Young and Useful

I Timothy 4:12

One of the really fun things that happens every summer at kamp are positive friendships.

Friendships that are established from years past have the opportunity to be renewed and friendships that have never existed before have the chance to develop. Kamp friendships are what make the summer time and this place so sweet (which might be puzzling to some when you think about the hundreds upon hundreds of Jr. High kids running around together).

I was walking out of the dining hall today and noticed a small group of kuk and komo kampers talking with each other. There were lots of smiles, plenty of laughter, and plenty of encouragement being shared. Middle school is such a wonderful time for all of that to happen and there is not a better place to watch it unfold than at Kwest.

Today our VOD (verse of the day) targeted this very point. Timothy was reminded by Paul that just because you are young, doesn't mean that you can't be an example, have an impact on others, and be used by the Lord. It never ceases to amaze me how wonderful every kamper is that walks through our gates. They are no doubt young, but are incredibly poised to be leaders and lights in their homes, schools, and with their friends. The neat part is that they don't wait till they get home: it happens here with each other.

I am originally from Kansas where our state song reminds us that it's a very encouraging place, "where seldom is heard, a discouraging word" as the tune goes. It's funny how Kwest is that type of place. Encouraging, uplifting, safe, and fun. It's the perfect place for healthy middle school friendships to grow and develop. Everyone is being built up by each other and who doesn't love that type of atmosphere?

I recently read an article in the news that a 13 year old boy became the youngest to ever summit Mt. Everest. His plan is to summit 7 more of the highest peaks in the world on seven different continents. Young and very resourceful with unlimited dreams.

I guess that's what put gas on my tank every day as the director of Kwest. Every kamper that takes a seat in our chuckwagon to be a part of kamp has so much potential to have an impact on our world today...and they don't have to wait to grow up.

That's what friends are for.