August 1st through August 5th was the most exciting, influential, and eye-opening week of my life. Through the heat, sweat and panic, Win-Shape Camps still managed to change my life for the better.
On day one I woke up dreading going to camp. I dreaded dealing with kids. I dreaded spending ten hours in the heat. Most of all, I dreaded waking up early. Nonetheless, I pulled myself out of bed and mentally prepared myself for the long day that was approaching. Coffee-less, I walked the mile-long sidewalk to the auditorium with the other volunteers so we could start the day off right with a morning devotion.
Thirty minutes later I was busy untangling a pool of nametags. Kids bounced impatiently, waiting on me to hand them their key to the glorious …show more content…
I walked in and stopped abruptly, halting busy traffic. This scene was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Music blasted singing out from the speakers and echoing off of the walls of the auditorium. Shouts filled the room, overpowering the upbeat tunes, as kids, staff, and volunteers cheered for their villages. Lights flashed all around the room revealing huge signs for only split seconds at a time. This scene was a gigantic dance party, and everyone seemingly enjoyed themselves regardless of how familiar they were with the experience or who they were beside. Typically, I joined in. I chanted my village name with my group of kids alongside me, following suit, and I already knew I had misjudged this camp.
The week zoomed on and day by day I participated in sports, yard games, and leadership activities amid different kids. I was able to build lasting connections and make memories that I will cherish forever. After relations began fostering between me and the children, I was presented the opportunity to share my testimony with them. I expressed hardships I had faced, how I overcame those hardships, and started making lasting impressions on these young people. Soon after they clung to me. They asked me questions and we all shared stories. They were the younger siblings I was never privileged to
On day one I woke up dreading going to camp. I dreaded dealing with kids. I dreaded spending ten hours in the heat. Most of all, I dreaded waking up early. Nonetheless, I pulled myself out of bed and mentally prepared myself for the long day that was approaching. Coffee-less, I walked the mile-long sidewalk to the auditorium with the other volunteers so we could start the day off right with a morning devotion.
Thirty minutes later I was busy untangling a pool of nametags. Kids bounced impatiently, waiting on me to hand them their key to the glorious …show more content…
I walked in and stopped abruptly, halting busy traffic. This scene was like nothing I had ever experienced before. Music blasted singing out from the speakers and echoing off of the walls of the auditorium. Shouts filled the room, overpowering the upbeat tunes, as kids, staff, and volunteers cheered for their villages. Lights flashed all around the room revealing huge signs for only split seconds at a time. This scene was a gigantic dance party, and everyone seemingly enjoyed themselves regardless of how familiar they were with the experience or who they were beside. Typically, I joined in. I chanted my village name with my group of kids alongside me, following suit, and I already knew I had misjudged this camp.
The week zoomed on and day by day I participated in sports, yard games, and leadership activities amid different kids. I was able to build lasting connections and make memories that I will cherish forever. After relations began fostering between me and the children, I was presented the opportunity to share my testimony with them. I expressed hardships I had faced, how I overcame those hardships, and started making lasting impressions on these young people. Soon after they clung to me. They asked me questions and we all shared stories. They were the younger siblings I was never privileged to