I am working on writing the whole experience of SEEK Camp (Summer Events for Exceptional Kampers) but for now I wanted to write about this most recent camp and some of the thoughts and realizations I came to. The biggest thing I have really been thinking is about us humans as souls. C.S. Lewis once wrote "You don't have a soul. You are a soul, you have a body." The different behaviors and looks of the campers set them apart from society. In camp, we come together and have the time of our lives. I have started to realize what touches me so much about camp. I often see myself in campers, and I learn how to live a fuller life from them.
For instance, there is a camper that does not like to receive applause when he is handed his award. He grows more and more afraid when he receives his award. Anytime he goes in front of a group of people he seeks to have someone go with him. Mostly he just needs a positive voice and a familiar face to assure him everything will be alright. I think back on my life when that was all I needed. A close family member to say they love me, or a best friend to support me in a lifestyle change. Many people I imagine might see this camper and be filled with compassion, perhaps pity. I see someone who needs a hand to hold. The beauty of camp is, there is always someone willing to hold his hand, and we never clap when he receives his award. It is so easy for me to see that with this camper while we are at camp. But when I get home and get to dealing with life, I know that feeling that he has all too well. For him, he covers his face out of fear. I tend to cover my fear with fake smiles and empty promises. The feeling that my greatest fear is going to become reality and I will have to face the music alone. My truth though is that I get treated much like him, my greatest fears generally don't become reality and I ALWAYS have someone by my side. Every time I see this camper get worked up, I think of how much I am like him.
Another camper is a big tough guy on the outside, but a gentle giant once you get to know him. He is quite the prankster and loves to give you quick slaps in the stomach or face. With guys he can get pretty rowdy very quickly. He loves to brag about how he is a "real man" cause he has facial hair after not shaving for a day or two. He speaks of his dream to be a cop and that he is going to save someone's life. He is a real man, because once he loves you, he loves you deep and forever. The counselors with kids will occasionally bring their little ones to visit, and this guy is the most gentle guy there is. He held a 6 month old baby by himself and you would have thought he was holding a million dollars of diamonds. He may portray a tough guy image, but he really is a teddy bear. I think of how often I like to come off as some tough and strong man, instead of just doing the loving thing. Perhaps the greatest hugs I have ever received, have been from him. Last year, I helped him clean up after going to the bathroom and he insisted I move closer to him. Inching closer I braced for a slap or a hit. Instead he grabbed me and pulled me close for a big ol bear hug. That was his way of saying thanks. This guy holds a special place in my heart, I don't know if there is anything I wouldn't do to help him.
We had a new camper this year. She was small but very loud. The moment she walked she began screaming at the top of her lungs about how excited she was for camp. Throughout the week she would break out into a chant over anything. She has a zest for life, I have not ever seen and especially heard! During the talent show, she mesmerized the crowd with a blend of the Scooby Doo intro song, some beat boxing, and sang some of Nelly's "Hot in Herre." As the week passed many people would yell the chants we had said previously, the excitement was contagious. There are times when I hear great news or get to be a part of something really special and for various reasons I don't express any zest for life. My greatest punishment is the lost time that I didn't embrace life fully and enjoy it to the max!
This is just what has been on my mind the past few hours, I have plenty more to share later...
