It’s a special week of the summer here at Camp. Each week is special in its own way but this week is unique because it is Sr. High week. Campers are here and are ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
As campers arrived yesterday, there was much excitement as they reconnecting with past friends and learning about the fun ways they would get to work together to earn points during the week. After checking in at their cabin, campers had an opportunity to take their swim tests, gaining a cheery yellow wristband; their passage to the raft and deep water fun later in the week. At The Steps of Faith, cabins learned who their teammates are as they compete in the week long tournament for the most points and the prize of a cabin party.
During each night of the week, the staff have plans to take campers on a new adventure for dinner. (The dining hall transforms, don’t worry, everyone stays at camp.) Last night, the theme was “western”. The staff looked like they left their horses out front as they welcomed campers in for sloppy joe’s by lantern light.
Last night, teams introduced themselves with a short skit, revealing their team name. They will continue to hone their acting skills as they plan and rehearse a story from the Bible complete with a randomly selected prop in a unique genre style. Teams will be working on these throughout the week in preparation for a grand performance on Thursday evening on stage at the Amphitheatre.
Everyone gathered for chapel at the tent. The worship team led a couple of favorite action songs and worship songs before introducing the speaker for the week. Jenni Thyng, is going to be speaking this week about how God has a plan for each person’s life. (More to come on that later.)
The evening provided space for free time and campers took the opportunity to put together a pick-up game of wiffle ball at Legends Field, visit with friends in the hub, or sneak in some pre tournament volleyball practice with their team.
If it sounds like the day was full, that would be correct. But Sunday was not over yet. As dusk settled over camp, everyone gathered under the warm lights of the tent for an evening of laughs at the staff variety show. A staple at camp during Super Kids weeks, the variety show made a beloved reappearance with old favorites and new additions. Enjoyed by all, the show wrapped up and campers finished the evening with cabin devos before the bell echoed through camp and lights flickered out.
TAKE CAMP HOME
Talk to your camper about the first day of Camp. What was their favorite skit from the variety show? What stood out from Fred and Janet’s chapel in the morning?
This morning, campers awoke to a beautiful day with occasional puffy white clouds overhead. Some opted for the adventure of an early morning dip in the lake before gathering at The Steps of Faith for flag raising. Breakfast soon followed along with a time for campers to spend quiet time alone with God.
Morning chapel looks a little different as different speakers will be talking each day. This morning, we were blessed to hear from Fred and Janet Young. Missionaries in Brussels, Belgium, they had a near death experience in a terrorist attack not too long ago. They shared the reality that David spoke of in Psalm 23 when he wrote, “Even though I pass through the valley of the shadow of death, even there, your hand will guide me.”
It was powerful and encouraging to hear of how God has been faithful in their lives even in the midst of evil.
Campers spent time with their teams and will be heading to lunch soon. There is a lot of excitement for what the week ahead will hold. Would you join us in praying for these campers?
– Would you pray that their hearts would be open to what the Lord wants to show them.
– Would you pray that they would build deep friendships that would support each other and direct them back to the Lord.
– Would you pray that each one would be impacted this week and would leave, knowing how deeply they are loved by the staff here but most importantly by their creator and heavenly father.
We are so excited to love these campers this week and are eager to see how God will move in their hearts!!
PHOTO GALLERY
Enjoy photos from your camper’s week at the link below! Perfect to download, share, and print!
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