Becoming the Adult Leader She Needed
After a few failed attempts at other summer camps, Massa first visited Fortune Lake as a last resort when she was a middle school youth camper. She recalls feeling welcomed and meeting friends, some with whom she still stays in contact all these years later. Fast forward to her first year of college… Massa was planning to work an office job at her university. Instead, her mom suggested she try her hand as a camp counselor, and the Holy Spirit led her back to Fortune Lake.
Massa recounts a week as Cabin Leader with a group of middle school campers. One particular camper was shy and unwilling to fully participate, feeling as if she didn’t fit in. Massa led by example. She showed the camper that she could step out of her comfort zone and try new things. Massa demonstrated that there was no one type of person who can engage in camp activities; everyone is welcome! Massa felt as if she were placed by God with that camper to inspire her, to be the very type of person Massa needed as a teenage girl. She hopes that the series of small interactions stick with the camper, helping her to grow in confidence even while she’s no longer at camp. The Cabin Leader role taught Massa to get back in touch with her childlike wonder, to have fun and be silly, to show her love for God in ways that are outgoing and fun. It was the breath of fresh air Massa needed, and it made her want to return.
Not only did Massa return as the Arts-n-Crafts (ANC) Coordinator for 2025, but she is also now serving as Fortune Lake’s first Horizon Apprentice! This special program is funded through the ELCA. Apprentices are young people of color who are placed at ministry sites to both use their gifts and to learn. In this unique role, Massa will work with the Camp Director and the Total Inclusion Committee to help ensure that Fortune Lake continues on the path of love, inclusion, welcoming, and acceptance for all campers for years to come. It is a joy for her to return to the camp of her youth to help shape it into the type of ministry she needed all those years ago, and we are honored to have her in this role!
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