Ministry at Myers Lake through the eyes of the Myers Lake Program Intern…
By Janelle Lind (Essexville St. Luke’s UMC)              

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be a teacher. Being the Program Intern at Myers Lake United Methodist Campground the last 2 summers has helped crystallize this goal in my mind. Not only has it improved my leadership abilities, but I have grown in my faith as result. There’s something so rewarding about seeing a child laugh and smile on a bright sunny day at camp or even when the rain may be keeping them out of the lake!  My job as I see it is to provide a safe and comfortable environment in which kids can relax and just be themselves. By feeling safe they are more confident and willing to try new things and be exposed to new ideas and new people.  The explorer inside each of them comes out a little bit more with each passing day of their stay at the campground.

Throughout the weekend I make a connection with the kids through the various games and crafts I plan and carry out. Then I help the kids open their eyes to God through different activities and tie it all together in the Children’s message each Sunday morning. Even just being at the camp fills one with astonishment of the beauty of God’s creations. I try to have fun with them throughout the weekend and show them the beauty and awe of the outdoors then I try to connect my message to those shared experiences. 

This job has provided me with the realization that I am a role model and even the little things matter in the eyes of children. It’s the little things they pick up on that means the most to them. What I find the most rewarding is how they light up at the smallest chit-chat about topics they are interested in. It’s the small things that people do which brightens another’s day.  

Whether chasing fireflies, playing in the sand with them, burning myself with the glue gun, or getting attacked with water bombs during sponge tag, there is a tie to God and his beautiful creation for the campers here at Myers Lake. Teaching children that God is not just some mystical being they get preached to about is important. He is all around us. In the joy of catching fireflies, the sandcastle building on the beach, or the quite roar of the family camp fire. Teaching them to both LEARN and LIVE as Christian’s is fun and meaningful. That is why I enjoy working so hard to provide for our guest’s as Myers Lake United Methodist Campground’s Program Intern.

With weekend activities, special events, and worship experiences planned by the Myers Lake staff, campers experience a flexible setting offering programs that will fit into their busy lifestyles.  The Myers Lake Program Intern is integral to the success of these programs and the warm intentional invitation to come experience the Christian fellowship these activities foster.

Your Ministry Jubilee Gifts designated for the Myers Lake Program Intern:

q       Partially underwrite the salary of this key ministry position.

q       Provide for a modest supply of text and print resources to equip the intern with.

Janelle Lind spent the summers of 2006 & 2007 serving campers in her role as Program Intern at Myers Lake.  Janelle is currently a Junior at Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, MI.  She is studying Art and preparing for a profession as a teacher.

Click on photos to enlarge.
You may right click on large photos to save to your computer to use for church promotional purposes.

Janelle leading weekend games with children.

Janelle leading a flower arranging activity.

Weekend games at Myers Lake.