What do you want to be when you grow up?

Guest blogger Frances Allison has been a Comanche for the past two summers. She is a junior at Ole Miss, majoring in Journalism.  Here's Frances' take on what it is like to work at Winnataska.

When I was a Chico, it was a simple answer when people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, "A Comanche." Being on staff at camp is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

As a third generation camper, it has always been clear where I wanted to spend my summers. In the big world we live in, camp is a place that you have to experience to understand. And once you experience it, you’re hooked for life. Camp introduces you to the most genuine people you will ever encounter. Getting to be your true self at such a wonderful place makes you so grateful.

Being on staff at a place like that is even better. The bond between staff members becomes even closer as camp comes to an end every summer. Being a role model in Christ to hundreds of kids every summer is more beneficial than most jobs one can have in his or her life. Camp teaches you more lessons, in my opinion, than any class ever could.

The Bible verse on the back of the staff shirt from this past summer was 1 Timothy: 4:12. It says: “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believer in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” This verse can be said for the campers and leaders as well. Camp teaches us to be positive, happy people. What’s better than that?