I can still remember the excitement of the kids on the big old yellow bus as we climbed our way up the windy camp driveway. Some of the youth had never been to camp, while others were MayMac veterans. All shared a similar anticipation: a place to be young and free.

This summer was a gift that I will always cherish. I came to the understanding that all kids are simply that, kids. They want a safe environment to play, ask a few questions and be themselves. I recall the fun times of camp – the mud-slide that was incredibly fast, the campfire skits that made some of us sick, and the intense games of Earthball. There were also the times that gave me reasons to pause. One moment in particular stands out in my mind. We went on a night hike with the junior aged kids and near the ridge we stopped. We shared an incredible 12 seconds of silence where everyone stared at God’s heavenly stars and listened to nothing but the night air. Oh, it was golden!

As Lead Counselor I was able to observe the men of MayMac in many different circumstances. There were difficult times, but it was all worth it, when at cabin-time the campers would ask questions about God that were real and honest. Camp was a place of community and spiritual growth. It was a place where we could be honest, sharing our thoughts, feelings and laughs together. God also challenged each of us in many areas of our lives as we were pushed to our limits.

Perhaps this summer you will come to camp MayMac. I would ask that you pray, and if you know that you should come, then come with an open mind and a heart ready to serve. Your fears of not being urban enough will dissipate as God moves through you. This summer will not only be a catalyst of change for your life, but you will also have a great impact on the lives of some sweet, sweet kids. Cheers!

Sebastian aka SeaBass

Camp May Mac truly is God’s space where change can take place. However, contrary to what I believed before working at camp, I have realized that this does not only apply to the campers. I have spent three summers at camp, and I do not hesitate to say that it has stretched and strengthened my faith. Camp has been a place where I have felt the power of community and the importance of living out my faith. The staff has continually challenged me and I have built many lasting friendships.

When I first went to camp I was challenged by the verse “Much is expected from those to whom much is given and much more is expected from those to whom much more is given.” Luke 12:48. I knew I had been given very much in my life and realized that God expects me to use what he has given me. I never realized that the more I gave of myself, the more God would give me. God is truly faithful to those who serve Him.

May Mac equipped me to better do ministry when I came back to Canada. The skills I acquired working with inner-city youth were easily transferable to working with youth in my hometown. Because of my May Mac experiences I have become an active youth sponsor at my home church. The skills I acquired at May Mac have also benefited me in my classroom as a junior high math teacher. I was once told working at a camp is one of the best ideas for anyone studying to be a teacher. This is so true!

May Mac has been a life-changing experience for me and I have highly recommended it to many of my friends. One thing I learned at camp encourage anyone is this: No matter who you are or where you are from, YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO OFFER THAT NO ONE ELSE CAN.
I consider it a privilege to have worked at camp for three summers. The staff I met, the kids I hung out with, and the things I learned are beyond my ability to put into words. I look back on my camp experiences and know that there has been Kingdom impact in many lives beyond what I can comprehend.

This past summer was a time of growth and excitement in my life.

Before coming to camp, I was nervous about what the campers would be like. They turned out to be kids. Yes, they had more energy than I was used to, they were more blunt, they had experienced things I had only heard about, and put up a tough front, but mostly they were just kids who wanted to be loved and have a good time. I came to camp ready to serve and give, but I ended up gaining new perspectives, meeting amazing people, and experiencing the Body of Christ in a whole new way.

In some ways camp was harder than I had expected; keeping seven rambunctious girls together turned out to be more than I could handle on my own. I was not sure what to do when some campers was ready to do an activity, while others were running away and had no intention of listening to what I was going to say. However, God used these hard situations to stretch me. I was forced to rely on God and the support he had placed around me. City Team Camp May Mac provided a safe place where I could be who God created me to be and where others would support me in what I was going through. Experiencing community like this changed my perceptions of fellowship, love, and life. I believe God has used - and will continue to use - this place for his glory, while shaping people into the people he intends them to be. I am not sure what God has in mind for my future, but I believe that the experiences of this past summer at camp have given me a different perspective that will be helpful in whatever God leads me to next.

I would recommend people to serve at Camp May Mac because it changes
perspectives, offers the opportunity to join God in his amazing work of
transforming lives, involves working with people who are on fire for Christ and committed to growing, and it is a safe place to grow.