Summer Camp Fun

Toward the end of my senior year at Ottawa University and into the year I worked there in admissions, I went to many summer camps as an OU ambassador; serving as a counselor, song leader or camp pastor.

One of my first trips was to a middle/senior high camp in Springfield, Illinois. I had a cabin of 8 or so, typical teenage boys in the 14 to 16 year old range. Each evening, just before lights out, the counselors and staff would gather for a brief end of the day meeting to evaluate the day and look at tomorrow’s schedule. When the meeting ended I would go back to my cabin - very quietly, and then . . .(and then, and then . . .)

. . . I would jerk the cabin door open with as much noise as I could create and loudly inquire “Why aren’t you guys asleep?” They were not expecting it the first night. On the second night they weren’t sure if I would do it again (which I did). By the third night they were onto me. When I forcefully grabbed the cabin door - I was the one who got the surprise!  Suddenly, still outside the cabin, I was holding the door in my hands. My boys had removed the hinge pins, set the door in its place, then waited very quietly for my appearance. The quiet instantly became wild laughter. I complimented them on their excellent joke. I was impressed.

I love to play jokes on people but I love it just as much when a good one is played on me.