The Unmistakable Aroma A Summer Camp Experience
Do you remember the smell of middle school?
Let's be honest, the aroma of middle school boys just hits different. No, this isn't personal, and no, I don't have anyone in particular in mind. Certainly not my 13-year-old son who doesn't ever want to shower because he took one just "the other day."
But I am thinking of something specific. It's summer camp. It's day four of the sticky, humid, 90+ degree heat on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, and I'm opening the door to the boys' cabin. And it's not the sight of the scattered shoes, mattresses, and half-eaten snacks that rocks me back a step on my heels. You already know. There's no smell like a cabin packed full of 8th graders.
The Heart of Youth Leadership: Transformative Summer Camps
This summer, youth leaders are preparing to take students by the carload, vanload, and busload to youth camps across the country. They do this not because they love camping, but because they love teenagers. They will stay in those cabins with them on purpose because they know that at least one kid in that cabin will have the best, most important week of their life.
It will be important not because of the zip line, the ping pong tournament, or their new crush. But because this will be the week they meet Jesus. It will be the week they hear about God's love from a camp speaker, a counselor, or a friend. And, there at camp, beside a campfire or a swimming pool, their life will change forever, for eternity.
Those youth leaders are my heroes. I've been in those cabins, and I know the months of fundraising they've done to make it possible. I know they won't get much sleep all week and that they'll miss their families at home. But they'll do it gladly, for the sake of the gospel.
Celebrating the Unsung Heroes: Dedication of Youth Leaders
At NNYM, we consider it an honor to serve youth leaders like that all year long. To encourage them, to be their friend, walk alongside them, pray with them, and help them know they're never alone in their sacrificial efforts on behalf of teenagers.
Youth leaders, you are the unsung heroes of summer, making a lasting impact one camp at a time. Thank you for your dedication, your love, and your willingness to embrace the unforgettable smell of middle school for the sake of transforming lives.
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Seth Baker has been in youth ministry since 1999, serving in a wide variety of roles and contexts from refereeing youth football to national executive leadership. As Chief Strategist for NNYM Seth is passionate about faithful theology, values integrity and communications clarity - and would love to talk to you about ministry leadership, family, or ultrarunning.