living rainbow, spreading beauty and happiness with each idea you had and each time you opened up your heart to lead a song, skit, prayer, cheer or activity. Thank you for that. Thank you for being here at CAMP. Thank you for touching my life, thank you for touching the lives of the campers you were entrusted. I appreciate it, the parents of the campers appreciate it and the campers themselves appreciate it. None of us can adequately put into words what you gave us, but know that your presence here mattered.

Please know that you are always welcome back at CAMP (as staff or just as a visitor passing through). Likewise, you are always welcome in my life, so if you are in BIG CITY and need someone to take you out to lunch, or need someone to call on the phone, know that I will always be there for you. You will be in my thoughts and in my heart and I wish nothing but the best for all of you in the coming year and beyond.

Thank you.