Working with a diverse group of children, volunteers, and colleagues was incredibly rewarding and informative. The generosity of the parishioners in volunteering their time not only made our administrative jobs easier, but allowed us to spend more time connecting with the children who participated in the camp.
What I wish was different
I wish we had started the programming and recruiting process earlier.
Advice
Working with a church could be challenging insofar as there was a preexisting system by which volunteers worked. Although wonderful and helpful, this was not always compatible with our programming goals. I recommend that anyone who finds themselves in a similar situation learn early to respectfully but firmly to demarcate their sphere of authority.
