As I think back, it was about 14 months ago that we brought the
first campers into the Pioneer group. They are the 4th group at
Camp and currently consist of 8 boys. As I observe their
campsite, a few things stand out to me: the new tents, the nicely
raked trails, the neatly laid trail logs, and the newly finished
wood tent which they are working diligently to fill before winter
comes. I see life in this campsite! 14 months ago this piece of
land was just another part of our many acres of woods; but now,
it is filled with boys cutting firewood, playing games, and solving
problems. They are learning what it means to have ownership of
their campsite. Has it come easy? No! It’s taken a lot of work. It
has required lots of teamwork – something that doesn’t always
come naturally to the Pioneer group, or any of us for that matter.
Learning to give up what I want for the good of the group is one
of the most important life skills a boy can learn at Camp. They
begin to see that they can accomplish anything if we work
together.
This is a principle of teamwork that I sometimes fail to follow. I
try to do things myself and forget that I can accomplish much
more when I work together with others. I think of the verse in
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 that says, “Two people are better off than one,
for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other
can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real
trouble.”
As the Pioneers continue to build tents and finish out their
campsite, it will be important for them to continue to display the
kind of teamwork that has gotten them this far. Pray for them
and all of us at Camp that we can continue to work together and
show the kind of teamwork that will further God’s kingdom and
be a blessing to those we meet.
– Chief Davy Hostetler, Camp Director
