A Massanetta Story: Second Home

James left his home in Northern Virginia to begin college at The Citadel in July of 2020. Shortly afterwards, his parents let him know that the family was moving to the Shenandoah Valley. His schedule kept him so busy he didn’t visit his new home until November, where he had no friends, no social life, and it was in the middle of the pandemic. Being away from the community where he grew up, combined with the regimented life of a military school, and COVID restrictions made it a tough year. James found himself a bit disconnected, and maybe even without knowing it, needing community.

“It was actually my mom’s idea for me to work at Massanetta,” said James. She told him he needed something to do for work, and Massanetta was close by. So he had the interview, and signed up to be a Netta Day Camp Counselor for Summer 2021. James had no clue how good of an idea his mom had.

“Within thirty minutes of the first activity during staff training, I thought ‘This is fun!’” All counselors were able to be vaccinated, and so after the first week, they were able to take masks off around each other and be kind of normal. “We formed a really close group. The friends I made that first week are some of my best friends now. My life at The Citadel is fast paced with basically zero tolerance for mistakes. I’ve learned to slow down here. I’ve learned patience for campers and for myself. Massanetta is now my second home.”

James was a little nervous at first about leading daily Bible Studies with children. It wasn’t something he had done before. But now, three summers in, not only is he comfortable with leading those times, it has helped him with his life away from camp. “I found that now there are a few dozen stories I know really well. So when things are tough at school, I now find myself opening up my Bible and turning to them and reminding myself that God is here. Because of my time with campers noticing what God is doing in their lives, now I notice it more away from Massanetta.”

James will return this fall for his senior year at The Citadel. Because of Massanetta, he’s learned skills that will help him in his future career as an educator. But even more important, James has found a Christian community that has helped him grow in his leadership skills, in his self development, and in his faith.  

Stories like James’ unfold at Massanetta every summer. It is the generous support of donors like you who make that possible. I ask you to consider supporting community, connection, spiritual and personal growth, by supporting Massanetta with your financial gift by August 31, 2023.

Counselor James leading “energizers” with Netta Day Campers.