Camp Pt 1

So I got back from Bridgeport Camp on Saturday. I am still exhausted from the week, but I wouldn't take it back for anything. For those of you who have been to church camps you know how amazing they can be. I constantly think back fondly and lovingly on my days as a camper. I was a little worried going into camp though. I have been really struggling with some things lately in my faith. I don't know, I just get down sometimes for no reason. Then, I get to hang out with youth.

I was a small group leader for 9 young men and women. These kids re-opened my eyes to the glory of Jesus Christ. In each of them I saw myself and someone completely different. I had two JCs (junior counselors) and I let them pretty much run the group, which is really the spirit of BP, empowering youth to lead, and they did great. I can't imagine a wider variety of kids. From the popular flat-billed hat bros to long-haired (seemingly mad at the world) kid to Caitlyn, Caitlin, Kaitlyn, and Katie (seriously, despite the name similarities all very unique), a 6'8'' gentle giant, and a LOUD-mouth. I didn't say much the first day or so and I was worried about that. Then they just started talking and opening up about their lives and things they'd been through and had such great insight! And I was really glad I kept my mouth shut.
I wish I could write about everything that happened and that was said, but I promised to keep it confidential, but I can tell you a few of the funny things:

-first day, three of them walk in calling themselves the three amigos, they see each other only at camp, and prob live 30 min from each other all year
-We distinguish all the Caitlyns by numbers (both my JCs were Caitlyns, spelled diff tho)
-talent show night, the bros drink an entire 2 liter of Mountain Dew in 20-30 mins, one from a Coffee carafe. they then wonder why they feel sick.
-They text....all.the.time. I ask them for 20 min of no phones. One girl fervently agrees and starts to share a story....as she is texting.
-Katie loses her phone, and then finds it in her pocket.
-Last day, 2nd to last group meeting. they discover that I don't like the word tampon or anything to do with discussing menstration. I go to the bathroom and come out to see a wet (with water) tampon stuck to the window. I gag. I then decide to beat them at their own game....by taking it off the window and squeezing the water into my mouth.
I WIN. I nearly hurl, but I make them all cry laughing- totally worth it.

This is only a fraction of the greatness that was camp. More to follow.