Things I learned from summer camp...

What I learned at Zeum Camp.

I learned that children like me.
I learned that children need structure.
I learned that children still like me after I implement structure.
I learned that I could never be over-prepared.
I learned that alone time before the day starts is invaluable.
I learned that I could not do it alone, including receiving affirmation and encouragement from children, parents, and coworkers.
I learned that parents need affirmation and encouragement too.
I learned that every moment is important, even when it doesn’t seem inline with bigger picture goals. In the end it always is.
I learned that play is essential towards harnessing creativity.
I learned that I could be incredible productive, even when I’m tired.
I learned that I could be very bossy when I’m tired.


What I learned volunteering at Christian camp in my hometown.

I learned that I could easily be part of a community if I wanted to.
I learned that I could bond with young mothers and share their values.
I learned that I could bond with almost everyone over Starbucks runs and air-conditioning.
I learned that connecting over Starbucks and air-conditioning did not mean I was compromising my values.
I learned that at the end of the day, everyone needs a little bit of comfort bought and a little bit of air-conditioning.
I learned that I could be loved regardless of my background or what I looked like.
I learned that children need me.
I learned that children ‘get it’ when you take the time to explain it to them using lots of examples.
I learned that I want to help – sometimes too much.
I learned that I could feel incredibly lonely, even among hundreds of friendly faces.
I learned that I could tell others that God loved them even if I couldn’t tell myself.
I learned that summer camp is a temporary and quick bliss.
I learned that new faces are better than none at all.
I learned that new faces could become familiar and comforting faces as well.
I learned that God-stuff explained to children is much more simple than how it is explained to adults.
I learned that I could easily be part of a community if I wanted to.