This past summer I volunteered for a month at Timber Wolf Lake Young Life Camp in Lake City, Michigan. I never really had any idea that I would ever be involved in something as amazing as work crew. It never crossed my mind until last winter when my dad mentioned it to me. My first thought was why not? It seemed like a cool experience and a great way to serve Christ through Young Life, which I have been involved in my whole life since my dad was an area director. Although, it did come with a great amount of responsibility. Readying yourself for something like this does include some spiritual and mental training. At one point I had been on the waiting list for so long I wasn’t sure I was going to get a spot. That’s when I started having doubts, like maybe this isn’t what God has planned for me to do. But, I ended up getting a spot at the perfect place and all in God’s timing. I then embarked on my greatest adventure just two weeks after getting the news. I could go on and on about all the reasons you should do work crew, but I’m going to narrow it down to just 5.
- Making some great friends.
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2. Challenging Yourself.
Yes, work crew is the most amazing thing you’ll ever do, but it is a lot of work. I mean, it’s in the title. It will probably be one of the most mentally and physically exhausting things you’ll do in your life. You’re day consists of work, eat, work, eat, work, eat, then hang out with friends at night, sleep, and the cycle continues. I know it was especially hard for me, because I get tired and grouchy and complain when I have to do a lot of work. I knew it would be a challenge. Some days you don’t want to get out of bed. You’re exhausted and just not feeling it. But, then you remember the reason you’re here. To glorify Christ through serving these campers. It is essential to remind yourself of your purpose everyday. Also, remembering that it’s not about you. This is the most humbling experience. You work so hard, and don’t get much recognition or any “rewards”. But isn’t that how Jesus went about his work? He never asked for anything in return for what he did. You soon realize that you can’t make it through the month on your own. You must rely on God for strength. That is a lesson that I will use for the rest of my life. Sometimes situations are going to be too hard to handle on your own. But this allows you to fully trust God, and build your character in the meantime. I learned what it was like to work hard for the Lord, and that is one of the most rewarding things ever.
3. Learning to work with others.
Imagine being with the same people for every moment of everyday for a month. It’s a challenge for sure. You might not get along with everyone all the time, but you learn how to resolve conflicts and work together. You all have one common goal that you’re working towards and that is what makes them different. You have to adapt to this type of environment of constantly working side by side with people. The jobs you’ll be asked to accomplish will not be possible on your own. Everyone who is on work crew is a valuable part of the team. That being said, you must treat each other with the utmost respect. They might make you want to pull your hair out, because maybe someone will do something wrong or mess up your work. But, you remember that you love these people, therefore you learn to respond to situations with patience and grace. It really is a team atmosphere, you have to encourage each other. They’re all experiencing the same struggles as you are and need extra support. This is a skill that will help you in all aspects of life.
Yes, work crew is the most amazing thing you’ll ever do, but it is a lot of work. I mean, it’s in the title. It will probably be one of the most mentally and physically exhausting things you’ll do in your life. You’re day consists of work, eat, work, eat, work, eat, then hang out with friends at night, sleep, and the cycle continues. I know it was especially hard for me, because I get tired and grouchy and complain when I have to do a lot of work. I knew it would be a challenge. Some days you don’t want to get out of bed. You’re exhausted and just not feeling it. But, then you remember the reason you’re here. To glorify Christ through serving these campers. It is essential to remind yourself of your purpose everyday. Also, remembering that it’s not about you. This is the most humbling experience. You work so hard, and don’t get much recognition or any “rewards”. But isn’t that how Jesus went about his work? He never asked for anything in return for what he did. You soon realize that you can’t make it through the month on your own. You must rely on God for strength. That is a lesson that I will use for the rest of my life. Sometimes situations are going to be too hard to handle on your own. But this allows you to fully trust God, and build your character in the meantime. I learned what it was like to work hard for the Lord, and that is one of the most rewarding things ever.
3. Learning to work with others.
Imagine being with the same people for every moment of everyday for a month. It’s a challenge for sure. You might not get along with everyone all the time, but you learn how to resolve conflicts and work together. You all have one common goal that you’re working towards and that is what makes them different. You have to adapt to this type of environment of constantly working side by side with people. The jobs you’ll be asked to accomplish will not be possible on your own. Everyone who is on work crew is a valuable part of the team. That being said, you must treat each other with the utmost respect. They might make you want to pull your hair out, because maybe someone will do something wrong or mess up your work. But, you remember that you love these people, therefore you learn to respond to situations with patience and grace. It really is a team atmosphere, you have to encourage each other. They’re all experiencing the same struggles as you are and need extra support. This is a skill that will help you in all aspects of life.
