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Junia Reinhardt is back! She is in charge of Community Life this summer, focusing on building relationships and connecting people to each other and to Christ.  How was your life growing up in regards to faith?
“My entire family, including my extended family, is Christian, loves Jesus, and that’s a cool legacy. I grew up learning about Jesus, asking a lot of questions, and figuring out this faith thing with a lot of support and encouragement from my parents. Did I become a Christian when I prayed the sinner’s prayer at age five? I guess so, but the Christian life is a journey. It never really stops. It’s continuous. Even now, I still ask lots of questions and read books and grow in love for Jesus and maturity (hopefully!).” How has camp impacted your life? “It’s made me a better leader,” she says. “It forces me to take charge, to step out, take responsibility. I’ve learned that I’m an extrovert—or, more of an extrovert than I thought.” However, camp has directly impacted Junia in her career choice as well. “I loved being a cabin leader, but I knew I couldn’t do this full time, so I thought, ‘What’s the closest thing to being a cabin leader?’ So I became a teacher. I just finished my Bachelor of Education and now I’m teaching a grade six class, so camp has made a huge impact even on my career.” What’s your favourite camp memory? “When I was cabin leading for Teen Camp, our cabin woke up in the early morning, took all the shoes that were not on the shoe rack, and strung the shoes across the pool with a rope. Only one shoe got wet! We had to jump the fence to do it—and we got pied for it—but it was so worth it.” Don’t get any ideas for this year. ;) How has God challenged you recently? “God is challenging me in confession and repentance. It’s one thing to know the Gospel and know it well; it’s another to get it, fully grasping the sense of grace—oh right, I need this. And though I’ve been a Christian for so many years, I am surprised—because I still am learning this. For these times of confessing to God, He is always willing to meet you where you are.” What are your expectations for this summer? For Junia, looking towards the future means reflecting on past summers as well. “Camp is community built,” she says. “It’s different year by year, and it’s hard not to be nostalgic but instead I have to understand that this isn’t my camp; this is God’s camp. Camp is all about connecting—and growing as disciples.” What can you tell us about your program role? This year, Junia will be in charge of community life, focusing on connecting people to other people through encouragement boards, prayer, and registration. It’s all about building relationships with parents and staff and kids. She will also be planning a lot of Camp Champ Challenge and Prospectors camp. “For Prospectors, I’m most excited to be outside and be around the campfire,” she says. What are you excited for in the future? Camp isn’t the only thing Junia is looking forward to. In a few weeks, she will be heading to Nova Scotia to help build a cabin. And to finish off the year, after graduating university, serving at camp, and building a cabin, she is getting married in December! We look forward to what God has planned for this summer and for Junia! |
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