Report 10

Staff Interview with Danielle Hedgepeth

1. When and how were you “called” into ministry—how did it come to you? (a voice from God? a growing certainty, How?

I was a camper and then a counselor in training and had a desire to further my ministry and a vision to get more campers to come to camp and the job was available. After receiving from camp I wanted to give back.

2. What is your favorite task in ministry—what do you like doing the most? Why?

Leading activities such as Outdoor Living Skills and teaching because I get satisfaction from seeing the kids learn and I like the challenge of helping them get it.

3. What is your least favorite task—the things you like doing the least in ministry? Why?

Hunting down paperwork in the middle of the summer and dealing with conflict especially when it is staff related.

4. What has been the hardest part of being in ministry in your life so far?

Balancing work and family, not letting it consume me and not wanting to deal with people anymore when the job is all people oriented.

5. What is the most rewarding part of your ministry so far?

Seeing people grow and learn and being a part of it.

6. What advantages do you have being a woman in ministry? Disadvantages?

I am more able to lead women because I am a woman but I don’t think I have advantages because I am a woman, only because they are things I can do well. Yet as a woman I want to take care of everyone and it’s not as easy for women to balance family and ministry since they are the primary caretaker of the household.

7. In what ways do you see leadership as a part of your ministry?

Being an example, thinking about others first and how I can empower them and not just do it all myself even if it may be easier. I need to think about the people and not the program.

8. What are some key areas to keep in mind when actively involved in ministry?

It is God’s work, I am responsible for my part but He is the one who is doing it. Also, trusting everything to Him and not trying to do it on your own.

9. What are some areas in my ministry I do well with? What can I improve on?

You are good with working with the kids, being willing to be there, and you have improved greatly in your confidence. But I still think your confidence can still improve.

10. What questions should I have asked you that would help me understand ministry better? (include answer.)

Have you thought about what you want to do as a youth minister?

I want to either work in a church as a youth pastor, a residential home, or an orphanage/girl’s home.

Reflection

After talking to my Assistant Director, Danielle Hedgepeth, I was encouraged to know that my confidence has greatly improved since last year. I still struggle to show this confidence in my practicums at churches because it is hard to know where I fit in, in the ministry. I am not the one in control or responsible for the youth, so I do not step out of my comfort zone as much. However, when I am at camp it is so much easier to do this because I have a group of girls assigned to me and I am responsible for them. Also, I was glad to see that her call to ministry was gradual as well because I myself never had a huge revelation about it. I just keep being reminded that this is what God wants me to do. This summer helped me significantly to know that I am called to youth ministry. Yet I still need to figure out where I am called and was glad when Danielle asked me what I wanted to do. I have many options and I need to start praying about them and listening for God to call me in one direction. And as a woman, I know that it will be difficult once again to balance my time especially since I plan on having a family. I have always known that I have been called to be a mother and I hope that when this happens, I will still be able to be effective in my ministry. It was also nice to be reminded that nothing I do is changing the lives of youth; I can be a part of it but ultimately it is God doing the work.

Report 9

Staff Interview with Nancy Halliday

1. When and how were you “called” into ministry—how did it come to you? (a voice from God? a growing certainty, How?

Gradual Realization, one thing led to another

2. What is your favorite task in ministry—what do you like doing the most? Why?

Teaching because it is God’s gift to me and I like to see people grow and see the light bulb come on.

3. What is your least favorite task—the things you like doing the least in ministry? Why?

Talking to people on the phone because it can be frustrating and I am introverted and do not prefer it.

4. What has been the hardest part of being in ministry in your life so far?

Balancing everything while I am working full-time.

5. What is the most rewarding part of your ministry so far?

Seeing kids and staff make progress in their walk with God.

6. What advantages do you have being a woman in ministry? Disadvantages?

Woman tend to have a better learning curve and work together pretty easily and are great with building teams. Yet they tend to have to work harder to prove themselves to be in authority because of the authority structure we have in our culture.

