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| Big Bird’s Brainstorm
by Andy Rathburg |
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My name is Andy Rathburg and I have the great pleasure of serving as Big Bird this summer at Camp Leelanau. No, I am not a seven-foot tall, yellow-feathered animal, but I am able to interact with the younger kids and observe the remarkable growth that they will all make this summer at camp. Being a camp counselor truly is the best job in the world because it delivers a sense of purpose: that as a camp counselor I am making a positive impact on the lives and characters of children – the future of our world.
I cherish my daily walks around the Junior Section here at camp. There are so many smiling faces and I see God’s expression in every single camper. I know that God is working his purpose out through the good that goes on here at camp; every time I turn around I see more good work happening, especially from the young campers. I see young campers helping each other out during cleanup, playing games together while laughing their heads off, and young campers putting their arms around one another just to lift their spirits. God’s good work is happening at here and it makes this camp an extraordinary place to spend the summer.
The amazing work that goes on and the growth that is attained are not isolated to the confines of the camp property, however. I have seen first-hand that these accomplishments occur outside of camp on Leelanau trips as well.
A trip to the woods is a terrific way to not only start out on a great summer, but also to start out on an incredible Leelanau journey. Trips are an integral part of a summer camp experience. They help build respect for the outdoors and the environment. Going on a trip will also teach how to work as a team and heighten an individual sense of spirituality.
I spent the better part of two burly days with the youngest men in camp, from the Early Bird cabins of Black Swan and Argosy, as we paddled the mighty upper Betsie River. We set off on a Monday afternoon and started canoeing across a very windy Green Lake. After some local assistance, we found the mouth of the Betsie River and continued on our trek. We told stories, played Pirates, and laughed the day away as we headed downstream on day one.
Finally, we all made it to the Grass Lake Dam Campground where we were to set up camp for the night. Much to our surprise, the CT’s were all there to take care of us and have fun all night. We played many games, found a lot of snakes, and the campers climbed all over the CT’s. Our bellies were then filled with tasty pasta and yummy fruity fruit punch, lovingly prepared by the CT’s. Afterwards we had s’mores around the fire and then went to sleep in some warm, cozy tents.
We awoke the next morning to the smell of French toast goodness, said farewell to the CT’s, and pressed on with our voyage. The second day was full of even more laughter and tough paddling. We passed under a few bridges, found a cool old railroad bridge, and even ditched the canoes for a bit and floated down the river on our backs (with life jackets, of course!) After a brawny, but superb expedition down the lively Betsie, we finally made it to our take out spot, hopped on the Big Blue Bus, and traveled back to camp.
I am so impressed by every camper that went out on that trip. They worked together in perfect harmony and each and every one of them grew and progressed as young men. I have been on many trips in my thirteen summers at Leelanau and every new trip upon which I embark ends up being an incredible demonstration of God’s work in action. The Betsie River trip was no exception to the fruition of that demonstration. I am proud of every young man that set out on that river, and every camper that went out on a trip that week. Everyone grew by leaps and bounds, and just maybe had a little bit of fun along the way!
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