Hope Camp

"Ms. Katie, you make me happy every time!" exclaimed Erika, my nine-year-old camper as she gave me a toothy grin. You probably wonder what incredible thing I did for Erika to deserve such an outstanding statement. I had simply put a pillow, towel, and bathing suit from the camp's lost and found at the head of her bunk.

This was just another moment at Hope Camp at Bethany Hills in Tennessee. Hope Camp isn't your ordinary summer camp. The typical Hope camper is from a low-income inner city Nashville family. Most have never been to a camp before, and many have never even spent a night away from home.

I first counseled Hope Camp in the summer of 2002. I was fresh out of 8th grade and thought the world very well might revolve around me. I thought I would go to this camp and help teach the little children about God and do my duty as a Christian. Little did I know the exact opposite would take place. The experiences I've had with my Hope campers have taught me more about God than any sermon I've heard or Sunday school I have attended. Every year at Hope Camp I am blessed to be able to experience God and camp in new ways. I get to see the camp new through the campers' eyes. I feel the wonder of nature with the children as many explore the woods or play in a creek for the first time. I get to learn from their questions as they wonder innocently about the world around them. I see God effortlessly in every child as they appreciate everything and make the most out of every minute.

Erika, like some other campers, didn't forget her swimsuit, towel, or pillow. She didn't have them to bring in the first place. Erika didn't come to camp empty handed though. She brought the biggest personality I've ever seen in such a small body, she brought a heart to care for the other campers, and she brought smiles to everyone she encountered.