Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Proverbs 3:5-6
Lucy and her campers!
Working as a counselor at Camp DeWolfe has taught me many lessons about faith. For example, I aimed to increase my trust in God throughout the summer, and from pretty much the outset, I was given the opportunity to achieve this. Before arriving at camp, I was under the impression that I would be working in the ‘Adventure Challenge Course’, so I tried to prepare in the UK by attending a few rock climbing instructor sessions. However, during staff training I was asked to lead the activity ‘Wilderness’, which initially seemed daunting, as I had limited past experience in this area (I was more of a city girl than an outdoor enthusiast!). Although, whilst doubting myself, it suddenly dawned on me that this is God answering my prayers for building faith. God knows I like to plan as I want to feel in control of what I am doing, but as Mother Julie said to me, ‘we plan and God laughs!’. Instead we must allow God to take control as he knows what will achieve positive outcomes for both ourselves and others. When asked to lead ‘Wilderness’, I didn’t have lots of time to prepare, so by accepting the role I was forced to give God control and trust that he would grant me the wisdom to teach the activity well.
Throughout the course of the summer God showed me that it was the right decision to accept leading ‘Wilderness’ as I absolutely loved it! I thoroughly enjoyed thinking of engaging ways to teach the kids about God’s creation and using the natural setting to encourage them to be an embodiment of Christ. Therefore, one of the most valuable lessons I learnt this summer is giving God control of what you are doing by “trusting” in him “with all your heart” will allow him to “direct” you “to paths” of great joy, happiness and peace (Proverbs 3: 5-6). Working at Camp DeWolfe has been a significant part of my faith journey, and I’m very grateful to God for the wonderful experiences he’s allowed me to share with the staff and campers’
Lucy Richards
2016 Summer Counselor