Summer Staff

We've completed another summer and we know that besides all the fun that our campers had, there were countless life-changing experiences. We know that even though having great facilities and exciting programs are essential, the camper experience is most influenced by the quality of the summer staff.

We were really pleased with the staff we had this summer. Time and time again, I witnessed staffers really ENGAGED with campers. Whether this was paying attention to a need, teaching a skill, sharing a laugh or singing a silly song, I realized these little moments are what make the Pecometh experience memorable for campers and staff alike.

Even more impressive was the attitude I witnessed the last few weeks of the summer. In years past, it was not unusual for a large percentage of the staff to lose their enthusiasm near the end of the summer. This is especially disappointing because it doesn't matter when a camper comes, she or he is still expecting to have a great time and expects staff members who are really excited to be there. This year was the best year ever. Even in the last week, our staffers were just as dialed in, just as engaged as they were in week one.

I believe this is because so many of our staff were here because of the ministry opportunity. While we don't pay a lot of money, there are times when a staffer is here for the wrong reasons...to get out of the house for the summer, to be with friends and even for the money. Yet, when a young adult is here for the right reasons, it makes all the difference. That's when a counselor can manage a smile or a laugh even when she's dead-tired. Or when a support staff person takes a moment from his assigned task to help a camper.

I'm grateful for the team we had here this summer. I know there were times when a staff person here or there did not meet this high standard. However, I think there were so many people "in ministry" on our summer staff, that our campers really had the opportunity for God-inspired life-changing experiences.

Comments

[Dawn Sylvester]

I just wanted to comment on one of your counselors -- Jesse. He was my son Kyle's counselor during the week of 7/8-13 and he was absolutely wonderful. My son couldn't stop talking about all the fun things they did with Jesse and he really seemed to be tuned in to the kids. Kyle wants to sign up for whatever camp Jesse will be doing next summer (which Jesse said was sailing). I just wanted to make sure that this young man know's how much I appreciate the memories he helped give my son during his camp stay! Thanks :)

[Kathie Marvel]

Jack, what a great idea on a Blog site!!

Being a former camp counselor way back in the early 70's, I found a part of me there on the shoreline that stays with me today. Being close to the Lord.
I did work there for money, seeing friends and getting out of the house. haha
But I always returned summer after summer to have that fellowship and closeness to God.

Being an instructor pilot here in AZ for soldiers, I see every day my co-workers commenting about the clouds, the weather, the sunrise or full moon when we are on the flight line. All God's creation and these men and myself are humbled by the beauty.

I am hoping this Blog is a huge success and I am glad to hear that PeCoMeth is alive and well.

Great job, Jack and keep the Faith!!

Respectfully
Kathie Marvel

[Jack Shitama]

I'm not sure our staff realize how much their efforts impact the lives of the children they serve. I know they believe they're making a difference, but it's not uncommon for a child to remember counselor for the rest of her or his life. I know that is true for me and a counselor named Joe I had at camp when I was 12.

I'm sure Jesse will be encouraged by Dawn's post. Yet, I know that many, many children are often impacted in this way by our staff, but never hear the positive comments.

What I also know is that, as Kathie posted, the experiences our staff have while serving are formative and life-changing. They become part of who they are...and that's a good thing.

[Amy Moore]

I just want to make a comment about my daughter Kristen's counselor, Megan Baker. Kristen was there during the week of Splashdown the last week in June. She talked about Megan and how much she enjoyed spending time with her. She apparently is a very special person. Kristen cried for two days after coming home as she was already missing "Miss Megan". She and Megan have corresponded over the summer, and she even received another letter from Megan, who is now at college, this week. Kristen wants to come back next year, and hopefully, so will "Miss Megan".

[Barbara Hall]

Jack, this blog is a great way to stay in touch with my favorite place on earth. And, like Kathie M (hey Marvel - are you still crazy?!!!), I will always hold PCM in my heart for the way it and the staff opened my eyes and my heart to the presence of Jesus in the creation and in each other. BTW: I was a camper starting in 65-69, then staff 70-72. I can remember the names of every counselor that I had.

[Kathie Marvel]

Barb, I am pretty laid back now. Probably would make a better counselor now. haha

Kathie

[caroyn uoing]

Megan is the best counslr you could ever have!

I love Megan!

[Joseph Ramathula]

I am a south africa who worked at camp pecometh about six years ago. It is interesting that every now and then, I talk about the wonderful experiences that I have had at camp as a counselor. I can just about image had i been a camper there too. So i really do understand when your kids come home and bug you to send them again and again to camp. I can clearly remember one camper attending all but one program that summer of 2000. At first i thought it just parents wanting to get "rid" of their kids. However, after talking to this camper, I late discovered that, she would have not chosen any other place but camp pecometh, to spend her summer vacations.Four years later, I travelled back to the states visiting different schools with my schools(where i am now a teacher) basketball team.We stopped over at camp and were greeted and welcomed with open arms by the staff(Jack;Bud-d;Bill;Richelle and JUJU). It was great to be back at camp, seeing all the staff and camp stuff.I just had to drive the golf cart haha.My school's basketball team, were flooding me with questions about camp and they too want to work at camp one day when they graduate from high school. THanks Jack, thanks camp pecometh, for changing lives everyday.Yours in Christ Joseph Ramathula(cousellor-2000 and co-ordinator 2001)

[Megan Baker]

It was an honor to have worked in such a great environment. I learned so much about myself just by working with the campers all summer. on the first night i told each cabin that i want to touch their lives somehow and hope i have done so in some way. I am excited to inform that I will be back for another summer!
God Bless
Megan Baker