Kelly Condon at Charis Hills Camp

My name is Kelly Condon. I am from Glen Ellyn, IL just outside of Chicago. I am a rising junior at Lipscomb University studying special education, elementary education, and Spanish. This summer, i worked as a camp counselor at Charis Hills Camp in Sunset, TX. It is a camp which serves a population of both kids and teens with high functioning autism, ADHD, and other learning differences.

I have had a passion for people with learning differences for most of my life. I have always been interested in being a summer camp counselor as well because i always loved camps growing up. Charis Hills ended up being the perfect combination of both; i came in knowing no one, having no clue what to expect and the Lord was oh so faithful. The most rewarding part of this job is seeing these children beam when they are given opportunities they wouldn’t have at other camps, friendships rooted in Jesus, and a staff of people who want to listen to what they have to say. I specifically worked with a teen girl named Cassidy for three weeks this summer. When she left after the award ceremony, she cried and it just touched my heart to see that I had impacted her life by singing Hakuna Matata to wake her up each day, listening to her, and sharing Jesus with her. The most challenging part of this summer was finding the patience for every hour of every day for 8 weeks. “Charis” is the Greek word for grace and acceptance. That is what this camp is about and although a big challenge, I learned how to show grace time and time again.

I have learned so much throughout the summer. I was asked by a staff member what word I would use to describe camp and I said growth— both for the campers and myself. I grew physically and was pushed to the very limits with energy and being ready to smile and encourage the kids even on days when all I needed was a nap. I grew spiritually because God was ever present in this place, reminding me to say, “It’s okay that you have now taken 7 minutes to put on one sock. Now let’s move on to the next sock. You can do this!” He taught me to encourage, to love & to meet the kids where they are at. I also met some people on staff who really impacted my life, helped me to be vulnerable & and supported my walk with the Lord. Grace isn’t given to those He picks and chooses, but to each person regardless of label, differences or perceptions. God gives me His undeserved grace and it is my mission to give that to others as well.