Before getting out of the car we were greeted by kind smiles, cheerful waves, and joyful shouts. The college students in blue shirts and chacos went out of their way to greet us and offer us any help we needed.

Something was different about these people. I didn't know it yet, but they were overflowing with the love of Christ.

Just 20 minutes later, I was standing in a log cabin next to my best friend and 20 strangers. Watching my mom drive away until it was just the trees. I began to unpack my belongings as a rush of fear came over me. I was 5 hours away from home, had no contact with my family, and had no clue what this week would hold. I was scared. But, despite that fear, something was telling me that it would be okay. That I needed to stick it out.

After sharing our names with each other, our counselors led us through the trees and over the bridge into the chaos that is the SpringHill dining hall. We gathered around an old table covered with a red and white picnic tablecloth and chatted amongst ourselves. The sky became increasingly grey and before we knew it, the tornado sirens were blaring outside.

We were trapped inside the dining hall until the storm cleared up. The two hours we spent stuck in the dining hall were unexpectedly filled with laughter, card games, and endless conversations. These few hours gave me hope that the rest of the week wouldn't be so scary.

Everyday followed a similar routine:

-wake up

-breakfast

-solo time for devotions

-group devotions

-work time

-lunch

-fun activity

-free time

-dinner

-worship

-bedtime

It didn't take me long to warm up to the positive spirit of camp. I loved the people, I loved my counselors, I loved worshipping each night. Most importantly, I loved being poured into as my counselors and the people around me shared their faith journeys and took my hand to walk alongside me so I could have my own story. I wished camp would last forever, but I knew the week was coming to an end.

Before I knew it, I was standing in our log cabin. Staring at the trees, with all my belongings next to me until I saw my mom making her way to our cabin, which felt more like a home now. I didn't want to leave but I was eager to tell my mom about the life changing experiences I had at camp. We loaded the car and pulled out of SpringHill, as the energetic counselors in blue shirts and chacos waved goodbye to us.

The next summer...