Sarah Kroger
Then: Covecrest Session 1 summer staff 2009 (with the best camp coordinator ever, Erik Martin).
Now: It’s interesting because my life is more hectic now than it was when I was in the thick of college life. I decided to take this year “off” to discern where and what God is calling me to. I’m working as a full time nanny for three beautiful children, I lead worship for the Life Teen and Edge programs at my church (I’m on core team for both ministries as well), I have a part-time job leading the music for the school masses at my parish, and I sing around town at different restaurants in a duo that I am a part of. Obviously, God is calling me to something in music, I’m just not sure what that exactly looks like right now. But I trust He is leading me!
Was it worth it? Would you do it again? How is this even a valid question? Is it worth it to be completely transformed by God? Summer staff changed my LIFE. It changed my perspective on love and self sacrifice. God revealed things and showed up in ways I never imagined possible. I witnessed miracles at camp, hearts being broken and reformed in Christ, Mary leading the heart of every teen that came to camp to her Son. I have never felt more united with a group of people than when I was on staff with my family. Yes, my family. That’s what we became. I have never loved or been loved so deeply. I had never experienced the love of Christ in a more real way. What we did on summer staff and how we were trained formed us as missionaries for the rest of our lives. Which is what we are called to be! So you ask me, was it worth it? I think the answer is quite clear. I would do it again in a heartbeat.
Do you still keep in touch with the summer staff from that year? My staff is and always will be my family. Although I don’t keep in touch with all of them mainly because of my hectic life, there are a few that I frequently talk to. But honestly, even if we are not always in contact, I know that we are united in the Eucharist. I am confident that the individual missions Christ has called us to in life are anointed, and I know that I will always have my extended family praying for me and I for them, no matter where we are in life. Reunions are always the best because they’re like we were never apart!
Why should a college student apply to be on summer staff? Being on summer staff is basically saying to God, “Lord, I allow you to ruin my life so that I may be rebuilt in You.” I know that sounds extreme, but it truly is what it is like. God completely rips apart any expectations you may have on how camp will go, and speaks to you in very powerful ways everyday. If you desire to be transformed, to become a part of a whole new family, to serve like you have never served before, to learn how to die to yourself, to encounter the living God like you never have before, then you should apply. Always remember these words that we were told multiple times on staff, “God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.”
