Every year since 2015 I have been able to don a sleeping bag and step back into a cabin to be a Winter Camp counselor. Somehow, even after a year, I fall back into a familiar groove. Whether we’re marveling over Chef Alex’s latest gourmet meal, taking a hike on the nature trail, or enjoying the stillness and reflection of Christian Formation, the memories are priceless.
Stepping back into the role of a counselor, if only for a few days, always refocuses my view of what we’re doing at Camp DeWolfe, other camps, and in the Church: we’re showing people how much God loves them, cares for them, and wants them to feel accepted. In our quiet and in our laughter, our work and rest, our waking and our sleeping we are called to show God’s love. In my time as a Drama student in college, I was constantly reminded that as an artist I was supposed to show not tell. We can tell each other about God’s love all we want, and that doesn’t diminish that love at all. However, if those words are not met with actions, we’re really only living half of our calling. So, as a counselor, I see my role as showing that divine love, support, and acceptance as often as I can. Telling is good; showing is better and the young people really do notice it.
– Anthony Suggs, Program Coordinator