“Violet* has a strong personality and many life struggles,” her counselor began, “She’s in a foster home, struggles with self-control, and defies authority. She likes to try new things but prefers to do them her way. She can be stubborn at times but is sweet and affectionate.”
“Violet didn’t want to come to camp,” her counselor continued. “She said she was forced to come. She had the opportunity to attend camp due to generous donors. Unfortunately, Violet struggled to participate in activities when they didn’t spark her interest. This began to disrupt the group. Her strong personality and negativity made it difficult for her to make friends. So, while the other campers were kind to her, she had difficulties making close connections.”
“As the week progressed, my supervisor and I spoke with Violet to find positive ways she could correct her behavior, build friendships, and have a great week at camp. With these boundaries in place, Violet began to find joyful moments in our small group. Despite the personal life struggles she was facing; Violet began to connect with other campers in her group.”
“By the end of the week Violet was participating in more activities, communicating more effectively, and making friends with campers in the group. Violet wrote on her evaluations that the friends she made at Wanake were the best part of her camp experience.”
“I appreciate the way Wanake employs small group de-centralized** camping,” Violet’s counselor shared. “Without this model Violet would have been lost in a sea of campers, unable to receive the individual assistance she needed to change behaviors and connect with others. The small group allowed our conversations to meet Violet’s needs and focus on change in thought and behavior. Through the small group, decentralized model of camping, Violet was able to be a part of a community where she could heal, change and grow.”
Your generosity gives counselors training to create loving small group communities with Jesus in the center. Your support provides stable leadership and physical tools, equipment, and resources, so campers like Violet are accepted and affirmed. Your kindness provides support for God to work in marvelous ways to change lives. Thank you for your generosity.
*Name changed to protect the privacy of the camper.
** Small group de-centralized camping is a model where a group of 10-12 campers and 2 counselors form a family that lives, works, studies, plays, and prays together for a week. These small groups make decisions together about what they will do and how they will do it, while spending time in the “home-in-the-woods” they build together.