7. In what ways do you see leadership as a part of your ministry?

I have to provide leadership for the staff and plan, delegate, control, stay true to the mission, and set the culture for camp. There is a lot of pressure when making decisions because my word is usually the last word but I myself like to make shared decisions.

8. What are some key areas to keep in mind when actively involved in ministry?

Keep your relationship with God fresh, always be growing and listening to Him all the time and what He wants. Take care of your spiritual journey or you won’t have any resources for God to bless.

9. What are some areas in my ministry I do well with? What can I improve on?

You do well with relating to the kids and working with them. You are a willing worker and aren’t afraid to jump in to help, I always get a positive response when watching you. And if you work on stuff with your mother that will definitely benefit you personally and in the Ministry.

10. What questions should I have asked you that would help me understand ministry better? (include answer.)

None

Reflection

After interviewing the director of the camp Nancy Halliday, I was reminded how important it is to be able to balance our time as ministers. I know that that is already something I need to work on and will probably always have to keep in mind. I also liked her answer for the most rewarding part of ministry. I myself love to see the youth grow in their faith. But for me, I really enjoy building the relationships with the youth and being able to teach them things they have not thought about before. I wanted to ask about women in ministry simply because she is a woman of God and I am a woman going into ministry. I know that there will be advantages and perhaps more disadvantages due to today’s culture. Nancy did mention that we as woman do tend to have to prove ourselves a little more than men. However, I hope to study more of God’s word and learn what it means to be a woman in ministry and find confidence that God will use me whether I am a man or woman. I also very much agree with the key areas she mentioned and believe that this summer I was very focused on those things. I don’t think I could have given her a positive response if I hadn’t. I hope to remember to always rely on God in my ministry and not get stuck going through the motions.

Report 8

Record of Ministry Activities
8/9/09 ½ hour Worship, 2 hours practice/lead worship, 1 hour games, ½ hour devotions
8/10/09 ½ hour divisional meeting
8/11/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Tuck Shop, 1 hour Bible Ex, 2 hour cookout, 1 hour ice cream social/worship, ½ hour devotions
8/12/09 ½ hour divisional meeting, 1 hour tuck shop, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour games, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions
8/13/09 1 hour supervise cabins, 1 hour Bible Ex, ½ hour devotions
8/14/09 1 hour horse show, 1 hour drama performance, 1 hour meet father/daughters, 1 hour games
8/15/09 1 ½ hour cookout, 1 hour Worship, 1 hour High ropes, 1 hour low ropes
8/16/09 1 hour hiking, all day close down camp and go home

Personal Reflection
This week was a bit different than the rest. We got a new schedule everyday instead of just one for the week. We had mini-camp for 3 days and then Performing Arts and Equestrian camp the whole week at the same time. The Fathers and Daughters came in the middle of the week and then a new group of them on the weekend. I had girls again this week. It was a bit hard going back to the younger girls after being with the older ones for a week. But I just had to remember that we would not have the older girls at camp if no one was there to minister to them when they are young. I was very tired this week too and I wanted to enjoy it as best I could but it was hard. I kept complaining and I had to keep telling myself to shut my mouth. I also didn’t get as much time to spend with my girls because they were busy working on the play they were going to perform at the end of the week. So it was hard to really get to know them and learn to love them. But I tried to do my best at the meals and be enthusiastic and goofy with them. We also had many close down jobs throughout the week. I had to scrub the scum off the bottom of a sailing dock. Talk about gross. I was reminded that Ministry does not always involve preaching and teaching people. There’s the dirty work to be done too. I wanted to take this opportunity to work willingly at whatever I do and not complain and just get the job done. I even went to scrub by myself when it was my free time. I wanted to actually do something even when I wasn’t obligated to. I want to remember this so that I can remember to minister to others even when it’s not my “job.” I want to take this attitude with me in my ministry. But I do need to be careful not to overdo it and learn to balance my time wisely too. There is a time to rest too, and that is what I am going to do when I get home for sure.

