I survived Confirmation Camp!

At confirmation camp, every morning, you could hear the sounds of life begin; countless whispers, the pitter patter of not so little feet, showers and blow-dryers, squeals and laughter… sounds of the Oscar Lodge preparing for the day.  Once everyone was ready, we were off to the main building for breakfast, singing a “repeat after me” song along the way.  There were three young women counselors who seemed to have everything under control.  So, especially on that first morning, I just struggled to keep up. 
Once breakfast was over and the tables were cleaned, we broke into small groups of boys and girls from all the cabins and lodges.  This year, each group was named after the many gifts and talents that we are given, such as “healers, teachers, disciples, deacons” and my small group, which was known as the “apostles.”  Each day, we gathered several times to study a text, and do an activity that helped us to better understand the message for the day.  After our small group time, campers had the opportunity to play games, swim, or canoe.  During the first activity of the day, adult leaders met to discuss what was working, or what wasn’t, offering suggestions and preparing for the next day.
In the afternoon, there was another “small group” session, and then several activities, aimed at wearing everyone out.  Finally, each day ended with worship around the camp fire, where we sang countless songs and prayed.  In the beginning, the young people were quiet and careful with each other, but by the end of the week, we all seemed to be one big family.  I include myself in that, because I felt the same way.  I felt the spirit working among us and opening us up to each other.  The theme for the week was, “Jesus chooses us.”  We learned how Jesus comes to us in many different ways.  We learned how Jesus protects and comforts us.  We learned to recognize Jesus in our life journey.
As I was watching the young people at camp, I began to see in them the seeds of faith that had been planted over the years… seeds that were nurtured at home, in church, in Sunday school, first communion, and in their confirmation classes…as well as a faith that was modeled for them by others.  During our time at camp, it felt a little bit like harvesting as I heard many of them saying things like, “I finally get it!” or, “Now I understand.”   
There were 64 young people at camp… 64 very loud and very excited young people.  What better evangelists for Christ could there be to share God’s presence, and the good news with others.  We were actually 120 in all, including the camp counselors and adult leaders… all were filled with fun, learning, and the growing experienced at camp… all were filled with a sense of family and openness… all were filled with the spirit of God.  Among our activities, we spent time in reflection, when we were open and vulnerable to each other.  We shared our joys and our fears, and we shared our faith stories.  We learned to trust in God and each other…we learned to believe that God truly provides for our needs.
Camp was a relatively small group, but all that happened there, seemed to represent what happens in the church… and in our congregation.  When we open up to others, allowing ourselves to be vulnerable, sharing our faith stories… people respond… they are often moved to open up and share themselves… and soon they are strangers no longer.  Jesus didn’t tell his disciples to force the Good News on people.  He told them to offer it, and if there weren’t welcomed, they should shake the dust of their feet and move on. 
What is it in your life that reminds you to give thanks to God?  What joy, what comfort, what experience reminds you of God’s presence in your life?  What knowledge or experience could you share that might help our youth… or someone else… to grow in their faith?  What joys could you share to help them become excited about church… excited about Jesus?  How can we all be examples of Christ for our children… for those around us… and for those in our community?  
I know that talking about Jesus and faith takes many people out of their comfort zones.  The good news is that you don’t have to be perfect… you don’t need to know everything… and you’re not responsible for the results.  You only need to be open to others… to let yourself be vulnerable as you share your faith story… and then listen without judgment or argument.   We don’t need a lot of preparation or extra gear to help us to do as Jesus asks.  We need only to trust that God truly provides all that we need… at camp, at church, and at every harvest.  Later today or this week, you may be faced with an opportunity to share your faith story.  Give it a try… you just might find that you love to tell the story… the old, old story, of Jesus and his love for us all.