The Ups and the Downs

I did not think he was that much heavier than me. He was definitely taller and well built. I told my instructor that I would just take it as it came. Well he came. He stepped off the 30 foot pole and as he came down, I went up. My instructor laughed. Each time I let Ben down a little, my rope would tighten and I would go back up in the air. My instructor said he had never seen a moonwalk like ours.

I have been at Camp Timber-lee in Wisconsin for two weeks now. These have been filled with serious learning experiences, but also laughter. The above episode was part of my belay training for the high ropes course. Other parts of my training have included "emergency take-downs" from at least 30 feet in the air, tying lots of knots, shooting arrows, and repelling off of really tall towers. I have been humbled at each step but have enjoyed almost every moment of my training.

We have not only had department training but also very thorough sessions for general stuff, like how to create community and properly love and discipline kids. We were challenged every night in chapel to start creating this community, by praying for each other, washing each others' feet, and serving our co-workers the sacraments. The atmosphere here is directed toward Christ centered community. I have felt Christ's love ever since being here at camp Timber-lee.

This week we had our first campers. The camp is only half full of campers and no one scheduled high-ropes or rock wall sessions. Instead, I spent my day playing kickball, drawing, working the snack shop, and cleaning up vomit. Cleaning up vomit has become a new-found talent for me. People have sought me out to perform this talent. Who would have thought?

The rest of the week I was able to practice what I came here to do – high ropes and rock wall. I have already been able to see the magic of both at work. One ten year old boy was so afraid of heights that he froze while climbing up to the ropes course. After getting him down and talking a bit, we became good buddies. Another girl who was also afraid of heights climbed all the way up to top of our 30 foot wall. It is amazing to see kids gain confidence in themselves as they climb. The group becomes closer as well because they are all cheering the climber on. Sometimes we get to talk about trust afterwards as well.

Another part of Junior camp is the Evasion Game. The wilderness boys get to practice the survival skills they have learned through a simulation the staff put on. A girl gets kidnapped and the little boys have to go rescue her. I was able to be one of the "Others" or "bad guys." It was fun to see the boys get excited and use their skills and imagination . . .something that you don't see boys do very often any more.

And now the week is done… I said "goodbye" to my little high-ropes friend this morning. He looked like he was going to cry. I just pray I made a positive impact on his life.

And life continues…New kids come in tomorrow. In the mean time I am going to do laundry and catch up with friends!

As for you, I hope that God is blessing you this summer, wherever you are!