By Freedom Anderson
Friendship is one of the greatest blessings, and I can’t think of a better place to experience it than at Camp Sonshine!
Staff Community
If you ask any of the past counselors what their favorite part about working at camp is, it will probably be the community. My first week back for my second summer serving at Camp Sonshine, I was so excited to meet my campers and have an awesome week getting to know them and having fun.
However, I was also really nervous about before and after the camp day, because I wasn’t sure if I was going to know any of the other counselors. I realized it didn’t matter who I knew or who I didn’t know because all the counselors there are actively learning and living out our core values (Belong, Become, Believe, and Go Beyond). Because we were all working together, it was easy making new friends. Some of the people I’ve served with at Camp Sonshine, I know will be my lifelong friends.
Camper Community
The sense of community trickles down into camper groups from the staff community. Throughout my summers as a counselor, I’ve found great joy in witnessing campers form friendships within my group. The camper groups are a place where there is a sense of belonging and acceptance without the pressure of cliques because of the counselors and staff.
Bringing Kids & Youth Together – One of the unique things about camp is the campers are randomly placed in groups with others from all different backgrounds. I think it is so good for kids to get to know others from all over the city and state that have had different life experiences. Because of the activities they participate in, they develop life long memories that help to continue to foster these friendships.
Focus On Fun! – Theme days are fun days that often focus on team activities where the kids learn how to work together towards a common goal.
Looking Out For One Another – In one of my groups, there was a girl who was very shy and seemed very unsure of camp. She had hearing aids that couldn’t get wet, so she took them off during pool and oasis. One day on our way back on the somewhat lengthy walk from Nanaland, it started raining. The girls knew right away that their friend’s hearing aids couldn’t get wet, so they all got loud and quickly tried to find a way to help her. This is one example of how campers truly see one another as friends and express care for each other.
Why Camp Matters
Now more than ever, it is important for kids to experience summer camp. In this day and age, it is very easy for kids to be at home and spending time on screens. Kids often socialize this way as well. Connecting with friends online can be a good thing. However, if this is the only way they connect with their friends, it can still lead to them feeling isolated. In-person activities with others is the best way for kids to build relationships, foster independence, and grow in their self confidence.
Friendship is truly one of the greatest blessings God has given us. Whether through moments of vulnerability, shared laughter, or simply working together, the friendships formed at Camp Sonshine reflect the beauty of God’s design for community.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve here and witness these bonds grow—not just among the campers but within myself. Let’s remember that, as Proverbs 27:17 reminds us, friends sharpen and shape us into who God calls us to be.
May we continue to build friendships that glorify Him, both at camp and beyond!
Friendship is truly one of the greatest blessings God has given us. Whether through moments of vulnerability, shared laughter, or simply working together, the friendships formed at Camp Sonshine reflect the beauty of God’s design for community.