Call in the Reinforcements

You’re going to wear yourself out--and the people, too.

This job is too much for one person. You can’t do it alone. ~Exodus 18:18

This comes from Exodus 18. Moses had led the Israelites out of Egypt and back toward Midian. He had witnessed so many of God's miracles. He let his father-in-law, Jethro know about them. Jethro watched Moses as he judged and arbitrated between the people. Jethro watched and offered advice to Moses about getting help. About training others and delegating responsibility. He said that the tough questions can still be brought to Moses but as for the rest, others can fill that role.

Sometimes we feel that to get it done right, we have to do it ourselves. Jethro tells us to train others, impart responsibility and knowledge on others. Sometimes it takes that outside perspective to show us how and where help can be used. Moses was in the middle of it, couldn't figure out a way to not be the go-to person. Jethro helped Moses see that delegating would save time and energy to be used for the good of the people.

At camp we have about 5 directors. If we ran camp ourselves, we would wear out quickly, camp would be smaller, and it just wouldn't work as well.  So we hire summer staff: counselors, lifeguards, specialty help and spend 2 weeks training before campers arrive. We try to impart so much knowledge and ability that they can take care of most of the day to day, most of the leading. We are still there, to help with the bigger things, to give more specific help or to facilitate the camp spirit and experience but this way we can reach more campers, have more programs, and watch with joy as relationships form and grow.