Sonlight - Spring 2010

Youth Grow as Christians/Leaders through Summer Camp

I am Lauren Thorburg…and I am a child of God. 

I am 19 years old – a sophomore at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas – I play field hockey and plan to major in English and minor in Psychology. I am a member of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in St. Louis and enjoy helping the Youth Group and singing in the choir when I am in town and available.

To name who or what has helped me grow in my relationship with Christ would necessitate a long list; however, my many years of experiences at Camp Wartburg rank near the very top. Let me illustrate:

It’s the first year I worked as a summer counselor at Camp Wartburg. I will be leading evening campfire for the first time and I am very anxious. I walk down the hill and sit on the outdoor chapel stage, pick up my guitar and strum. “Lord prepare me, to be a sanctuary, pure and holy tried and true…” I hadn’t started singing but as soon as I heard the voice I knew who it belonged to. “You nervous, Lauren?”   I was shaking.

Sitting by my side and putting her arms around me, my co-counselor spoke the words I will never forget. “You have something to say. You have a voice, a passion; you just need to let everyone see it. I know you’re scared but when you’re up there you have to think ‘Oh my gosh God, let’s do this!’ don’t be scared, you’re talkin’ about the Big Man Upstairs and He’s not gonna let you down. Even if you do mess up, what’s the worst that can happen? Huh? Those kids are still gonna love you.” She lifts my chin, “I’ve seen your heart.  You show me every day. The reason you are here is because you want every child who comes through here to know that they are loved by God. It’s no different than leading a song; just remember that your message matters.”

Welcome to campfire.

I have grown up at Camp Wartburg. Not just physically, but mentally and spiritually. I have worked at camp since the summer of 2004 and in 2007 I became a full-time staff member. As a junior counselor I was surrounded by amazing role models, many of whom are still a part of my life. One of the things that I have learned from these friends is that Camp is not merely a place, it is a lifestyle. When you have been at camp, everybody knows. Camp is not a place that you can explain, it is a place of experience; a place of prayer, friendship, and song. Camp is a place of love and fellowship with Christ and one another. Not only have I experienced amazing Christian people who have shaped who I am, but also children who have shown me what Christ’s love entails. I have learned from others, shared with others, and grown with others. 

The reason I am involved in camp is not just for myself, but for the children who have shown me the meaning of love, passion, and faith. No one should feel lost, alone, and unloved. No child should have to search for acceptance and friendship. Through Him I am able to tell my campers that they are always loved, always accepted, and always have someone to guide them. I am passionate about working with children in a fun environment to show them that being a Christian is an active part of life. That is why camp remains that one place that never fails to provide when I have needed something to bring me back to Christ’s love. Being a Christian is a lifestyle, as is being a camp counselor.

While I don’t really remember the message I gave the night of my first official campfire, I do remember the feeling of turning my words over to God. I can still feel the exciting yet disturbing high of getting up in front of campers; frozen, kicking myself on the inside, begging my brain to work and for words to come out of my mouth. Then finally opening my mouth to speak and feeling an overwhelming sense of calm; of cool, composed, tranquil peace; the feeling of love but so far beyond love. My confirmation verse is 1 Peter 2:9, it reads: “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light”.  Knowing that we are chosen by Him, Camp Wartburg’s ministry is sharing God’s love and declaring His praise. I am blessed to continue learning, sharing, and growing at camp, that important place that has helped me mature and become a Christian adult.