When I was first introduced to Ontario Pioneer Camp [OPC] I was 12 years old and very shy. I had never been to an overnight camp before. I didn’t know what to expect and I had no idea what was going to happen. When I arrived that first afternoon at Girls Camp, everyone was super welcoming and very enthusiastic. My chalet leaders were extremely lively and so loving. My blog post about that summer.
I have been going back to OPC every summer since then, last summer participating in their Leaders in Training [LIT] program and this year, at the age of 17, I have come back as a chalet leader. My camp name is “Incline.” 🙂
I owe it to my leaders and to OPC for being the reason behind being able to step out of the shell I kept myself in. On top of this, throughout my years at OPC, all the leaders have shown me how awesome it is to live for Jesus. It’s one thing to learn and hear about Jesus from your parents but it’s a whole new perspective when you are in a new setting surrounded by leaders who are passionate for Christ and who show you how rewarding and how amazing it is to live your life for Him.
Being a camper at Girls Camp helped me get out of my comfort zone and helped me live a more bold life for Christ.
This is why I came back this year as a leader.
I want to instill that same passion for Christ I got as a camper, into the lives of all the campers around me. I want to be a part of their journey with God and help them to step out of their own comfort zone.
It can be tiring some times and feel as though you’re drained. However, it’s so rewarding when you see your campers decide they want to know more about God and have a closer relationship with Him. Also, to see the smiles on their faces and to hear the laughter-filled chalets, makes it entirely worth it!
I’m so glad that I had the privilege of going to OPC as a camper and I’m thrilled to be back this year as a camp leader.
~ Emma aka “Incline”
From me aka “Shash”: I can’t express how proud I am of my daughter Emma. To see her give back to a place which gave so much to her, is the most precious and honouring thing she could do. Being a family who has been in ministry for all of their lives, this is what we want to see in everyone’s lives. When you honour those who pour into your life, God honours you!
