^{The following was written by one of our Summer Camp Staff, Ava Case and was previously published on the Wakonda Facebook Page.}

The Camp Wakonda cabins now sit empty, the dirt paths clear of the footprints that were once scattered across it every day. The campers have gone home. The staff have abandoned their posts. Summer Camp is done, and its inhabitants returned to their daily lives. Because camp is such a high point as we gather together to worship and play, a low point often comes after that. Campers and staff alike feel alone, and not ready to start normal life again.

Staff may feel especially low because of the extended high throughout the summer. As staff, we depended daily on God to carry us through each day and week that was set before us. Daily worship time in the schedule made it easy to connect with God, grow closer to Him, and minister to those around us with His strength. But as we go home, it’s easy to let that connection slide. Morning and evening faith-based programs are no longer part of our daily schedule. Devotional time during each activity ceases. We no longer pray before each class, because we aren’t doing Summer Camp classes anymore.

We’ve left camp behind. And sometimes, it’s easy to feel like we’ve left God behind too.
But the good news is that God never leaves us behind.

“And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”(Matthew 28:20)

He always there to hold us up.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the one who goes with you, He will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

He will always give us strength to keep on going. 

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)

Because we live in a world of opposites, every great high must be countered with a deep low. But God is greater than the highs and lows, and we can depend on Him as strongly in the valley as we did on the mountain. Sometimes it’s harder to feel Him there. Our lives can feel as empty as the bare cabins. When time with God is not put in our schedule by someone else, it can be very hard to make time to be with Him. But don’t stop praying, praising, and spending time with Him. He has not left you behind, and you cannot leave Him behind.

“If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there Your hand will guide me, Your right hand will hold me fast.” (Psalm 139:9-10.)

 

Ava Case, Summer Camp Staff

 

Below are pictures highlighting the fun of summer camp 2023. Please continue praying for our Youth Department as their ministry continues throughout the year.