I just can’t wait to come back to BBC this summer! Working at camp last summer was probably one of the best experiences of my life, not to mention easily the best job that I have ever had.

I mean, what’s not to like? Running through the woods from “guards” with flashlights for Mission Impossible, doing elaborate team performances for the jump contest on Wet ‘n Wild Wednesdays, or just good old singing around a campfire and being in the woods with God. But, let’s not forget eating ice cream as fast as possible- with no hands, of course. You guys know what I’m talking about.

Week after week I would smile at the flood of new campers, mostly new faces. Well, this summer I will be seeing some new faces, but hopefully not as many. I hope I see some of my old campers again this summer, or just anyone who came in 2011. It was absolutely the best way to spend my summer in the woods.

But above all of the zany things that I did as a counselor, with others on the fantastic staff or even with you campers (enormous grease fires come to mind), what made this summer truly rewarding was the growth I found in my own connection with God. Time after time I hear people say that God is present on the Hill, and take it from someone who was there for a couple of months, the stories are true. I can’t wait for the spiritual growth to begin again and for the relationships that will grow between new and old friends.

So, this summer’s going to be a brand-new adventure for me, even though I’m coming back for another year. Who knows what wacky science experiments or activities I’ll think up next… Camp has truly become a place that feels like home to me, and I hope that you all will come be at home, or at least find out what I mean.

See you soon, I’m coming home!

-NYE

Dear BBC Campers,

It gives me such great joy to tell you about my experience at camp.  I had always wanted to be a counselor at a camp somewhere, and I finally got the opportunity last summer (2010), at a small place on a hill in Plymouth, VT, called Bethany Birches Camp, or as I like to call it, “Home.”  I can honestly say that this was the BEST SUMMER OF MY LIFE so far!

At camp, I learned a lot about God, myself, and other people through various experiences.  I was able to grow closer to the Lord, while living in a close community of friends who challenged and encouraged me along the way.  Here are some of the highlights of my experience last summer…

1)    Singing at Firesides.  This was so fun because we used hand motions while singing songs, and often times, I found myself grow closer to God during these times.

2)    The Slip N’ Slide on Wet N’ Wild Wednesday.  With dish detergent all over my shirt I was able to go super fast down the hill!

3)    Sleeping in the tree houses.  It was like a sleepover every time!  Story telling, giggling, and eventually sleeping.

Those are just a few examples of what Bethany Birches Camp is like, and there are so many other things to be excited about when you come to camp, such as baked oatmeal for breakfast; the interest groups that you can participate in; games on the field, and cabin chats.  BBC has something for everyone.  It is a place where you can feel free to be yourself, learn about nature, try new activities, learn how to work as a team, and learn more about God.  There is something there for everyone, so I urge you to consider coming this year!  I hope to return to BBC next year, and to hear about your experiences!

Snaps