Volunteer Story - Mandy
Mandy’s Camp Experience
When I first moved to Sioux Lookout, one of the first things I noted was everyone’s Camp of the Woods (COTW) merch. T-shirts, sweaters, hats, cups, and aprons; COTW was everywhere! I soon learned it was a ministry that many locals were involved in or had been campers there themselves. Being from a non-Christian family, being invited to places like camp by friends was where I first learned the gospel. At camp I could ask questions, worship with others, and develop my faith - all of which led to my eventual acceptance as Christ as my Saviour. Since moving away from home, I hadn’t been to camp in a long time, but I took the opportunity one day to visit COTW during the fall church potluck.
When I arrived at camp there were no cars in sight, nor were there any parked outside the lodge. I figured I was early so I parked my car and waited for others. As I waited, I took the time to gaze out to the sunny waterfront and the camp buildings. What a beautiful place God had provided for this ministry and community! I felt a sense of peace and familiarity, much like how I felt when I was a camper back home. Eventually more people came and I met some welcoming staff. I was encouraged by their camp testimonies and intrigued by the camp nurse position. By the end of the potluck I knew God was calling me to volunteer and I was determined to make it happen!
As an emergency room (ER) department nurse, I knew that my role as camp nurse was going to be very different. Firstly, less adults and more kids, and secondly unlike the ER, I could not send these kids home until the end of the week! For better or for worse, all I could do was pray for their safety and hope they wouldn’t mind that I was fixing their “boo-boos” instead of their parents! My day usually started with preparing scheduled home medications for the campers. Despite the rush of breakfast, I enjoyed the brief moments I had with my scheduled campers. During our exchange, we would talk about how camp was going and what they were looking forward to. It was a cheerful way to start the day before activities! Afterwards, I would trail behind the group during a hike, observe specialized activities or monitor the waterfront with the lifeguards to make sure campers were safe. Whether it be a bug bite, sprained ankle, or upset stomach, I had my nursing backpack to respond to campers when they needed me. I made sure each camper felt like their concerns were addressed and they received the medical attention they needed so that they could return to enjoying their time at camp. After all the activities were done, I prepared the evening scheduled medications and did a last call for any campers who might need my services before they went to bed.
In some cases, there were campers who needed special attention. Whether it be a cold that wouldn’t go away or a recurring stomach ache, it became an opportunity to get to know the camper better. We talked about hobbies, friends, life at home, or anything that came to their mind. Through these conversations, sometimes it was revealed it wasn’t a physical matter that was bothering the camper, but something on their mind and heart. I really cherished these opportunities to come alongside the camper and their counselors to talk about what was going on. Together, we leaned on God's Word and the lessons taught to prayerfully support the campers through whatever they were experiencing. God heals in all sorts of ways! Sometimes that was all it took or they would return several more times, but I did my best to make sure they knew I was there for them and most importantly, so was God!
When campers show up for their week at camp, we as staff can imagine (for the most part) what their week is going to look like. Evening messages, swim time, specialized activities, and delicious meals are only the highlights! Though for what things are like outside of camp; we might not be as clear. A non Christian home (like myself), trouble in school, and problems with friends might just be the beginning of the minefields campers are navigating outside of camp. Camp is not only a physical retreat, but a time away from the busyness of life. It is time to fellowship with brothers and sisters, reconnect with Christ our creator of the beautiful scenery around us, and have some fun! That is the peace I experienced when I first arrived at camp, and I am sure it is felt among every camper, as well.
It is amazing how God has brought together such a dedicated team of servants willing to be passionate ambassadors and witnesses of Him in Northwestern Ontario. COTW truly strives to ensure that no matter how long campers stay for the summer, or even throughout the year with Wilderness Bible Club and camps, that God’s presence, love, and grace is felt in every interaction. I am so grateful to have been able to serve here last summer, and I hope to return (with others) for many more to come!
