The summer I was on Core-Staff, there was one early week where I swear one of our very young campers was an angel. He definitely was in-tune with God in very admirable ways. One evening, a couple different cabins were down by the fire behind the mail hut. There was a girl that just started sobbing uncontrollably and was completely inconsolable. Finally, I was praying with her and she was starting to calm a little. This boy came and put his hands on her shoulders and started praying for very specific things, about her aunt and her fear of losing her home. This eleven year old boy had not know this girl. Other kids started coming over and holding hands and a few started up a chorus of Amazing Grace. This little boy took me by the hand and led me around to each kid and guided us in prayer; he filled me with words myself - they came without thought but He knew exactly what was on every persons heart. I’ve never seen anything else like it. It was simply incredible. Samantha Santos Past Camper // Counselor // Summer Staff I spent last week at Camp Galilee as a counselor for Senior High Leadership Camp. My daughter was the director of the camp. I usually volunteer in the kitchen when I go to camp but she was in need of help so off I went to be a counselor. I want to say that spending time with 13 high school students was not on my list of fun things to do beforehand. I try not to be judgmental but I didn’t think I’d have much to say to them. I want to state that that was not the case. The week was awesome in every way. The group melded quickly and we became a family. I was impressed with the conversations I had with all of them and the fact that they were willing to share with a stranger who could have been their grandmother. They were a joy to watch work together to get things done. They helped each other in many ways. They enjoyed each other’s company and the competition of card games, soccer, ultimate frisbee, human foosball, and Gaga ball. They were excited to be a part of the group and participated in all the events without complaint. It was a great week for all of us. I learned from the kids and I hope they learned from me. Worship every night was uplifting, the music was wonderful, and I left camp feeling closer to God. Now the issue for all of us is how to keep that going when we get back home and out into the world. Hopefully we can keep the light shining and be positive examples for those around us. I highly recommend camping or counseling at Camp Galilee. You will leave a different person than when you came. You will fall in love with the place and want to come back. You will always consider it your happy place. - Laurel Benson I’m in love. It’s as simple as that. I have fallen madly in love with the One who sought after and stole my heart; and it all started at Camp Galilee. Looking back on the many summers I was blessed to spend in the cabins beneath the trees, I cannot help but smile and give thanks to the Lord. From being a camper, counselor, director, and eventually core staff member, I just can’t resist going back whenever I have the chance. I feel even closer to God and my soul finds rest away from noise as soon as I’m there. At camp I have experienced so much love, laughter, and a few tears too. There is something different in the air at Galilee, something special, something holy. I can feel it as soon as I enter the campgrounds. It was at Galilee that I accepted who I am in Christ and learned what it means to be a true follower. He changed me after my first summer at camp and I have never felt the same since. I will never forget when I heard God’s voice clearly speak to me for the first time on the island. In the middle of a still and quiet night under the stars, He spoke to my heart and revealed a huge part of what His plan is for me. It is because of that night that I now live and work in a foreign country, teaching English to kids from all over the world. I cannot believe where He has taken me and I am so thankful to have begun this journey inside those red gates. I still go back to camp, if not physically then mentally, when seeking solitude with my Creator. It is safe to say that I would not be who I am today if it was not for all the things I learned at camp. Every time I think of Galilee, I am filled with such joy and excitement because Galilee is where I first met God. I had no idea back then, but signing up for camp was the greatest decision I have ever made in my whole life. I fell in love there and that love has only grown every day since. I thank God for camp and pray that it will continue to be a blessing for many souls in the years to come. Camp Galilee is and forever will be my favorite place in the world. Kay Benson currently lives and teaches in Dalian, China. She is a huge fan of the Kansas City Royals and playing worship songs by the light of the campfire. Kay serves as the director for Sr. High Leadership Camp.
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AboutThe Camp Galilee blog exists to be a helpful resource to alumni as well as future campers and their parents. Past Posts
June 2020
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