Spiritual Reflection
I was tired this week. Not just physically but spiritually as well. I knew Satan was trying to weasel his way in too because of this one lady I had to work with. She was just volunteering for the week and her daughter was in my cabin. She kept commenting on how I was grumpy and unenthusiastic. It hurt because I was trying my best to not be those things and I really didn’t think I was. But my friend reminded me that she was fresh and we had been there 8 weeks already. She told me not to let her get to me and to just keep depending on God for strength; just give Him what I have left and let Him do the rest. After that, the rest of the week went really well. And I had to repeat those same words to my friend later when she was feeling the same. But we made it through and God was still glorified. My goal that week was to finish strong like it said in my devotional book. Because those people that we remember most are those who finished the race strong and did not give up no matter how tired they were (Acts 20:24 and 2 Cor. 4:1). I also learned to listen to God better this week. I did not want to go home when camp was done. I wanted to hitch rides to different peoples houses. But I knew that if I did not go home I would not be able to accomplish the goals I made last week. It took a lot of strength to obey God once I knew the answer. I hope to keep listening for His voice consistently throughout my life because He knows what is best for me and I want to follow His perfect will.

Report 7

Record of Ministry Activities

8/2/09 2 hours practicing/leading Worship, 4 hours getting acquainted w/ campers, ½ hour devotions

8/3/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour planning Bible Ex, 1 hour games, ½ hour message, ½ hour devotions

8/4/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Planning Bible Ex, 1 hour supervise game area, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 2 hour cookout, 1 hour Ice cream social/worship, ½ hour devotions

8/5/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Planning Bible Ex, 1 hour supervise game area, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions

8/6/09 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Planning Bible Ex, 1 hour supervise game area, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour counselor hunt, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions

8/7/09 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Planning Bible Ex, 1 hour supervise game area, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour sharing time, ½ hour devotions

8/8/09 ½ hour Bible Study, ½ hour Goodbye circle

Personal Reflection

This week was probably my favorite ever. I really enjoyed being with the older girls. It was easier to share my heart with them because I knew they would understand what I was talking about more and be able to relate to it more. I also think it was easier because I was their age (high school) when I became saved so I had more experiences of my own to share about the things they were struggling with. I really feel like this group took in all that I taught and really learned to apply Scripture to their lives instead of just reading it. They were encouraging to me because they were so young yet had a great desire to draw closer to God. There were times however, that I was not sure how much I should share. Sometimes if we share too much they may think I am more their friend than an authority figure. And I noticed that the longer campers stay at camp, even if I am not their counselor, the clingier they become. I don’t know how I can prevent this because in the Ministry I know that I will be with the youth for a long time and I want to make sure there is the proper space between us. I want to know what the proper space actually is too.

 

Spiritual Reflection

This week I felt that I really relied on God for everything. I really trusted Him and let Him speak through me. On Monday I shared my message on purity again but I was able to go deeper. I felt like God spoke through me all week because I would come out with these great ideas and thoughts that I didn’t even have written in my plans. It was great. I felt that the Holy Spirit was truly flowing through me. And at the end of the week, one of the girls whispered in my ear that I was her most influential counselor. This was extremely encouraging, yet I need to remember that it was not me at all, it was God. Also, this week one of my friends was struggling with humility and the fact that I had changed a lot this summer but she didn’t feel like she had. That right there almost made me prideful but I needed to remember that I did not do any of it. It was by God’s grace. But I am thankful that I can now be a better spiritual leader for those who aren’t under me in the Lord. God has really taught me some things this summer and I hope to take them home with me. I have four goals for when I go home. One is to ask my brother what He believes in and discuss salvation with him, the second is to ask my Dad why he has fallen away from the faith, the third is to work on my relationship with my mom and pray for her without doubting, and the fourth is to read parts of the Bible I don’t really know about and study them. I plan on telling my accountability partner to make sure I actually follow through on these. 

