Summer camp has come to an end. For some of us, this is a HUGE relief. The long, hard days and sleepless, short nights are behind us…at least for another year. For others, it’s the end of the fun season, where children’s laughter is no longer and theme days with costumes are a cherished memory. But, for all of us in this ministry, it is a change of season and a chance to practice some needed self-care. Unfortunately, for so many of us in outdoor ministry, self-care is something we put aside and often just ignore. But it is so important, especially once summer has come to an end. I am by no means an expert in this area, but after over 20 years in this ministry, I did adopt some practices that became crucial for my physical, mental, and spiritual health.

1. SLEEP! I know, I know, this one seems so obvious. It’s probably also unavoidable, as our bodies are just worn out. But, I just want to give you permission to do it for as long as you need to. Maybe you are fine with just a normal 7-8 hours the day after camp. But, if you need to just stay in your bed or spend a day or days on your couch, allow yourself to do it and don’t apologize for it.
2. Feel the blues. I called the first few days after camp my “Blue Days” because I found myself feeling down and often uncomfortable. Walking around a quiet camp, with no one around can be very unsettling. I learned to give myself permission to give in to my feelings whatever they may be. Some years, the dark days were none or few and some they were many. But, whatever my body and mind needed, I learned to give it.
3. Offer prayers of gratitude. Some summers end on a high, but some do not. Making a physical list of the things that I am grateful for always helps me to see that there are so many blessings in our lives each day that go unrecognized.
4. Leave Camp. Your world has likely centered in one place for the season, so it's time to get off camp for a while and experience the outside world again. Plan a vacation, a staycation, a day in the city, or some other complete change of scene. Fill your senses with sights, sounds, and tastes that are different from what you experience at camp. This can reset your perspective and help with your re-entry process.
5. Reconnect. Our family and friends often go neglected in the summer. If we have an understanding support system, those close to us usually give us a lot of grace during the summer months for being out of touch. Now is the time to make efforts to reconnect, not only for ourselves but for those in our lives who truly miss us during the camp season. Visit family. Go out to dinner with your best friends. Take your dog on a fun adventure. Make some phone calls or just resume Snap Streaks with those you have been apart from.
6. Debrief the summer. In the early days after camp ends, try taking a long walk while creating a voice memo on your phone. Ramble on about the summer to capture your first thoughts. Later, use those notes to draft an end-of-summer report to record reflections and to set goals for the following year. We always think we will NEVER FORGET certain incidents, but we do, especially as time goes on. Record your thoughts while it is fresh and raw.

What are some practices that you use for self-care and renewal at the end of camp? If you can’t think of any, maybe these or others will give you some help that you didn’t even know you needed. Summer 2023 is in the books. Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done.

Allyson Ashmore is the new Retreat Director at Beersheba Springs Assembly (TN).  She has served in outdoor ministry for over 22 years; recently retired from Camp Hopewell (MS).  She chairs the Compass Points Council and serves on the faculty for Personnel & Leadership course. Allyson resides in Spencer, TN where she and her husband, Darren, along with her sister and brother-in-law spend much time exploring waterfalls in the area.