God-Given

Written in honor of International Women's Day and Women's History Month. 

The first time I was told that I had "leadership skills" was in high school, when I tried out to be a section leader in the marching band. I was shaking, quaking bundle of nerves the entire day leading up to the try outs, practicing calling commands for weeks, suddenly uncertain of my ability to do a drill-down, let alone call one. After results were posted, my band director smiled and complimented me for trying out, saying that I had "true leadership skills" while mentioning things I would also have to work on, as any good teacher would do.

 I was over the moon - I wasn't just bossy anymore, I was a leader. The past five years, of being painfully conscious of the amount of space my personality seemed to occupy, the volume that I naturally spoke with. and the shit that I did not want to put up with, all suddenly seemed so worth it, just to be called a leader by a role model. I had consoled myself over those past five years, hiding behind books about big, strong women who were leaders, making friends with other kids (and parents) who didn't seem to mind that I liked to make my own decisions. I fought to fit in, literally fighting with my hair to tame into some semblance of "stick straight". Black nail polish and heavy eyeliner seemed to excuse my behavior in some ways, but I was never quite what I wanted to be. I wasn't quite popular enough to have the voice or opinions that I did, and although being popular was not the goal. I envied the others in high school who took on leadership positions, boys and girls. I badly wanted to be a leader like others in the school, but I could not reconcile with my eleven-year-old-self who had been bullied for being "so bossy" and so instead I was surly, sassy, and angry. I was blatantly disrespectful, and consoled myself by repeating over and over that "well-behaved women rarely make history".

Although band helped, my self-identity as a potential leader and as a strong woman did not truly start to form until this approximate week five years ago, at the Diocesan Youth Conference in West Plains, MO. I was chosen as president of my youth group to help plan the conference for 2011, and although I did not do nearly as much as my youth leaders did, I did a lot. And I knew it. And I was proud of it. And it was kneeling there, during Adoration, next to two adults who made me feel like an equal, rather than as a child. My peers were caught up in a very emotional moment with God, but I felt at peace. I was overcome by this powerful sense that God was proud of me, for the work that I had done, and for the kind, macro-managing, trusting leader that I had been the past few months.

I still count to ten before raising my hand in classes, for fear of being a know-it-all. I still feel bossy
at times, and at times, I am. But that moment I shared five years ago was invaluable. I would not have served as president of an organization or been able to lead my own lecture without it. I would have been unable to "court" Josh into eventually dating (and soon, marrying!) me. I definitely wouldn't have applied to law school or became the director at Camp Re-NEW-All.

There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit;
there are different forms of service but the same Lord;
there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone.

Little girls who are ridiculed for being bossy may never grow into their potential. I thank the Lord every day for the experience and blessing God gave me five years ago.

Tota tua,

LeAnn

Saturday Special: Camp for Campers

Dear Dubious Parent,

Some of my best summer memories are from Camp Re-NEW-All (spoiler: I run it now, so clearly, I loved it). I learned so much from attending Camp, and in my years on staff, I have enjoyed watching kids grow and learn in just those four and a half days! It's an experience every child should try, because the worst thing that can happen is they don't come back next year, and the best is that they never want to leave.

Here are some Camp-Director approved reasons why children should try camp... (note, this is church-camp specific, but could totally apply to other sleep-away summer camps like Girl Scout camp or others)

Down by Roaring River

1.) All the new stuff they'll get to try! Living for a few days away from home exposes kids to all kinds of new environments and ideas! Is your child an only child? They'll learn how to share living space with people. Has your child ever swam in a river? They'll to do that too! Have they ever had lemon bars or our special camp-style s'mores? They're going to absolutely love them. New games, new faces, new information-it's an awesome opportunity for your children to try all kinds of new things in a safe, supportive environment!

Staff members at Adoration

2.) Role models. Most summer camps are ran by adults but primarily staffed by high school and college aged young adults. They're comparable to pro-babysitters who are going to help your children have more fun than they've ever had in their lives. The staff is from all over the area, with all kinds of talents. We have team-building the day before your child arrives, and are so prepared to help your child have a blast all week! The staff is there for your children! Camp isn't about the staff, it's about the campers and all they want to is hang out with, bond, teach, help, and get to know your children. This means that your child is going to be surrounded by attentive, Jesus-loving, fun, energetic teens who want to share their love of Christ with all of the campers.

