Summer 2024 - Longer Phrases

 As I sit here in this office, I can hear kids joyously playing with games, bouncing basketballs, and interacting with guest speakers. I could tell you which kid is talking inside, shouting outside, and whether or not things are getting out of hand or just "happily loud" just by the way my body is responding to the sound waves. In week 6 of 7 of camp, tempers flare more easily, structures and schedules get less tight, and there's an overwhelming sense that the daily grind will be over soon. I finish each day feeling the mental and physical toll that my mind and body take influencing, teaching, inspiring, affirming, protecting, and loving the kids. It's very easy to remember the negative or the things that need to improve for the next day, but let me take some time right now to jot down some positives from camp that I often overlook. Do you ever overlook the blessings and focus on either what went wrong or what could go wrong? I've had no time to really reflect on summer camp because it has been GO GO GO since June 17th.

-Almost every time I ask a kid to help out with something, they are willing and excited to do something "special"

-LJ went from being bossy during 4-square to showing more sportsmanship when he or others get out.

-Ava sacrificed her Zoo Field Trip to watch over her sick little sister until they got picked up early.

-A'Jah helped clean up so many broken water balloons after everyone went inside after water day.

-David always offers to wash off the paintbrushes after a messy art lesson.

-Trinity saw a often bullied kid sitting in the corner of the courtyard crying and went over to make sure he was ok.

-When I told a 5 year old that I was feeling tired, they gave me a hug, saying, "Aww."

-Chance always raises his hand when we need volunteers to pray for the whole group.

-Kids who spent the first couple weeks of camp completely silent and sitting by themselves are now sitting with others and making friends.

-Juju, who had previously helped with camp as a high school student the past 2 summers, is now the camp director and doing a great job.

As another summer of camp comes to a close, we leave not knowing whether this is the last time we'll ever see a kid or if they will surprise us by coming back next year. The longer a student is with us at 2nd Mile, the more they're equipped to be leaders in their community, the more they know about God and themselves, and the more their lives are poured into to reach their God-given potential.

(A few weeks later)

Today, the first school bells ring in Duval County, and Maximus is now in 2nd grade. I'm excited to see our former and new students in our after school program starting next week, with Max included. I always wonder what Max's experience will be like, having lived his whole life in Florida, in Brentwood, growing up in the ministry. I'm convinced God will use Max's unique experience to His advantage. Looking back now at summer camp, I remember the grind, the sweat, the after-camp naps and I'm looking forward to a little respite in the school year.

Please pray as BLOCK begins this Friday, adding new students from camp, that they will feel welcomed, that they will feel as though they fit in and belong. As our programs grow, I pray the touchpoints don't get watered down. Pray that God's word would impact not just their minds but their hearts as well.