    

Report 6

Record of Ministry Activities
7/26/09 2 hours practice/leading worship, 3 hours getting acquainted w/ campers, ½ hour devotions
7/27/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 ½ hour supervise beaches, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, ½ hour songfest, ½ devotions
7/28/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Hiking, 1 ½ hour supervise beaches, 2 hour cookout, 1 hour skits
7/29/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Hiking, 1 hour Lunch Hike, ½ hour supervising beaches
7/30/09 ½ hour rest time, 1 ½ hour supervising beaches, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions
7/31/09 1 hour Hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, ½ hour supervise rest time, 1 ½ hour supervise beaches, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions
8/1/09 ½ hour Bible Study, ½ hour Goodbye Circle

Personal Reflection
This week was pretty rough. I was expecting a break since the campers in leadership training (cilts) were doing their live-ins. They pretty much take over your cabin for two days. However, I ended up getting sick with a sinus infection and had to rest every chance I got so I did not get all that I needed to do done. Even so, I regained my strength the last couple of nights so I could finish the week with my campers. I was able to use devotions as a time to teach them some of the things I didn’t get to because I was sick. I also was able to practice my conflict resolution skills again this week. I am becoming more confident and effective in this. I know that this will be very good to have when in the ministry. I also noticed the importance of raising up the next generation of leaders this week. Youth ministry will not continue if we aren’t empowering others to take over our jobs in the future. It was very hard for me to not want to jump in and help my cilt this week. But I realized that she would only learn if she had to deal with the situations on her own. I could be there if she needed me but I had to have patience and wait for her to ask for help instead of jumping in. As a youth Pastor I want to have a group of teen leaders within my youth group that can be helping out. We could teach them how to be an effective minister whether or not they want to go into the ministry to begin with.

Spiritual Reflection
This week was tough with being sick. On Tuesday I woke up really tired and I felt weak spiritually as well. As I went to do my morning devotions I couldn’t help but cry I was so tired. Thankfully this was the day that the cilt was taking over. I was just very frustrated because I felt I had nothing left to give and I kept asking God to give me strength but it wasn’t happening. Then the next day I woke up and was even sicker and the director made me stay up in the health hut so I wouldn’t give it to anyone else. As I was up there by myself, I realized it was a good opportunity to spend some time with God and get some extra sleep. I decided to use my devotional book and opened up to a devotion on sleep. It was talking about how sleep is a reminder that we are dependent on God. We can’t do anything without Him. I can do so much but if I am not resting or relying on God it is a waste of time. I realized that I may not have been totally relying on God and I was not getting enough sleep. Thankfully I was given the chance to rest because I was sick. Now I am beginning to feel much better. However, I still need to remember that I can’t do this without God. This next week I am moving up to another division with older girls. It is nice because I won’t get stuck going through the motions but it will also be something to challenge me. I really hope to depend on God through it all. These two verses really helped me this week: Psalm 145:10-11 and Psalm 73:26.

Report 5

Record of Ministry Activities
7/19/09 2 hours worship practice/service, 2 hours getting acquainted w/ campers, ½ devotions
7/20/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 2 ½ hours supervising rest time/free time, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions
7/21/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 2 ½ hours supervising rest time/free time, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour skits, ½ hour devotions
7/22/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 2 ½ hours supervising rest time/free time, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, ½ hour message, ½ hour devotions
7/23/09 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 2 ½ hours supervising rest time/free time, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions
7/24/09 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 2 ½ hours supervising rest time/free time, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour sharing time, ½ hour devotions
7/25/09 1 hour supervising division, ½ goodbye circle

Personal Reflection
This week went pretty well. There were times that I felt the campers weren’t really taking anything from what I was teaching them and I became discouraged. But I just need to remember that in the ministry we don’t always see the results of our work. I need to realize that even if one camper takes one thing away something has been accomplished. But maybe I shouldn’t be focusing on accomplishments like the world does. This week I did end up giving a campfire message which was new for me. I did it on purity which was a challenge, but I think it went really well. I read the book “The Princess and the Kiss” which helped to explain it in an appropriate way. Overall, this week I learned to appreciate the system of leadership we have here at camp. I like how it is like a chain in which one person is a leader over me, then they have a leader who takes care of them and then there is the director. We all have someone we can go to for advice or support and the burden isn’t on just one person. I’m sure many churches have this as well.

