In the Family

I still remember my first summer camp –– the excitement of packing my bags, riding a bus with friends, eating more candy than usual, and swimming in the lake. This camp was the talk of the summer. In fact, my first summer camp is one of my all-time favorite childhood memories. I especially loved how everyone would wear the same t-shirt throughout the week. With matching t-shirts and memories to last a lifetime, summer camp felt like one ginormous family reunion and I enjoyed every year that I was able to attend.

A few weeks ago, I was in Cambodia for NHO Kids Camp. Let me tell you, it was just like summer camp. The main differentiating factor was volume. Over 400 kids gathered from different children’s homes throughout Cambodia for two full days of summertime bliss. Much like my experience, these children were over the moon. They were thrilled to be at camp, something they look forward to for two years.

When the first bus of children rolled up to this year’s venue, a beautiful resort in Sihanoukville,  Cambodia, my heart stopped. Their faces said it all. They were equal parts ecstatic and shocked to be staying here. My favorite part was when the doormen gave all of the kids a special welcoming juice. They quickly acclimated to their temporary home and snuggled further down into the lobby couches. Then they were whisked away to their hotel rooms. I will let these pictures do the talking.

Excitement isn’t a strong enough adjective to express the joy that resonated throughout our two days together. Volunteers from seven countries came together in unity, using their limited vacation time, to serve these incredible kids. “Get used to it, this is what Heaven will be like…” Matt Geppert mentioned at the end of our opening session and he was right. These two days were a slice of heaven on earth.

Though it rained during our stay, the kids were able to enjoy a few sunshiney hours at the palm-fringed beach –– some of them seeing the ocean for the very first time. Later on, about 100 kids made the decision to get baptized in the Indian ocean while onlookers cheered. Heaven opened even further.

Though it was chaotic at times to have so many people in one space, it was apparent that these children felt like they belonged –– they were in the family. This made NHO Kids Camp a smashing success! Despite their late arrival to many of the sessions, I loved waiting outside the door and watching them bond with their friends from other children’s homes. It was fun to see them confidently walk through the hotel lobby or watch them pass out friendship bracelets that they made long before they arrived. Not once did I see a child sitting alone. They knew they were part of a much larger family. After more than a decade since my first summer camp, I now have a storehouse of new favorite camp memories to choose from.

 We are grateful for the many volunteers that made this year’s NHO Kids Camp possible, and for the opportunity to make this special camp a reality for so many children.