To Be a Counselor

When coming to camp as a camper and a CIT, the two things that left the most lasting impression on me were having good times with people that I love and learning to live a more Christian life. I know that I am far from perfect, but I hope that I can be an example to my campersand show them by my actions how to live the Orthodox way. Even in the little things like leading evening prayers as a cabin, or being a guide as to what is appropriate to say or do, I pray that I will be able to show my campers how to best enjoy their time at the Village, and grow as Orthodox Christians.

As a counselor, I anticipate being a member of an awesome group of people who can count on each other to assist in performing the tasks of the job, and to be there for one another whenever they need it. When I recently attended the OCF College Conference at the Village, I saw that a lot of the people who were counselors over the summer had become best friends and would do anything for each other. I couldn't even begin to imagine what that must feel like since I was only at camp for two weeks while they spent nine or more weeks together building this unbreakable bond. I want to be able to be a part of that bond and offer everyone else on staff that same love, trust, and fellowship that they all share.

If I become a counselor and I can accomplish the things I have just talked about with regards to the campers and the other staff, I believe that I will get everything I want out of my experience. I want to be closer to God. Where else can I go to be with hundreds of other Orthodox Christians who all want to help each other live the Christian life? I want to meet and spend time with people who can teach me about myself and who understand and respect and love me for the person that I am. Most everyone I have met at the Village meets that description. If I can be a good counselor, I think that I will get everything I want out of the summer, and I will be a better person for it.

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