Just like that, it’s time for another year of Run Home Camp. The staff has arrived, both returning coaches excited for another year and newbies who maybe don’t know what they’re getting themselves into. It’s like a big family reunion, and it will get even better when the 2017 campers come tomorrow.
We talk a lot about the kids during training because it really is all about them. One of our speakers today said that all people have five needs that need filled: survival, which is food, water, shelter, etc.; love, a sense of belonging, and relationships; power that comes from good self esteem/ identity; freedom; and fun. As I thought about it, I quickly realized that many of the boys coming to camp are lacking all of these things. We think of underprivileged kids maybe not having enough food or a good family environment, but I think we forget things like how their situations might hurt their self esteem or ability to just have fun. It gets a little overwhelming when you think about it; how are we going to change so much in a week?
Our theme this year is ONE- we’re one camp family, one team working together and encouraging each other. It’s good to think about ONE when thinking of all these needs people have. What is one thing we can change for this one boy during this one week? Maybe the encouragement they get could change how they feel about themselves. Maybe the relationship they form with their coach could be that one thing. Whatever it is, just one little thing could end up being a big change in a boy’s life.
The coaches are unpacked, the fridges are filled, the baseball field is ready. One more night until Run Home Camp 2017 officially starts. I can’t wait to see the returning campers again and meet all our new kids. I feel so privileged to get to pour into these boys’ lives for a week, knowing that even one thing could be enough to leave a huge impact.
