My Gift to Camp
My Gift to Camp
by Sarah Burd, Deer Run Alumna
We’ve reached the end of 2021! By the time you’re reading this, the Christmas preparations are behind you and hopefully you’re still dwelling in the celebration of Christ’s entrance into our world and hearts. While you dwell, I’d like to remind you that December 31st is days away and it’s time to get those last-minute gifts to camp in! I admit, I have been officially recognized by Melissa Yonan as a “procrastinator” with the best of them. Last year was a new level—I had decided to give to the Next75 Campaign and on December 31st , I realized I never mailed my check! Frantically, I called camp to arrange an EFT (the ever so handy Electronic Fund Transfer). I had a lovely chat with Debbie Strodel, but I have resolved to do my part to make her New Year’s Eve slightly less crazy this year by mailing my gift sooner.
As I write, the days of Advent are behind us, and I find myself encouraged by God’s power to redeem. I don’t know if I’ve ever lived in a time where our collective need for a Savior has been so palpable! When I look back over my life, one of the things that has enabled me to have hope amid challenge and uncertainty is my time at camp. As a camper and then a counselor, my relationship with Christ deepened. I experienced some of my first moments of true peace in Christ along the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee and found freedom walking through life with the Holy Spirit. Additionally, the skills I developed at camp have allowed me to be resilient.
While the timing of my giving habits may be suspect, I do not take giving lightly. I know first-hand the lifelong impact that camp has and feel blessed that God invites me, through my giving, to be a part of the redemptive work he is doing there. Whether you’ve given financially in the past or not, would you join me in praying about how God might call you to be involved in impacting the next generation of campers’ lives? If you’re already planning a gift, consider joining me in getting it in a couple days “early”—for Debbie’s sake!
Sarah is currently living in Boston and will graduate from Physician Assistant School in January. Before returning to graduate school, Sarah worked in vocational ministry for Athletes in Action in the Boston area and on frequent trips around the world. At the heart of it all is Deer Run, where Sarah spent 7 summers, 5 as camper and two as a DR counselor. She loves to cook, travel, and spend time by the water. When summer comes around she daydreams of mornings coaching and spotting skiers from the back of the Nautique and afternoons on the archery range. You can reach out on email seburd@gmail.com