Intern Story - Lauren
Intern Story - Lauren
I first came to Camp of the Woods as a mission camper when I was fifteen. My youth group came at the end of the summer to help out with taking down the decorations, picking blueberries and cutting and stacking firewood for the winter months. That week was really special to me. As we were traveling back home I just remember trying to figure out how and when I could go back. Throughout that year I kept coming back to the thought that I would really love to serve at camp. Summer 2016 I came back for my first summer on staff and I loved it! While working behind the scenes has always been my favourite, I did spend one week as a cabin leader that summer and I enjoyed it and grew a lot from that experience.
Camp has been a place where I have grown and been encouraged in my relationship with God. It's a place where I have made so many friends and so many memories. I love that people from all over come together for the common purpose of serving God and showing His love to others. This past summer was my sixth summer on staff and I have volunteered for a few winter camps as well.
For a few years now I have thought about becoming an intern. Summer 2021 I came with the thought that this might be the year that I would become an intern. It was a really big decision and one day I was praying and told God that I really wasn't sure what He wanted me to do. That night Becky was leading the girls staff devos. She was sharing about Rahab and how she wasn't trying to be a hero, she was just trying to do the next right thing. She was obedient and God used her. We talked about God opening and closing doors and how when we are obedient God will do amazing things in our lives. God just gave me a peace about coming and I felt like this was the next right thing. So in April I left my home in southern Ontario and moved to Camp of the Woods for a sixth month internship.
In October my internship was extended for another year and I took on planning and coordinating digital media and advertising. As an intern I have been given many different opportunities to work and serve here at camp and in the community. Around camp somedays that looks like helping in the kitchen, working on maintenance projects, cabin leading, planning events, sending emails, taking photos of camp events, or preparing the cabins for visitors. One of the main reasons I wanted to become an intern was to build relationships with the campers beyond just a week in the summer. During my internship I have been able to connect with the youth in the area through Wilderness Bible Clubs, community events, and the youth group at Calvary Baptist Church in Sioux Lookout.
I have really enjoyed my time here as an intern and I'm excited about this coming year! I am so thankful for this opportunity to live and serve at Camp of the Woods!
