*A blog written by Erin Wiltse, Springdale Ozone Director
There is much to say about how unique and sweet Camp War Eagle
is, but something that makes CWE different than other camps is the fact that camp
counselors have the ability and desire to continue their investment in the
lives of campers beyond the gates.
CWE365 allows for the mission of camp to be part of every
day life. The lifeblood of that mission is
the people who choose to partner with us: Afterschool Program workers, Mentors,
and Ozone leaders make up the army who link arms to reach, connect, and change
NWA students and families.
This past January, the CWE365 staff joined together to honor
those that are so dear to us. The
Volunteer Appreciation Dinner is an annual affair to gather, reflect, look
forward together. Through dinner, games,
story-telling, fellowship, laughter and Truth, the charge became clear to all
of us: Continue to look to Him, even in your good works, so that you will not
be deceived in trying to earn the affection of your Heavenly Father, because He
already loves you so.
Often the trap for us happens when we gauge God’s favor in
our lives based on how much (or how little) we are doing and how well (or how
poor) we rate ourselves at doing those very things. Being connected to a ministry and offering
time, talent, energy, and relationship capacity, can sometimes turn you to
glorify yourself instead of the very One you are serving. That was the charge
for our leaders to remember and show our students: look to Christ and let Him
be the one we serve and show in our lives and through CWE365.
We desire to appreciate those who are so faithful and
sacrificial, and in order to do so we knew that the Gospel had to be heard. Preaching it daily to ourselves and in our
community is necessary to be able to lead well.
Celebrating all that He had done in & through us, and all He
promises to continue, gave us the necessary charge to rightly move forward on
mission.
If you ever get me in a one-on-one conversation, it’s likely
to bet that I will be telling stories and passionately expressing my gratitude
for our volunteers and workers. It is
such a sweet thing to work and walk with such diverse & unique individuals
while maintaining a unity of heart & mind that is given by the Holy Spirit
Himself.
CWE365 peeps, WE LOVE YOU!!
