As I review last summer and try to look at what was especially good and exceptionally bad, really only one thing comes to mind, “dedication”. I assume when anyone tries to paint an overview of what it is like working in a camp kitchen from day to day it’s usually pretty simple to describe cook clean, cook clean, cook clean.

On the surface that may be correct but truly it hold something more than just what is on the surface like many jobs here at Covenant Cedars. To me it’s full of trials, tribulations, joy and amazement.

In an average summer the kitchen at Covenant Cedars produces about 27,000-30,000 meals in 3 months. If you break that down that means over 50,000 pieces of silverware were washed, over 10,000 lbs of meat was served, and over 10,000 cookies were ate. This being my third summer as food service director I have a general idea of what to expect but as summer staff come into the mix dedication is definitely required. Every year there are new faces that join our staff along with old ones.

Most of the time I get to help most of these new faces become acclimated to life as a summer staffer because most are usually working the kitchen for their first summer. To see those people take challenges head on and show such dedication not only to the service in the kitchen but also service in sharing the gospel.

It always amazes me how God can give such strength and courage when you least expect it. It takes dedication to be willing to push yourself so that you are no longer conforming to the word but the will of God.

When you serve 30,000 meals and do all of those dishes it takes dedication from all to keep focused on the goal of spreading the gospel through service in the kitchen. Even though there are struggles that go on throughout the summer, there are plenty of rewards. Some campers will sometimes write notes that say thank you for good meals or write something appreciative for just the service.

It is such a blessing to be able to see the way God works throughout the summer. To be able to share just a little glimpse of camp, is at the very least what I could do. So take the challenge be dedicated and pick up a summer staff application either online at cedars.org or visit at camp and get an application in person.

I’ll see you in the dish room!