Wonder #14: The Joy of Bridging Generations (Part I)
One of the priorities of Camp’s ministry is to develop and care for our seasonal summer staff – investing in their leadership development and offering mentorship and connection during their time at Camp.
Last summer, Michelle Gilbertson (longtime family Camper and new Arcadia Cottage Colony resident) signed on to serve as the Housekeeping Supervisor – and quickly became a beloved member of the seasonal leadership team! Today, she shares some reflections on her experience serving alongside our young adult staffers last summer.
Of all the opportunities you had to serve at Camp last summer, what made you choose to serve as the HK Supervisor?
I choose to volunteer in HK because I was looking for a small group of staff to work alongside. Honestly, I was looking to feel a part of the staff, an experience I did not get to have as a college student. I also hoped to leave a mark. The hours of hard work were all worth it when I would walk into laundry or the kitchen and hear “Michelle!”
How is making intergenerational connections at Camp Arcadia different from doing that somewhere else?
I work with college age students at Rice University and University of Houston, but at Camp it is different. I am able to spend hours building relationships based in faith and hard work. In addition, these relationships will continue for years beyond the brief time these young people are in college. The chance to do weekly one-on-one check ins with staff allowed a special connection and a front row seat to the development of special adults.
Did anything surprise you about working with the college-aged staffers last summer?
I was surprised at how they let me in even though I am older than most of their parents. I felt part of the team during Saturday turn around and eating Shanty dinner.
Do you have any favorite or special memories or stories of connection with your staff last summer?
A special God moment came after leaving Camp. One evening this fall when my husband and I were sitting on the couch processing some life-changing news, we got a notification from the Ring doorbell at our cottage.
It was two staffers that had remained at Camp to serve on Fall Staff. We chatted with them for bit through the Ring. It raised our spirits and reminded us of special community and connections we had made at Camp. It dropped hope into a difficult time. Although they had no idea, the fact that they thought to stop and reach out touched my heart.
This is just one snapshot of how God uses Camp Arcadia to bless families and individuals each and every year. We are grateful for your partnership in what God is doing through Camp.
We have a $150,000 Matching Gift Challenge active now through December 31, 2024! If you’d like to join us as a partner in ministry, consider making a gift to Camp Arcadia in support of our mission to provide renewal in spirit, mind and body for each and every guest.
Registration for our 2025 Retreats is open now – learn more or submit your registration form today: www.camp-arcadia.com/register. The 2025 Priority Deadline is January 7th.