4. Growing Spiritually
This month will be filled with nonstop excitement. Aside from working, you will get to do some amazing things with all of your new friends. It will be easy to get distracted from the reason why you’re there. You will need to learn to direct your thoughts to Christ continually. You not only get to help some of the campers experience God through your stories that you share, or the way you serve them, but you get to grow in your faith as well. I never felt more close to God than when I was at Timber Wolf. I learned so much about myself that month. When you’re away from everything you’re comfortable with, it’s easy to just block out God and try to create your own comfort. But embrace it! Yes, you will feel out of your comfort zone, but those are the biggest areas for growth. No one ever made a change in their life by going through the same motions every day. Take advantage of all the quiet time, worship sessions, club talks, and meaningful conversations. Don’t just brush those things off. Really examine yourself, and observe what you can do to make a change and become a better follower of Christ.
5. Taking A Break From The Real World
I know what you’re all thinking, how can I possibly make it a whole month without my beloved phone? I can tell you, it’s really easy. You’re going to have so many amazing things going on, you won’t even miss it. In fact, when you get home, you’re probably not going to want it back. You realize how much time you waste on pointless things. This is because everything you will do on work crew will be for a greater purpose. You get to remove yourself from whatever is going on in your life and the brokenness of the world. Whether you’re struggling with a relationship, your family is going through a rough time,, you’re overwhelmed by life, or you feel like you just can’t seem to get anything right. You get to leave all your worries behind. All of the Young Life camps are truly like a piece of heaven on earth. Every morning you get to walk outside to the beautiful scenery that God created for you to enjoy. Don’t take that for advantage. If you truly embrace it, you will feel so close to God. Renew your mind and learn to be still.
Slow down, and notice the small things that God is doing in your life. Don’t get caught up in wanting to know what’s going on back home, focus on now. You are in this incredible place with some pretty incredible people. God put you here for a reason. Embrace every single second, because you’ll get home and realize you would do anything to go back for just one day.
Work crew was the most fulfilling experiences of my life. If you’re thinking that this may be the next step in your faith, pray about it and talk to someone who can help you get involved. You won’t regret it.
This month will be filled with nonstop excitement. Aside from working, you will get to do some amazing things with all of your new friends. It will be easy to get distracted from the reason why you’re there. You will need to learn to direct your thoughts to Christ continually. You not only get to help some of the campers experience God through your stories that you share, or the way you serve them, but you get to grow in your faith as well. I never felt more close to God than when I was at Timber Wolf. I learned so much about myself that month. When you’re away from everything you’re comfortable with, it’s easy to just block out God and try to create your own comfort. But embrace it! Yes, you will feel out of your comfort zone, but those are the biggest areas for growth. No one ever made a change in their life by going through the same motions every day. Take advantage of all the quiet time, worship sessions, club talks, and meaningful conversations. Don’t just brush those things off. Really examine yourself, and observe what you can do to make a change and become a better follower of Christ.
5. Taking A Break From The Real World
I know what you’re all thinking, how can I possibly make it a whole month without my beloved phone? I can tell you, it’s really easy. You’re going to have so many amazing things going on, you won’t even miss it. In fact, when you get home, you’re probably not going to want it back. You realize how much time you waste on pointless things. This is because everything you will do on work crew will be for a greater purpose. You get to remove yourself from whatever is going on in your life and the brokenness of the world. Whether you’re struggling with a relationship, your family is going through a rough time,, you’re overwhelmed by life, or you feel like you just can’t seem to get anything right. You get to leave all your worries behind. All of the Young Life camps are truly like a piece of heaven on earth. Every morning you get to walk outside to the beautiful scenery that God created for you to enjoy. Don’t take that for advantage. If you truly embrace it, you will feel so close to God. Renew your mind and learn to be still.
Slow down, and notice the small things that God is doing in your life. Don’t get caught up in wanting to know what’s going on back home, focus on now. You are in this incredible place with some pretty incredible people. God put you here for a reason. Embrace every single second, because you’ll get home and realize you would do anything to go back for just one day.
Work crew was the most fulfilling experiences of my life. If you’re thinking that this may be the next step in your faith, pray about it and talk to someone who can help you get involved. You won’t regret it.
 | Submitted by : Kylie Miller St. Joseph Wyld LIfe Leader Central High School |
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