Spiritual Reflection
This week was a little tougher for me. I became discouraged as I said before. Then I became tired and was not giving my all. I had a hard time loving all of my campers and just wanted the week to be over. I also did not get to spend more time in God’s word like I had planned to. I really hope to this next week because I saw how much it helped me on Thursday when I took extra time to refresh myself in His word. I chose to give my all that day and things went really smooth. I also learned this week that I can be confident when I speak in front of others but I need to be careful not to become prideful when it goes well. I noticed this because I was proud of how my message went, but right after, my devotions were not that great. I think God was warning me and I’m glad I got the message right then and could humble myself.

Report 4

Record of Ministry Activities
7/12/09 2 hours practicing and leading Worship, .5 hour devotions, 2 hours initiative games and rules
7/13/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours planning All camp songfest, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, songfest, message, ½ hour devotions
7/14/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour skits, ½ hour devotions
7/15/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour games, 1 hour songfest/message, ½ hour devotions
7/16/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour songfest, ½ hour devotions
7/17/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour Archery, 1 hour Bible Ex, 3 hours All camp, 1 hour high ropes, 1 hour cabin time, 1 hour songfest/message, ½ hour devotions
7/18/09 ½ hour Bible Study, ½ hour Goodbye Circle

Personal Reflection
This week was definitely more of a challenge. I had to deal with more conflict than usual, which included gossip, homesickness, name-calling, etc. Many of our girls were from the city so we figured that may be why. But I do not want to stereotype them at the same time. I realized how important it is to have conflict resolution skills as a youth minister. Conflict happens all the time because we are all human; it happens more so when we have to live in tight quarters for more than a day. So what I did this week was pull girls aside and explained to them that they needed to talk out their problems instead of running away from them like they were trying. I asked for both sides of the story and made sure they weren’t interrupted. Then I asked each of them what they did to contribute to the problem. Once they realized that they were able to apologize and move on. I also was reminded of the importance of discipline this week. There were times that I did not want to discipline because I just wanted to be able to have fun with the campers. But I realized that in order to have more fun with them in the long run, they needed to be corrected for their wrongdoings. Plus, God does discipline us out of love so we should try to do the same for our youth. In addition, I learned the importance of balancing my time when I was especially busy with my all camp committee this week. I sometimes worry that I will be a work-aholic as a youth minister, yet I am usually pretty good at making sure I get enough sleep. It is just that I do not want to give of myself too much or build too close of relationships with the youth.

Spiritual Reflection
This week I became worried that I was losing my zeal for ministering to my campers. I did notice that there were times I forgot to pray before things and they didn’t go as smoothly as they could have. At the same time, I did pray for even the smallest things and it made a huge difference in the end. I prayed when a camper was refusing to share something with me when she was crying and I needed to know why. When I did she just came out with it and I was able to comfort her and calm her down. I have also realized how much easier it is to be close to God at camp and I am worried that I will slowly begin to lose it as the summer goes on and as I go home. My goal this week is to make sure I am still giving my all and seeking after God. I also want to spend more time in His word than I have in the last few days.

Report 3

Record of Ministry Activities
7/4/09 1 hour worship; 1 hour Bible Study
7/5/09 2 hour worship; 6 hours with campers
7/6/09 ½ hour Bible study; 1 hour hiking; 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Cabin Time, 1 hour Dance Party, 1 hour Songfest/Message, 15 min. devotions
7/7/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Cabin Time, 2 hour Cookout, 1 hour activity, ½ hour devotions
7/8/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Cabin Time, 1 hour activity, ½ hour devotions
7/9/09 ½ hour Bible Study, 1 hour hiking, 1 hour Bible Ex, 1 hour Lunch Hike, 1 hour Cabin Time, 1 hour activity, ½ hour devotions

