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I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be

I am not sure how many years it has been since I have consciously heard this song. I say consciously because I do not always pay attention to the songs they play in malls and other public arenas. In any case that first line has been spinning through my head since arriving in Moncton, probably since first finding out I was going to be working at Scotian Glen camp for two weeks.

I love camp. I love camp for many different reasons; some reasons are even selfish. I mean, if it hadn’t been for working at camp 7 years ago I may not have had the exposure to The Salvation Army that I received. The result is in me now wanting to be an effective part of God’s mission through TSA. Many others have shared a similar story.

Camp was long hot hours where I saw people working to their limit to see that kids have an emotionally, physically and spiritually healthy and positive experience one week a year; Children from a diversity of  backgrounds having their lives touched by the words and the works of the Christian faith through the Camp staff.  I thought this year I was going to miss that opportunity until I found out I was going to be a chaperone for fresh air camp and a co-counselor/Bible teacher for MAGA 2009.

While there have been many valuable experiences here in New Brunswick it wasn’t until the Sunday after returning from two weeks at camp that all the dots started connecting. The connection started after sharing a devotional at a prison.  I looked out and saw about 20 men from all ages, all ethnic and economical backgrounds, serving anywhere from a few months to life. One man had been there for 37 years; my whole life. Looking back I can’t help but think that once these men were children too and I can’t help but wonder what a week at a Fresh Air or MAGA camp might have done for them.  Having worked alongside Captain Sherri Williams at Corrections I get excited at the impact that can be made in the lives of the children of these inmates or other children in the community. They do this through great programs like OK! Kids, which is designed to help children whose parent(s) are in jail choose a better path for themselves through mentoring.

I was also grateful for the opportunity to lead Prayers at Small Blessings pre-school run by Lorraine Veysey through the Moncton Corps. It gave hope that as these children grow up they will remember the things taught to them and allow Christ to lead them.  The Children really are our future, and it is up to us to teach, show and give to them. If we don’t who will?

Every minute of this summer has not been perfect or easy. There have been challenges and humbling experiences and also triumphs and successes. I have been embraced and warmly welcomed by the people here and have learned much through them and what they do. How awesome is our GOD!

Lorri-Anne Butler