Coming of Age: Becoming A Camp Counselor

            Every summer since I was nine years old, I have gone to an Orthodox Christian summer camp called Camp St. Raphael. By far it has always been my favorite place in the world and the one week I look forward to all year. I get to be surrounded by people who share the same beliefs as me, worship the same way as me, and have been raised in similar environments as me. Last summer, however, was the first summer I was old enough to apply to be a counselor so, of course, I did. I applied and a couple of months later found out that I was chosen to be on staff!

Two days before camp began, the last weekend in June to be exact, we had a weekend of staff training. It was a really fun time where we learned what was expected of us and what to do in different situations, while getting to know the rest of our staff. I was the youngest person on staff and one of the only new counselors so, while this was old news for everyone else, it was all new to me. The night before the campers were going to arrive, we were hanging out in our cabins and were told to put on flip-flops and head to the chapel. I walked over there with my friends expecting just another informational talk, but when I looked into the dark chapel, I knew that they had something different in store for us.

We all silently sat on the two long black benches that were facing each other with an aisle in the middle. Everyone was silently praying so I just followed along. A few minutes later, Father James, our camp priest, told us that he was now going to wash our feet with holy water Just as Jesus did to his disciples to make us clean and prepare us to set a path for our campers. At first, this thought was very weird to me. I was confused and more nervous for the process than anything else; I was the last one on the last bench, though, so I had time to watch and learn. As I watched, I saw Father James get on his knees, put holy water on the first person’s bare feet, kiss them, and say forgive me. Once the process sunk in, it hit me. This was a huge deal. He was cleansing me from my past so I could make a clear path for my campers. I was going to be a disciple to these kids and I had to make sure I did it right!

I sat on the bench with my head down waiting for my turn to come. As I was waiting, I began to reflect on myself, my sins, my strengths and my weaknesses. During this time of reflection I came to the realization that I was going to be a role model for the kids at camp and really needed to do my best to live the way that Christ lived- humbly and faithfully. When it finally became my turn, I got my feet cleansed and our staff all stood up and began to sing some of our favorite church songs.

Although this experience may seem insignificant to some, to me it was a huge deal. It was my transition from being a camper, someone who constantly is seeking advice and looking up to everyone, to being a counselor- the one who is supposed to give advice. In our camp, the counselors talk to the campers all year, too, so it has been an ongoing change. It has caused me to grow in so many ways and realize how much my role models have affected me and how I want to be that for my campers.