“Here’s a map and a compass,” my counselors Jervis and Weldon instructed to the cabin of Tortuga, a group of me and five other nine-year old boys in 1997. “You need to find our campsite. Now you better get going ‘cause it’s starting to get dark in these woods.”

I distinctly remember crying.

But then I remember laughing so hard I could barely breathe.

Immediately spotting my uncertainty (and not to mention tears), Jervis and Weldon—two men I still consider my counselors and friends—did not hesitate to destroy my fear. Jervis wrestled me to the ground, giving me his trademark “Mitchell Bear” hug. My cabin promptly joined in, wrestling error into submission.

At that moment I, a frightened nine-year old, had a realization: How could I possibly be scared when I’m surrounded and supported by so much love?

This is a lesson I have learned and relearned many times throughout my nine-year career at camp. I now understand that this lesson defines my relationship with God: How could I possibly be scared, ever, when I’m surrounded by Love?

Relieved and victorious, Tortuga safely made it to our site before nightfall.
And who found the campsite? Tortuga—a group of six boys that overcame a challenge together. I think everyone in the cabin grew that day, including the counselors. The growth came from instantaneously attacking fear with love and arising triumphant.

These moments keep bringing me back to camp. Moments like this are abundant at Camp Leelanau, and it’s so exciting to see my campers have the same kind of moments that I had as a camper. The staff strives to provide a safe, supportive environment that encourages progress, not to mention a little bit of fun. Camp makes us grow, and that’s because everyone is forced out of comfort zones. But we are far from alone; we have the loving support of fellow campers, counselors, and God.

Last summer, as a first-year counselor, I learned that camp can still challenge me…in a big way. But this time I never doubted my ability—and I credit that spiritual confidence to my previous maturation and growth at camp.

And that’s one of the best lessons I’ve learned from Christian Science—and from camp, really: We can accomplish anything in this world. We already have our map and compass.