As part of OUTLOOK’s recent photo/essay contest, Mid-America youth (ages 10-16) were asked to describe how a past camp experience impacted their lives. Participants were also asked to submit up to three photos to accompany their essays. The grand prize: a free week at any Mid-America Union-sponsored camp. The first, second and third place winners were also published in the May 2014 issue of OUTLOOK.
The winners, honorable mentions and other entries are featured below. Click the “next” or “previous” buttons to navigate between entries.
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Honorable Mention: Kyleigh Misson
I struggle with depression, anxiety, and bullies. One week away from home won’t change that, but I’ve had really great experiences at camp.
Camp can sometimes change people’s religious views. Unfortunately I’m not one of those people. I still don’t know what I believe exactly. My view on God is clouded by trust issues and doubt. I don’t see why bad things happen to ones undeserving. I still question His mercy at times. I have a lot of questions and I’d like to know more.
While camp itself may not have directly changed me or my life, the people I got to know there have. My friend Madeline has always treated me with a kindness that makes me try to earn/deserve it. Our love and support for each other has helped me become stronger. I use this strength to face some fearful monsters that would otherwise destroy me. And then there’s Connor, who shows me life has better things out there in the world. He makes me feel less alone. Just knowing that these two are okay makes me strive for making a better life.
Now you may think of me as a pessimist, but camp is the only time for me to get a fresh perspective. At camp I laugh and smile ten times more than anywhere else. I don’t have to worry about anyone or anything. I get to see friends that I can only be with at North Star Camp. I may not seem like the best choice to win this essay, but I am honest and open-minded. In a lot of ways, camp is my favorite time of the year.
