Re: My summer (or, Summer camps ROCK, part 2)
Submitted by Ben on September 05 1999 at 19:27:46
In reply to My summer (or, Summer camps ROCK, part 2) Submitted by Mark on August 29 1999 at 00:00:17
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Mark - Thanks for sharing about your great summer experiences. It sounds like you and I have an awful lot in common. I also was a counselor at a church camp this summer for a week and had the chance to reach out to a number of boys. One boy was really turned around through the work that I did with him. He came home wanting to be close to God and having taken a step in the right direction in his life. I didn't stay in the cabins with kids also, not because of any restriction by my church but simply because I played a semi-administrative role where I needed to not be tied down to any one group of kids. I learned something about myself that week: that I feel tremendously fulfilled interacting with boys closely in a non-academic setting, and that I do not feel in any way sexually frustrated being so close to them (in spite of the fact that one of them was very attractive to me). This is something that I discovered about myself a long time ago. When I got to know a boy, to interact with him, and to be able to help him in some way, be it teaching or coaching or mentoring, the sexual desire changes into a caring love. I have always loved this aspect of working with kids, and I encourage you to continue to pursue this, because you will have a TON to offer to boys. Your motivation to be around them and to give to them in a positive way, will drive you to be the most giving adult a boy could ever meet. People are often astouded at my incredible patience with boys, something which is really born out of my love for them. On the other hand, I do sometimes get into a little bit of trouble if the boy is too attractive. I have never touched a boy, and I never would, but I have run into situations of fantasizing and masterbating later on. I was curious to know if this also was the case with you. One of my fondest memories of camp will be those night time devotionals, when we all sat around the cabin and got deep about God. Finally, keep in touch with Kris' mom. God arranged for you and Kris to meet each other at camp. Don't ignore the role that you might be called to play in his life. You are not alone. Ben |