A few summers ago, I (Stacie, Camp Director) had the great privilege of attending You & Me Camp with my nephew. My siblings live in Texas, so quality time with my nephew is limited. I was delighted when he flew to Iowa and spent the weekend at camp with me. He was 7 years old at the time.
Josh (not his real name) was also excited. He spent the night at my house the night before camp. At 3am, my bedroom door creaked open and light streamed in from the hall. “What’s up?” I asked, as Josh peeked his head into my bedroom. “Is it time for camp yet?” he asked. He was ready to go.
One of the best parts of You & Me camp is the chance for kids to try a variety of activities, picking and choosing what they are most interested in. Josh had no interest in arts & crafts, but he couldn’t wait for the swimming pool! Even after his skin had wrinkled and his fingers pruned, he continued wanting to dive for rings and shoot baskets in the water basketball hoop. We spent quite a bit of time shooting rocks at the sling shot range. It was one of his favorite activities.
Josh and I took a kayak out on Frog Pond together. I let him paddle. The sun was out, birds were chirping, and there was a gentle breeze. “It’s just so peaceful!” he kept exclaiming as we floated together across the water.
In the evening, we played a running game outside, and Josh loved chasing the counselors. A storm rolled through, and we moved inside for worship and more games. Josh seemed unbothered by the thunder and lightning outside. He was thrilled by attention from other counselors who joked with him and partnered with him for games.
We headed back to our cabin for bed after the storm had passed. Everything was wet from the rain, and in the distance, lightning still flickered behind the clouds. Josh slipped his hand into mine. “I think I might be afraid,” he said quietly as we walked together in the dark.
I squeezed his hand a little tighter. “It’s okay to be afraid,” I told him. “I’m here, and I promise that you’re safe.” He nodded his head, and we made our way to our cabin together. After he fell asleep above me on the top bunk, I thought more about that experience and his honest admission of fear.
The goal at camp isn’t to avoid fear or scary things. Paddling a kayak for the first time or jumping into the deep end of the swimming pool can be scary for some kids. Climbing 30 feet up the rock wall or jumping off the platform to race down the zip line can definitely be scary. Spending the night away from home, waiting out a thunderstorm, making a new friend – all of these things can be scary.
However, as adults, we know that despite the fear these things invoke, they are all good things. There’s something to be said about learning to take the hand of a trusted adult and admit that you’re afraid, but still walk forward in that fear. Josh knew he was safe. That didn’t mean it wasn’t scary. But it did mean that he could keep going. He learned how to muster up a little bravery. He grew in confidence. He grew in resilience.
Long after Josh flew back home to Texas, after the memories of his peaceful kayak paddle or his time splashing in the swimming pool have faded a bit, I know he’ll carry that bravery and courage and grit with him. Next time, maybe he’ll be the one reassuring a friend. “I know it’s scary. But we can do it together.” He’ll be a bit more ready to tackle challenges, to face hard things, and to reach out for help when he needs it.
Now is the time to be preparing your kids for their summer camp experience. But that means more than just rolling up their sleeping bag and packing extra socks. Let them know that it’s okay to be afraid. It’s okay to ask for help. But they’re safe, and you know they can do it. When you pick them up, ask them about what was challenging and congratulate them for overcoming. This is how we raise the next generation of confident, capable, and brave adults.
Cardboard Stories
Special Persons Week (July 2nd-7th)