Practicing Daily Discipline

During Campfire on Sunday night, Zach introduced the theme for this week at camp: Discipline/Self-control. This theme shapes our Evening Embers discussions, Campfire skits and readings, and the message at Church. Zach read from our Counselor Journal, describing the importance of discipline/self-control in our daily lives:

“Discipline is the ability to make choices for yourself based on your beliefs. Discipline or Self-Control is often believed to be limited to just the body, when really discipline more often refers to having control of your feelings, emotions, reactions, and motivations. Sometimes the option that seems easiest or most immediately gratifying, isn’t actually the best choice - that’s where your self-control comes in.”

This concept has been on the minds of all our campers and staff so far this week, as we discuss the value of choosing to be disciplined. On Tuesday morning, James Hale, one of our Sorrel Lineheads, shared a story with a great example of self-control. He told the short history of Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus, an ancient Roman statesman, military leader, and farmer. Cincinnatus retired to the countryside with his family to finish his life as a farmer, but was called back to help the republic in a time of need. A dictator or magister populi was appointed to lead the empire in times of dire need, and Cincinnatus was chosen to have supreme authority during an invasion by the Aequi in 458 BC.

The legend goes that Cincinnatus left his plow behind and assumed the dictatorship for just 15 days, leading the Roman army to victory. He then promptly relinquished his power, and returned to his humble farm. James told this story because it would have been so easy for Cincinnatus to retain his dictatorship and become jaded by the sudden power. However, he displayed great virtue and discipline by relinquishing his position and returning to a life of hard work at the farm, showing that he cared more for the greater good than he did for his personal prestige. James concluded by saying, “Imagine what it would be like to hold all of that power, and then willingly step back because it was the right thing to do, not because it was the easiest thing.” While campers and counselors don’t have to demonstrate discipline on this grand of a scale each day, they can be challenged to show self-control in their activities and daily habits.

Often, they do show great discipline daily, inspiring each other to be their best selves while at camp. This can be seen in the diligent work they put into progressions in their activities, working hard to improve their skills, even when it is difficult. Many campers and staff are part of the “push-up club,” which stays behind after Morning Assembly is dismissed, to do a daily number of push-ups before doing anything else. Today’s number is 17, and it increases each day. Those who willingly stay behind to get their daily push-ups in are certainly disciplined, as it would be far easier to run off to activities immediately.

Campers also model discipline in their tournaments, since they have to organize the time of their matches and meet the opposing team on time, or else they will forfeit the match. This is especially true for the Camper/Counselor Tennis Tournament players, who prioritize their matches during free choice periods, and show self-control with good sportsmanship if the match doesn’t go their way. Self-control can even be seen during mealtimes - if there is a favorite item like curly fries or mini corndogs, campers are reminded to take an appropriate amount of food first, so that everyone at the table can have some (even if they would understandably prefer to fill their plate with fries immediately!)

We’re continuing to learn life lessons and practice essential values each day at camp, even though campers might not realize all they’re learning among the fun trips and activities!