Personal Reflection
This week has been a blast. I have a really great group of girls who are all saved and are easy to counsel. They get along really well and put others before themselves. They respect me as their counselor too. I have not had many problems at all this week. Their names are Emmie, Lizzie, Faith, Olivia, Bethany, and Keri. We are learning about the Armor of God this week and they seem to be taking it all in. Since they are all already saved, (we ask them privately while they are doing their personal devotions and make sure they know what it means) I am focusing more on teaching them to share the gospel with others. We also have been discussing topics such as having our hearts set on God, worrying, being a light in the world, and taking what we learned from camp home with us during our devotions at night. This week, I personally have been trying to make sure I am being patient with campers. Sometimes one of them tends not to listen or becomes easily upset and is sensitive. So I have to try not to be too harsh with her, but be patient and calm with her. I was patient during our cookout with her but then one night I don’t think I was patient enough when she started crying about wearing wet flip flops back from the beach. This was because I thought that was a bit ridiculous, but I had to remember that she was probably tired. Therefore, I tried to be calmer with her later. I am truly thankful to have these girls this week. I hope that they grow closer to God because of camp.

Spiritual Reflection
This week has been going great spiritually as well. I have learned to rely on God for even the little things. I have learned to stop and pray when I need help and before I do Bible Ex or devotions. I hope that I can carry this with me throughout the rest of the summer and even after that. Also, I know that God has been speaking through me because there are times I say things I never thought of before, or I remember things I previously read or learned myself. Also, during my own devotions in the morning I take time to be silent before God and ask Him to fill me with His Holy Spirit and to strengthen me for the rest of the day. I want to make this a regular thing I do so that I can be a more effective minister to others. I know that this week has been great but I also know that there will be dry times ahead. However, I really hope I will still rely on God to get through them.

Report 2

Record of Ministry Activities
6/29/09 4 hours training; 2 hours preparing Bible Ex
6/30/09 3 hours training; 1 hours preparing Bible Ex; 1 hour Planning; 1 hour Bible Study
7/1/09 2 hours training; 3 hours Site prep; ½ hour Bible Ex; 1 hour Planning; 1 hour Bible Study
7/2/09 1 hour Bible study; 3 hours Site Prep
7/3/09 1 hour practicing and leading Worship

Personal Reflection
This week was not as busy but we still focused on a lot of training. We spent time talking about helping hurting children, expanded on bearing good fruit in our lives, trained in our activity areas, did last minute cleanup of camp, etc. It is all quite blurred together in my head but I will try to focus on what stood out to me the most. When talking about hurting children we discussed pain and how much teenagers hold it in and don’t know how to deal with it. Many turn to cutting themselves. One thing that really surprised me was how cutting can be contagious, in that when others find out someone is doing it they like to try too. We also discussed in this session that often times we won’t be able to help campers, only God can. But, we can be there to listen because that is what they need the most. However, sometimes a camper’s problem may bring up things in our past that we have not dealt with. I have found this to be true in my life because I have come across campers whose parents are divorced. They hate having to choose between parents, they hate their step-parents and they feel emotionally abandoned by their parents. I know how they feel and I become angry because I know what its like to have to pay for the consequences of someone else’s sin. Thankfully, we have a great staff at camp that is great at listening and I can talk to them about it if the issue does come back up during the summer. And of course, there’s God, the ultimate comforter. I am thankful for my trials though, because I know God has used them will continue to use them.

During activity training we discussed facilitation at the ropes course. This is making up a scenario to motivate the campers to take the challenge and then debriefing after. I think this is a great skill for anyone who works with youth. Overall, this week was filled with last minute touch ups and fine tuning for next week when the campers come.

Spiritual Reflection
This week I began to struggle focusing on God and I noticed that I complained more about things in my head. However, this morning I felt great after devotions. I think it was because I was earnestly praying and I was praying out loud. This week I am working on humbly serving others and not for recognition. There is always a small part of me that wants others to notice my good works. But I am working on doing them because Jesus died for me. I also really want to be continually praying throughout the day. I want to remember to ask God for wisdom when problems arise instead of trying to handle them on my own. I am also trusting God more this week and I hope to carry that through to next week when I have my first campers.

