An Interview with Harold: Camp Machaceh Volunteer

Last summer, Harold joined our team as a volunteer for all three weeks of camp. Without his help, camp would have been much more stressful. Recently, we asked him a few questions about his experience.

Camp Machaceh (CM): How has your life been impacted by Camp Machaceh in general?
Harold: I know more about inner tubes than I expected. Participation in the camp activities, daily rallies, daily worship, prayer activities, and working with the kids reinforced the importance of my daily quite time and provided a renewed emphasis on helping others.

CM: What made you decide to volunteer with Camp Machaceh in 2008?
Harold: I had been praying for opportunities to serve and help others. I have fond memories of camps and wanted to participate in making the camping experience available for kids who otherwise would not be able to attend a camp. It just took someone asking me to help.

CM: In your own words what was your role at Camp Machaceh for Summer 2008?
Harold: I was the camp roadie, in charge of water balloon filling, inflation and deflation of inner tubes, setting up equipment for games, running errands, and occasionally throwing water balloons. I tried to help the directors and counselors prepare for the games and have equipment and supplies ready for their breakout sessions.

CM: Please describe your favorite experience from the summer.
Harold: I enjoyed interacting with the campers, counselors, and camp staff. I helped make s'mores for kids who had never eaten s'mores in their lives.

CM: What was the funniest thing that happened last summer?

(This is a picture of the practical joke the rest of the staff played on Harold one weekend when he was away.)

CM: How are you continuing your involvement with Camp Machaceh?
Harold: Recently, I became a Board Member and plan on participating in the camp this summer.

CM: Why should someone volunteer for Camp Machaceh this summer?
Harold: Aside from helping groups of campers experience a camp of a lifetime, the experience will bring back memories of your own camp days and build new memories. The experience will give you an opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life, providing memories and happiness to kids who have had their share of challenges.

CM: Is volunteering with Camp Machaceh difficult?
Harold: The weather may be hot, the trails dusty, or the camp director may be stressed, but the work is satisfying and fosters great memories.

CM: What is the most important thing to know about volunteering with Camp Machaceh?
Harold: The camp is a true blessing to both the volunteer and the kids who attend. You will see the kids grow, enjoy the music, and you will feel God’s presence at the camp,

Harold, Aaron, & Stephanie

This summer, we are running our camp with only a volunteer staff. We have positions ranging from camp counselor and rec team to van driver. If you enjoy working with youth and volunteering at Camp Machaceh sounds like fun to you, head on over to our website www.campmachaceh.org for more information. Camp Machaceh Camp Edition is July 5-10, 2009 at Forest Glen Springs Christian Camp near Waco, TX. We hope to see you there!