Each year I am honored to be able to attend Camp Oasis in Texas as a camp counselor, a camp for kids ages 6-18 that have Crohn’s Disease or Ulcerative Colitis, sponsored by The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
Having grown up with Crohn’s Disease myself, it has always been a great way for me to give back my time and knowledge to those that are suffering with the disease so they can see it is possible to lead a “normal” and fulfilling life. 98% of the counselors suffer from this disease as well, and we all can get together and share our experiences with the kids, as well as each other.
This year, I was in charge of the LIT’s (Leaders in Training), who are the kids that are seniors in high school that want to train to be counselors and come back after they graduate. It is always great to watch these kids grow up, learn how to get and keep their disease under control, and then come back and want to be a part of the “family” and give back themselves. Below are a few lessons I was reminded of while giving back.
You always get back more than you give – It never ceases to amaze me when you go into something with the idea that you are the one helping out others, you come back humbled and blessed.
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger – We all want to face our fears. When you watch young kids terrified to climb up a 5 story tower and jump off, but do it anyway, you quickly learn the only thing in the way is fear itself.
Confidence matters – Each year we put on a Talent Show at camp, and it warms my heart to see what these kids are capable of and what they will do to push themselves out of their comfort zone.
Everyone that’s different is the same – Camp is the one time every year that these kids, and the counselors, can be just like everyone else. When at home, they have individual challenges that make them feel lonely and isolated.
Find something you are passionate about and give back. You will be rewarded more than you know.
Make it a great day!