I have been doing ministry with students now for 18 years and this summer I experienced one of the most impactful short term mission trips I have ever been a part of.
A father tells his wife he loves her for the first time in almost a year and says he wants to work things out. A son, who told his mom the worst thing about their house was that she lived in it, apologizes and tells his mom how much he loves and appreciates her. Parents, who said they hadn’t had a break since their six year old son was born, got some much needed rest. These are just a few stories of transformation from our time serving at Camp Attitude.
In July I had the pleasure of taking eleven students to serve at Camp Attitude on Foster Lake, Oregon. This camp is more than just special; it is a place where families with a child or children with special needs get to experience summer camp. There are games, boating, fishing, horseback riding and so much more. The families go for free, our students pay to serve. Every special needs child and their siblings are matched with a buddy (our students) who takes care of them, serves the family, and is a friend for the week. Our students were a buddy to their camper from eight in the morning till nine at night. It’s a long day where they basically do whatever their camper wants to do. Sometimes it pushing a swing for hours, or pulling a wagon, or chasing a kid who just runs all day long. It was amazing to see the kids with special needs take risks to try things they have never done before and likewise to see our students rise to the responsibility. I am so proud of them.
One of my favorite things was in the evenings before lights out listening in on our student’s conversations. They weren’t talking about pop culture, guys or girls, they sounded like tired stay at home moms: “My kid did this today,” “My buddy tried this,” “What do you do when they do this?” “Have you tried this?” They encouraged and prayed for one another, it was great. The stories of what Christ taught our students about Him, themselves, and others are significant. I wish I could share them all. Thanks for sending us and praying for us. I want to leave you with one of our student’s takes on his time serving at Camp Attitude.
Gripped by Grace,
Brian Woolard
Camp Attitude was one of the most life-changing events I’ve ever had the pleasure of being a part of. The biggest lesson I learned was a term they used called being God winked. This means a coincidence so amazing it can only come from God. I found this in my friend Jaxson, an adorable 7 year old with Down syndrome. I had wanted a camper who used ASL and at first I was worried I wouldn’t get one. Our job the first day was to unload cars and take a camper out to play. Well I had to wait 4 cars before it was my turn. When I arrived and asked to take Jaxson, the parents said he would be out in a minute. After chasing him everywhere and having a rock thrown at me I was unsure whether he and I were a good fit. All of a sudden Jaxson signed water and the click was instant. Jaxson was no coincidence; in fact I think everyone found exactly what they needed. Working with these kids was not always easy, sometimes it was extremely frustrating having to push a kid on a swing in the sun for hours, but the smile and joy on their face made it all worth it. God also used Jaxson to flip my perspective on my sister. I always assumed kids with disabilities wouldn’t understand or couldn’t, but they do, and since camp I’ve talked with my deaf sister a lot more. Camp Attitude wasn’t just a place for us to change the kids; I think the kids changed us. For they look at us as a friend and where many of us focus on how people are disabled they just see a friend. The biggest take away I want to share with others is we all have a disability - each and every one you meet, no one is “normal”. It doesn’t have to be physical. It could be how you feel about yourself. Regardless of what it is, it’s our disabilities that challenge us and make us beautiful. I hope there are even more kids who go next year because this camp changed my life and those around me in more ways than I could ever fit on a page. It was simply an amazing experience I know I’ll never forget.
Jedidiah Hunter
First
Baptist website: www.fbcsalem.org
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