Being a Unit Leader has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my time at Wheaton. Let me explain.
Our
theme for residential camp last summer was "The Northern Kingdom."
Each of the unit leaders was outfitted at the beginning of the summer
with metal helmets, jerkins, chain mail, and medieval weapons, or the
dress of a queen or princess. We proceeded over the following weeks to
develop characters and a story-line which turned into skits we
performed during each session. We also developed a special cheer we
would let out like true kings and queens whenever we embarked on a new
adventure or fought a battle (in the skits, of course): "Battle cry!"
I know, that probably seems generic and uncreative, but our sense of
humor at that point had begun to match our middle school audience, and
our creativity had been exhausted by all of the impressive skits we had
created.
theme for residential camp last summer was "The Northern Kingdom."
Each of the unit leaders was outfitted at the beginning of the summer
with metal helmets, jerkins, chain mail, and medieval weapons, or the
dress of a queen or princess. We proceeded over the following weeks to
develop characters and a story-line which turned into skits we
performed during each session. We also developed a special cheer we
would let out like true kings and queens whenever we embarked on a new
adventure or fought a battle (in the skits, of course): "Battle cry!"
I know, that probably seems generic and uncreative, but our sense of
humor at that point had begun to match our middle school audience, and
our creativity had been exhausted by all of the impressive skits we had
created.
Regardless, we somehow rallied around our new battle cry and
had a good laugh while we were at it. But this chance to do something
absolutely ridiculous, and to forget about all of the serious ideas and
work which normally preoccupy Wheaton students, has always been for me
one of the most refreshing parts of being at HoneyRock.
The change of pace was also what initially drew me
to HoneyRock, when I came during student development week as an RA.
What especially stood out was the way that I experienced relationships
differently at HoneyRock than at Wheaton. It seems that when a group
of Wheaton students are transplanted to HoneyRock, suddenly all of the
pressures and expectations--which reflect the good and bad of
Wheaton--tend to dissipate. Of course, living in the close (even
closer than Wheaton) community at HoneyRock presents its own set of
challenges. As a unit leader, I went to bed, woke up, sang zacco
songs, ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prayed, led worship, managed
campers and counselors, performed skits, cried, laughed, and told
stories (I know that sounds melodramatic, but it's true) everyday with
the same group of people for three months. We got to know each other
unusually well, and had equally unique opportunities for conflict. But
one of the most powerful experiences in the midst of that closeness and
conflict was to see God draw us together through prayer, through
turning together to him to unite us. Honestly, there's no way we would
have made it through last summer without prayer. I'm a doubter, and
it's often hard for me to point to specific and concrete ways that I
can remember God working. But I'm confident that the love we developed
for each other last summer, in spite of tremendous differences between
us, was God's doing, not ours.
to HoneyRock, when I came during student development week as an RA.
What especially stood out was the way that I experienced relationships
differently at HoneyRock than at Wheaton. It seems that when a group
of Wheaton students are transplanted to HoneyRock, suddenly all of the
pressures and expectations--which reflect the good and bad of
Wheaton--tend to dissipate. Of course, living in the close (even
closer than Wheaton) community at HoneyRock presents its own set of
challenges. As a unit leader, I went to bed, woke up, sang zacco
songs, ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner, prayed, led worship, managed
campers and counselors, performed skits, cried, laughed, and told
stories (I know that sounds melodramatic, but it's true) everyday with
the same group of people for three months. We got to know each other
unusually well, and had equally unique opportunities for conflict. But
one of the most powerful experiences in the midst of that closeness and
conflict was to see God draw us together through prayer, through
turning together to him to unite us. Honestly, there's no way we would
have made it through last summer without prayer. I'm a doubter, and
it's often hard for me to point to specific and concrete ways that I
can remember God working. But I'm confident that the love we developed
for each other last summer, in spite of tremendous differences between
us, was God's doing, not ours.
So, as it turns out, I learned and would suggest to
others (and remind myself) what we all already know, but so often
forget: HoneyRock is God's ministry, not ours; our relationships depend
on God's strength, not ours; everything we do of lasting value is God's
work, not ours. May we always remember that our work at HoneyRock and
wherever else God leads us will be valuable to the extent that it is
based on this reality. Battle cry!!
others (and remind myself) what we all already know, but so often
forget: HoneyRock is God's ministry, not ours; our relationships depend
on God's strength, not ours; everything we do of lasting value is God's
work, not ours. May we always remember that our work at HoneyRock and
wherever else God leads us will be valuable to the extent that it is
based on this reality. Battle cry!!
Jimmy Haring, Unit Leader 2008
