Willing to move to Houston, TX?
Willing to continue a role that stretches me out of my comfort?
Willing to keep spending summers in Mt. Ida?
Yep!
Why?
Why Camp Ozark?
Well, listed in no specific order, here are some reasons:
1. The Mission
To provide and incomparable camp environment and experience for kids through a commitment to excellence in all that we do while seeking to establish and deepen relationships with Jesus Christ.
Guess what! I wrote that without looking at any notes! Because our mission statement has been engrained in our heads since day one. I am thankful for an organization that consistently keeps the mission at the forefront of every single thing we do and everyone, from first year staff to the associate directors, know the mission and are all working together to accomplish it.
It's a mission filled with purpose and aligned with what we are called to do here on earth.
2. Kids Need Camp
Should I go back to teaching? Should I be a youth leader back in the group that impacted me? As these questions circled through my mind throughout my decision making process, I continued to come back to the belief that kids need CAMP. Not just Camp Ozark, any camps.
They benefit from being plucked out of their every day routine! And not having electronics! And being led by Christian role models! And having good, ole fashioned FUN! Trying new things... Becoming more independent... the list goes on and on!
3. Strong Leadership
In attempt to convince me to find another career path, my Dad wrote to me, “You are worth $100k+ to manage any office, store, or team in any thousands of operations throughout Georgia." Kind words, huh?? And maybe a little unrealistic??
If my Dad says that about ME, then WHEW, if he saw the Monks or Patrick or Priddys in action, then he would surely state they were worth ONE MILLION dollars to manage a company!
We have some very strong, brilliant and capable leaders! Rather than seeking status or salaries, they simply believe in the work of Camp Ozark and pour their lives into executing the mission. It is obvious that they love what they do, setting an example for us all!
4. Spiritual Growth
From my first summer in 2016 to now, I have grown A LOT in my faith. While many factors and different people have contributed to that, Camp Ozark has been the most consistent source.
Learning how to articulate the gospel as a counselor.
Learning to rely on God in the small things each and every day as a top staff.
Learning to work in community and share one another burdens and joys as a permanent staff.
My hardest days have been at Camp Ozark. Yet, so have so many of my most joyful ones. I have seen God's provision and grown in my understanding of who He is.
5. Commitment to Excellence
Summer evaluation meetings the first week back in the office.
Rapid Fire meetings in December to prepare for the summer.
Team meetings in January to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Camp Ozark operates perfectly fine and is above and beyond other organizations. But no matter how many compliments or how well things are planned, we are always seeking to make things better.
Camp has instilled a high standard of excellence into me that carries over to things outside of work. In a world that looks to cut corners and take the easy way out, I am thankful to be challenged to never become complacent.
6. Personal and Professional Growth
Before working at Ozark, my life was relatively simple... I was never really stretched out of my comfort zone in big ways. Sure, I walked into a middle school cafeteria and went to random tables (that was scary!). But Ozark stretchesssss me in bigger ways, in which I have no other option but to rely on God for strength, energy and to simply get through. In the moment, it's very difficult for me, but even now, as I look back, I can see how my character has developed - instilling a growth mindset and grit.
When I had first started full time, there were many moments of doubting that I could ever succeed in the role I was placed in. I would call Ali, crying... "I swear they are speaking a different language..." I tend to shut down when I am given a task that I don't know how to do. And while it is still a weakness of mine, I have grown a lot in that area!
7. FUN ENVIRONMENT
I'll never forget the last week of teaching when I got in trouble because my class was being "too loud" in line for ICE CREAM!!! And then when we were playing Bingo (oops...).. And that is when I was confident that I needed to get to camp.... a place where we have FUN! Where the sound of kids screaming and laughing is the most common thing you hear!
8. CHANGES LIVES
The words above written from a camper herself!! It doesn't get any better than that!
9. OZARK FAMILY
Strategic timing of the Thayer and Rice weddings!!! Because whew, there is nothing better than those moments of looking around, and thinking "Man, I really love these people." A group I am able to be completely myself around. A group that is in it together, knowing one another on a different level. A group that shows up to celebrate one another, whether weddings or birthdays.
10. WHY BOARD
Back in November, as I was beginning to think about whether or not I would keep working for camp, I sat down and listed out some pros and cons. And then I wrote in my journal....
“Well, here I am, sitting in my office, creating a pro / con list and I look up and see my bulletin board of camp and immediately, I think to myself, “I love this place.” Photos that bring me so much joy. Even with 30 days of crying, why do I love it so much? It is something I don’t fully understand, but I think at the end of the day, I do fully believe in what Camp Ozark does - the FUN it creates and the lives that are changed every summer. That we laugh and cry but TOGETHER. We have hard days but TOGETHER. And that is unique compared to any other job.”
So why Camp Ozark?
The list could keep going....
But ultimately, I am thankful to have a job where I believe in the mission, working alongside people I love, and makes a difference in this world!
Yes, there are difficult moments, but in reality, there will be difficulty in anything I do in this life.
So why not do something that is worth it and utilizes the gifts I have been given!
I am thankful for Camp Ozark!
Comments
Post a Comment