By Freedom Anderson
If there’s one thing I’ve learned this year, it’s that Camp Sonshine isn’t just a place—it’s a community that exists all year long, sometimes even halfway across the world!
When I joined the Camp Sonshine RISE Internship Program last year, everything quickly became a whirlwind in the best way.
Before I knew it, I was hopping on planes to Zambia and Mexico, learning what camp looks like in completely different cultures.
Then summer hit, and suddenly I was a Head Counselor, leading a team and discovering strengths I didn’t even know I had. And even in the quiet of the off-season, the learning didn’t stop.
Stepping Into the World: Mexico & Zambia
Mexico: Learning to Lead Beyond Words
One moment I’ll never forget was the first day of camp in Mexico. During our staff meeting, the team shared all the ways we could communicate with campers without using words. Honestly, I didn’t totally believe it…until the campers arrived.
Even with only a handful of Spanish words in my vocabulary, I was able to lead my group, connect with the kids, and build real relationships. All my doubts disappeared. It reminded me of how creative God is—He gives us so many ways to communicate beyond language alone.
Zambia: A Joyful Exchange of Culture
Zambia was a little different since the kids were a bit more fluent in English, but it was just as unforgettable. I was tasked with supporting the “explorer” and “adventure” girls programs – 2 head counselors, 14 group counselors, and about 120 campers!
One of my favorite parts was teaching them classic Camp Sonshine games we play in Nebraska—and then having them teach me their everyday games from Zambia. It was such a beautiful exchange of joy, culture, and playfulness.
Both trips opened my eyes, strengthened my faith, and showed me the beauty of connecting with others across cultures. These are lessons I will carry with me forever.
Growing Through the Off-Season
During the “off-season”, my responsibilities looked a little different—planning theme days, creating Creation Station activities, helping recruit staff and assistant counselors, and even hosting user groups at our camp sites.
Some tasks felt small, but they taught me something big: that behind-the-scenes work matters just as much as what happens during the summer. I learned patience, consistency, and how every little detail contributes to the bigger mission of camp.
The Summer That Stretched Me
Out of my entire internship, the summer months stretched me the most. They pushed me in ways I didn’t expect and had me relying on God for strength, confidence, and guidance.
This summer, I had the opportunity to serve as the Head Counselor for the Adventure Girls program—and it was everything at once: fun, chaotic, joyful, exhausting, and incredibly sweet.
Those weeks were filled with belly laughs, unexpected challenges, precious moments with my campers, and countless reminders of why I love camp ministry. God used every moment—big and small—to shape me into a stronger leader.
Looking Back (and Forward!)
This year has been full of growth, stretching, joy, and unforgettable memories. I’m so grateful for every experience, every challenge, and every moment God used to grow me. I can’t wait to take everything I’ve learned into whatever He has next for me.
{The summer} weeks were filled with belly laughs, unexpected challenges, precious moments with my campers, and countless reminders of why I love camp ministry. God used every moment – big and small – to shape me into a stronger leader.