This year the program team took a group of eighth grade students on a three-day backpacking trip. The nine-mile hike created an opportunity for students from the Los Angeles Christian Middle School to experience God through the beauty displayed on the San Gabriel Mountains. On our first day, I watched as they hesitantly packed the bag they would carry on what would feel like a long trek. There is so much about the trip that I hope I will remember, but one memory in particular has been a source of encouragement, even in my everyday life.
On the second night of our trip, after completing 3 miles, there was an all-around contentment with the rest that now awaited us in such beautiful surroundings. Everywhere you turned there were trees and anywhere you placed your foot, you would step on crunchy leaves. Our rest, however, was short-lived when a baby and momma bear decided to make an appearance. Our leader Justin affirmed that the right amount of noise would keep the bears away and so, willingly, all seven students began banging on pots and yelling as loud as they could. It was complete chaos and I could hear it as I, in fear, helped package food into “bear proof” bags. In the middle of our tasks, as I was picking up trash, I was stopped by the sound of singing. Within seconds, I recognized the words of a worship song. One song led to another and then to another and just like that, amidst a frightful moment, there was a group of students worshipping the bears away. I wish I could end the story and tell you that the bears then took off, but they did not. They circled our campsite the entire night and got into all our bags, but one. Still, the image of them worshipping with the utmost joy in their heart, is something that challenges me in the middle of my transition into new rhythms of life. God can change and make things happen like we see Him do in Genesis 1, but there is beauty in the fight to bring God into any given situation.
It is also a reminder that camp has the ability to bring out the most beautiful aspects of individuals. While some of the challenged kids encounter at camp have the ability to bring out fear, frustration and defeat, you’ll often find that what is brought forth is almost always the glory that comes with persevering amidst a challenging moment.
Read more about our Urban Christian Education and Leadership Retreats.