Report 1

Record of Ministry Activities
6/22/09 6 hours training; 4 hours site preparation; 2 hours bible study
6/23/09 4.5 hours training; 2 hours site prep; 1hour bible study
6/24/09 3 hours training; 3 hours site prep; 1.5 hours bible study
6/25/09 4 hours training; 4 hours site prep; 1 hour bible study; 2 hours preparing bible exploration
6/26/09 1 hour training; 1.5 hours preparing bible ex; 1.5 hours site prep; 2 hours welcoming mothers and daughters
6/27/09 1 hour practicing then leading worship; 1 hour leading outdoor cookery; 2 hours games with campers

Personal Reflection
This week mostly consisted of getting prepared for the rest of the summer at camp. We have spent much of our time learning how to deal with different issues that may come up while working with campers. These are areas such as bullying, recognizing child abuse, conflict resolution, etc. Dealing with bullying was helpful to me because last summer I had campers who were always picking on one girl because she was not your typical kind of girl. However, we learned that in most cases a child is both a victim and a bully due to retaliation. Looking back to last summer I remember the victim in my group often provoking the rest of the group.

For conflict resolution we were given some steps to help us solve problems between people in a group. The first step is not to single out any one person but talk to the group as a whole. I think this is very important because it prevents embarrassment of the child causing the problem and prevents bullying from the rest of the group to that child. The next step is to have the group come up with ideas for a solution instead of just giving them one. This empowers them to deal with their own conflicts in the future. Parents today tend to do everything for their children, but here at camp we want to help by giving them the chance to solve problems only with our guidance. One aspect of this step that was new to me was to write all their ideas down no matter how silly they may be. If you tell them they are silly it will stifle their creativity in solving the problem. We always have a chance to evaluate the ideas in the next step anyway. The group chooses the best solution by looking at the pros and cons of each idea. Once the group comes to an agreement it is now easier to keep the solution in play because they chose it and not me.

Finally, one of the most interesting topics of our training was learning about the seven cries of today’s teens. These can be found in the book Soul Searching by Christian Smith. They include trust, to be loved, security, purpose, to be heard, to be valued, and purpose and support. When we discussed these issues I looked back on my own adolescence and remembered how I wanted these same things. Each time I remember, the passion to help teens becomes more evident in my heart. I really want to try and meet these needs this summer by being a role model, showing that I love them unconditionally, listening to each of them intently, helping them find their purpose in life and being interested in them as people. There is so much more that I learned this week. I have found all of it very helpful for my ministry this summer and for the rest of my life. I am so thankful to have the opportunity this summer to practice these skills.

Spiritual Reflection
We have also spent time in Bible studies in order to prepare us spiritually for camp. We are focusing on having our hearts set on God this summer (Psalm 108:1). I am really thankful for this because it is so easy to become wrapped up in the things of this world. Before I came to camp I was focused too much on making money at my job so I could have enough to last the year while I am at school. I noticed how my attitude changed because I became disappointed in the idea that life after college is nothing but working and paying your bills. But then I remembered that I chose to be in the ministry so that I would not be focused on making money but on meeting the needs of teens for the glory of God. It is not about the money in this career. If it were, I would have chosen a job that paid more. But anyway, back to setting our hearts on God; I am much more focused on Him throughout the day now. I rely on Him in situations such as trying to start a fire yesterday during an activity when it had just rained. God answers even our smallest prayers of asking for fire so that we could eat. During one of our sessions we were asked to make a goal for the summer. My goal is to trust God more. So far this week I was given trials to help me. I also want to work on having a servant’s heart not because it is expected of me, but because Jesus died for me. I am currently trying to memorize Psalm 103 to help me remember all that God is and has done for us. Last but not least, we studied scripture on the righteous person and what that looks like, and on the characteristics of God that we want to teach the campers through our actions and words.