Mass

3.) Jesus will be there. Well, not literally, but sort of! We have religious formation (reform) classes every day, giving campers a chance to learn about an area of their faith in depth. How many forms of prayer are there? What is a saint? How do I find my vocation? These are all questions that have been answered in years past, and this year we are answering questions about the Mass. When your camper comes home telling you all about transubstantiation and when it happens in the Mass, you're going to be blown away. Not only that, but your camper will get a chance to read at Mass, serve, lead praise and worship, participate in the sacrament of Penance and spend time with Christ during Adoration. And the staff will be there every step of the way to help them know how and what to do during all of this, so there's no need to worry if your camper hasn't been to confession in a while or never been to Adoration. We're here to help bring them closer to Christ every day!

All dressed up for the Main Event

4.) Did I mention fun? Does your son or daughter like sports? Or maybe learning about nature? Do they enjoy crafts, such as making tie-dye shirts or mosaic crosses? Can they play an instrument or do they enjoy singing? Or do they just enjoy being a part of a group of kids and having a good day? Camp is so much fun, and so busy! Nightly activities like the Main Event or Skit Night will have your camper excited all day long to participate! They'll lose their voice on Camp Fire Night, singing along to all of the camp songs their peers are leading, and you bet they'll want to know what exactly the Dutch Auction is from the moment it's announced.

5.) Life-Long Friends. Two of my best friends attended camp with me as staff and campers. One of my best friends met her husband at camp in the 8th grade. My younger sister has attended camp with her best friends, and developed mature, faith-focused friendships through her time at camp. There are campers who only attend a particular session so that they can see their camp family every year, which includes campers from West Plains to New Madrid to Joplin. Not to mention Springfield, Pierce City, Cassville, and all of the parishes in between. Your camper is going to make friends with people from all over the area, who all have approximately the same faith experience as they do! Catholicism!

Dancing at Music

6.) Traditions. The summer camp tradition is a strong one. Camp Re-NEW-All has been around for forty-two years! My parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins attended camp. There are staffers who watch over their younger siblings, like the Saikos. The oldest, Allison, is all about what her siblings and her campers need; she's the big sister that all the campers need. There are also staffers who are siblings and love to attend the same sessions, and even work the same positions, like the Denney sisters! Sophia and Alexa lead music and work with campers not only at Camp Re-NEW-All but also at a local day camp too. Their experiences, joy, and passion for working with kids are just one example of the kind of love and tradition the staff and campers bring each year. Camp wouldn't be what it is without families who make it a priority each summer.

Camper group picture

7.) Camp isn't camp without campers. The camp's entire purpose is to provide a getaway, a spiritual retreat, and fun, safe environment for campers. All of the campers. And we need all kinds of campers. Athletic campers. Crafty campers. Funny campers. Brave campers. Campers who are shy. Campers who like to help others. Campers with all kinds of life experiences, like being an only child or the youngest, or the oldest. We have campers allergic to nuts, we have campers allergic to grass. We've had campers with different developmental struggles. My dad went to camp on crutches one year! Camp is a safe place. And all of our campers, with all of their differences are loved and wanted for the days that they are here.

Camp holds a special place in my heart, and will even after I am no longer director or able to attend. I truly believe it is one of the most valuable experiences my parents gave me as a child.

Tota tua,

LeAnn

Don't be stupid...

Stay in the boat!

During my first week of camp, my boss came to town- Bishop Johnston of the Springfield-Cape Girardeu diocese stopped by to say Mass and enjoy a meal with some the youth of his diocese.

"What is one of the stupidest things you can do on a boat in a storm?" he asked the kids. They all looked around confused, seeing as most of them have had little experience with boats or storms. Bobbi Mosley, our cook, leaned in and whispered to me, "jump out!"

Eventually, Bp. Johnston was able to pull it out of them, that the stupidest thing to do was to jump out of the boat in a storm.

"The Church is the boat, when times get rough, when you feel scared, frustrated, or abandoned, don't jump out of the boat. The Apostles thought Jesus was sleeping, not paying any attention to them or their problems, but He was right there. Jesus will never abandon us."

The kids loved it. For days, I heard them using the Bishop's earthy, child-friendly phrase. It stuck with my staff too, they're talking about even making shirts. And it stuck with me, on Wednesday, I hit a wall. I was so tired, and just unsure of what I was supposed to be doing or saying. Bobbi laughed at me, cheering me on over the hump, all I needed was a minute to breathe, and remind myself that I am not abandoned. I'm surrounded by campers and staff who listened to, respected, and loved me. I could do this.

"Don't be stupid, stay in the boat," I heard Bp. Johnston say, and then I was up and ready to go again.

Totus tuus,

LeAnn