The Summer Camp Friendship

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.

“Morgan, do you want to go to Camp Shamineau this year? They have a horseback-riding camp,” her mom said one day during breakfast.

Mouth full of crunchy cereal, Morgan used her time spent chewing to think about it. The pictures and description in the glossy catalog looked interesting, but she was nervous about not knowing anyone. Swallowing her fears along with her breakfast, she nodded. “Yeah, that sounds fun,” she said.

As the first day arrived and she and her mom drove toward camp, Morgan’s stomach fluttered with nerves. What if she didn’t get along with the other girls in her cabin? What if they were already friends with other girls? As every mile brought her closer to their destination, she felt a mix of fear and excitement. She knew Jesus was with her, but she still worried about being left out or not fitting in. When they finally arrived and she settled into her cabin, she overheard the other girls in the cabin introducing themselves.

“I’m Sophia.”

“I’m Brooke. Where are you from?” Brooke asked.

“Monticello,” Sophia answered.

Morgan gasped. “What? I’m from Monticello too!”

“So am I,” Brooke said.

As the week continued, Morgan quickly became friends with Sophia and Brooke. All three of them loved horses, and they realized that they lived just a few neighborhoods away from each other. They had traveled all the way to summer camp just to meet friends who lived at home. Between the horsemanship skills, trail riding, evening hayride, campfires, and chapel times, the days passed quickly. By the end of the week, Sophia, Brooke, and Morgan were inseparable.

In the Bible, we’re reminded that we can face every day with courage because God is always with us. That promise—that he’ll be with you “wherever you go”—is one that we can hold on to whenever we step out to try something new. When we face our fears in pursuit of adventures (and friendships), God’s comfort and steady presence can give us the courage we need.

As the week drew to a close, Morgan was thankful she had decided to come. Not only did the things she had worried about not happen, but she was able to return home with two friends who lived close enough to keep in touch with.

Things to Think About

• Have you ever tried an activity or experience that you felt worried about beforehand? Did that experience make you more or less likely to try something new in the future?
• What does it mean to have God with us wherever we go?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Be brave in pursuit of friendship by trying something new.