When I first decided to become a Preston Taylor intern for the summer, I was expecting the same summer camp atmosphere. Kids, water games, a lot of sunshine and energy, food, laughter, and the expectation that a Christian camp brings. My very first day, I was greeted with not only all of those things listed above, but also with open arms, smiles, and a group of people that were not only interested in the “new girl” butalso interested in how I was going to help lead them to become closer with the Lord.

The theme for this summer is “Abundant Life” which comes from the theme verse John 10:10, “The thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come so that they may have life and have it abundantly”. Today marks the end of the third week of summer camp, and all of the students can recite the verse without any help, and with a smile on their faces. Each week, we have had a new topic that we investigate thoroughly throughout the weeks; week 1 was “Physical Health”, week 2 was “Healthy Relationships”, and this week’s is “Accountability”. It is such a blessing for me to see the kids dig into the scriptures and lessons each day, to ask more questions, and to further their knowledge about the Bible as well as their own personal relationships with God.

Coming from a fairly well off family on the other side of town, my attitude and actions have also grown since the first week. Instead of judgments and assumptions that are so commonly flooded into our minds when meeting new people, I have learned to accept and learn so that each person has an opportunity to represent themselves the way that they want to, rather than based off of how they look or speak.

            All of the students have so much potential to do good in their community, have an infinite amount of energy to be able to push through the difficult temptations, and have a love for Jesus that is really hard to find in kids their age these days. I have really enjoyed getting to know all of them more than just what the eye can see these past three weeks. Not only have they helped me feel that I am in a place of acceptance, but they have also shown me their perspective on things that I may have never thought about before. I love my PTM Calvin House Youth and can’t wait to see what the next three or so weeks brings for them!

Jalecia and DuSean and Mrs. Tess at Summer Jam doing a water game to get the night started.