When was the last time you were both 100% exhausted and 100% joyfully satisfied at the same time?

Maybe it was getting your garden planted this spring. Maybe you just completed a cool DIY project around the house. Maybe it was after childbirth! Or a half-marathon? Or maybe if you're really, truly blessed, that's how you hit your pillow each night.

For me, it was returning from New Covenant's Overnight Summer Camp a couple of weeks ago. What a sweet time! Not only did I get to spend several days with some amazing youngsters, but four of my own adult kids were there serving and leading in a variety of ways. And over the course of two sessions, 12 campers trusted Jesus for the first time!

Camp creates an environment to "Practice His Ways" like nothing else I've seen, and I absolutely love it. The peaceful setting of East Iowa Bible Camp and the 24/7 nature of living together provide a unique opportunity to experience:

• AUTHENTICITY: It's refreshing to be with a bunch of friends who are BEING real and genuine. One may attend church each Sunday wearing an "everything is just fine" fake smile. But not at camp. Camp is a safe place where your true self can -- and does -- show. Camp is where make-up comes off, fashion is questionable, and everyone is equally sweaty, frizzy, and fatigued. 
  
  
• TEAMWORK: Camp is not about you. It doesn't matter who the "you" is in that sentence. Camp isn't about any individual camper, counselor, or member of any serving or leadership group. Camp is a team venture. We eat together, play together, work together, and sleep together. It is the perfect place to practice Jesus' call to die to self and live to serve others.
  
  
• LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT: One of the coolest things about camp is the way it provides powerful opportunities for emerging leaders to feel both the joys and the struggles of being responsible for other people. There is nothing like watching a teenage boy wield his positive influence over a bunk of 4th graders. Seeing the younger kids follow the older ones in teamwork, good sportsmanship, and enthusiastic worship while simultaneously watching those older kids enjoy the impact they are having... well it's just the best thing ever.
  
  
• FUN: Camp is flat-out fun. It's everything great about being a kid in summer. Cannonballing off the diving board. Tie-dyeing a craft. Playing games outside with friends. Great music. Great food. Great people.

And at the center of all this awesomeness is Jesus, the best of all. Our Author of abundant life. His gospel is preached. His name is glorified as King and friend. His church shows that we are His disciples by loving one another.

"There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink and to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God." (Ecclesiastes 2:24).

Already looking forward to camp next year!
- Loretta