Days 9-16: Camp Wapo (Part 1) (8/23-8/30/20)

So, now officially back from Camp Wapo, there is ALOT to talk about. I have been gone for two weeks now without my phone, and have just returned to the NET Center to talk about the highlights. . . Overall it has been the same type of experience as last year: same talks, same information for the most part, but obviously different from years past due to COVID. For example, we have many sessions outside under a massive tent where we can fit everyone in instead of a not-so-COVID safe building. We must sit in small groups at all times, and it can be difficult to meet new people due to this. There is also separation between blue and green groups. The two groups are made to make mealtime easier on Camp staff, splitting up the times you can eat breakfast and dinner making for less amount of people. But this year it is worse, because sometimes blue and green would be separated for certain sessions, such as adoration, and its tough not getting to celebrate/learn with everyone. Hearing the same talks again has been awesome though! All the talks in the first week are building us up spiritually, creating a relationship with Jesus and recognizing His love. Yes, I have heard these talks, but to reflect on where I was last year and how much I have grown since then has been a blessing. Plus, they are always so emotionally taxing, no matter who you are. . . One of the many things that changed was Ox Lake. Ox Lake is a separate camp that the men go to learn about our masculinity and how to live it out throughout the year, while the ladies stay at Wapo to learn about their femininity (I think at least lol). Usually we do a service project, yet because of COVID there was nothing to do, but NET replaced it with other activities that were just as powerful. It was so fun to do it with all the guys, since it was as new to me as it was for the first-years. We also got to renew our baptismal rites, which was super special to recommit myself to the Catholic faith in that way. One thing thankfully stayed the same: campfire and camp songs with all the men. What a time of camaraderie. . . Laundry is one of my favorite activities, since we go to a random city with a group and hang out. This year, small groups are paired up and head to a laundry location, when it is usually a random group of peeps that go together. The girl small group was legit: Rachel H. (MN, 2nd year), Christine H. (MN), Elizabeth T. (LA), Catherine M. (IL), and Belinda B. (TX). We were Laundry Group L, so we called ourselves “Team Lettuce”. Why? No idea, don’t worry about it. . . The last highlight of Week 1 of 2 was the weekend. Every first Saturday of Wapo, we have a variety show, where people get to perform an act in front of all the NETters. It can be funny, emotional, and everything in between, but it’s always a good time. This year, despite being separated blue and green group, I decided to do an act. I wanted to utilize my newfound guitar skills and mash it with comedy. I called it, “For all the brokenhearted people”, and as emotionally and as slow as possible, played “The One That Got Away” by Katy Perry. I had people rolling apparently, it was so much fun. There were some great acts, from an epic lightsaber battle between my homeboys Sam E. (PA, 2nd year), and Solomon P. (IL), to an awesome viola act by Catherine M., and so much more. On Sunday, I got to enjoy swimming and paddle boarding in the Lake again. The first week was intense but so fruitful, and I am looking forward to the second week!. . . Also, my small group guys are amazing, we literally cannot stop laughing everywhere we go. Praise God!