Call to Leadership

I was so excited in Week 2 of camp to have my first ever cabin group! I found out I was going to be working with girls ages 9-11 with Molly from Australia and Kim who I got to work with last week! I could not ask for a better first cabin! The girls and my co counselors made my job so easy! We had Cabin 16 decorations and cheers, date nights with another boy cabin, won the awards for cleanest cabin and Sun Safety and had really great debriefing sessions at the end of each night along with character bracelets.

However I was still struggling with some of the more technical aspects of camp. I couldn't ever seem to get my paperwork in order, lost my scratch kit, and didn't realize my girls weren't allowed in the bathroom at a certain time which really frustrated one of the janitors. Though I was really enjoying my time with the girls I couldn't help but berate myself and getting frustrated with my mistakes.

Then something happened that I didn't quite understand, and certainly never expected....

Every two weeks there is a camp wide theme day. The camp is divided into two teams and they spend the day doing activities and challenges to earn points I vaguely recalled this information from our pre camp training. Everyone was getting excited about who would be chosen as the first team leaders. A male and a female counsleor who really stood out were chosen for each team. Their job during he day is to lead their team in cheers, games and spirit. It is honestly one of the biggest honors the camp can give to a counsleor. So at the end of the talent show on Wednesday night when the emcess came on stage I was pretty intrigued to see who would be selected as well. And then I heard, "For team Jackson, we present Jason and ERIN FROM THE YPN!!!!!" I was speechless and very confused. I did not know ANYTHING about this camp's theme days or what a team leader was supposed to do. My whole cabin was ecstatic and pushed me onstage to receive my instructions. I was to lead Team Jackson (the blue team) to defeat the miners who came to camp trying to destroy Big Tree during 'Tiber Days" which is a long standing lumber jack theme day tradition (something very new to a farm girl from Indiana mind you!!!)

When all the commotion calmed down i had countless staff and counselors come to congratulate me on the honor. I apparently was the first YPNer ever to be selected as a team leader! And all leaders' names are engraved on a plaque in the office as a commemoration. Though theme day turned out to be rainy I don't think I ever had so much fun! I completely lost my voice during the traditional "Cheer off show down" and was absolutely floored when at campfire it was revealed that Jackson had won Timber Days!!! All of my doubts completely disappeared and my confidence was completely restored and I have never felt so honored to be part of something.

In life it is important to keep things in perspective. Yes, we are going to make mistakes. But don't let those mistakes make you blind to your accomplishments and successes. Focus on what's truly important, don't sweat the small stuff, and you will be amazed at what opportunities come your way!