As some of you noticed on social media, I’ve returned from my week of camp. I’ve heard that these camp experiences are life-changing but it’s one of those things that you have to experience for yourself. So, was it life-changing?

Yes.

I went into it with a back injury which became a bigger problem later in the week. To say that I spoke to God on a regular basis is an understatement because for much of the week, I was begging for this pain in my back to subside. I seriously underestimated how physically exhausting camp would be. For a taste:

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All that aside, I had an amazing experience. I am still processing it and can’t really put into words, at least not at the moment, how this experience has changed my perspective on life in general but it has.

The Girl enjoyed herself but she had many “Mom” moments where me being a leader conflicted with me being her mother. I heard many long, drawn out “Mommmmm” warnings all throughout the week. Moms of teens know what I am talking about. Mostly, she told me to stop dancing.

Some of you asked if I had time to read. No! I had very little time to do anything not related to camp but I am slowly catching up on my reading today. The days were full and although there was “free” time built into the schedule, I often spent my time with the students so they could do things like go kayaking. Yes!! I did it too.

The lake was beautiful but I was sad to see so many dead trees. The drought and a beetle infestation has really take its toll but I had very little issues with bugs and didn’t even get sunburned although it was pretty warm up there.

What did I miss? I had no signal at all so I couldn’t even make a phone call. It was nice to be disconnected for a week but now I am back at work trying to clean-up my inbox. Joy.