Camp

My three lovelies were so blessed this past week. Our church partnered with a camp that came in and led a week long day camp for K-5th grade. I signed them up thinking what a fun week it would be, and a little time for mom to get some things done as well.

But oh how I underestimated the impact and amazing week it would actually be!

I grew up in Young Life.  And the philosophy of this camp was very much like that of Young Life:  a relational approach to kids, to go where kids go, to earn the right to share Christ by building relationships as Christ wants to build relationships with us.  And they do it in some crazy, fun ways.

Each morning there would be lines of young leaders singing loud, silly songs to welcome the campers.  Counselors would shout out my kids' names, give them hugs and knuckles, and love on them.  And each day they would rock climb, play lazer tag, bungee jump on trampolines, shoot paintballs, have a blast at water play, watch skits, and have small group twice a day to learn about God and how very much He loves them.

On the last day they wore the tie dye shirts they made earlier in the week.  Parents were invited toward the end of the day to go to their children's classes and watch as counselors called each child by name, spoke of the award they were being given, and read a verse picked out for that child while sharing things about them from the week.

Braeden: Unselfish: Philippians 2:3-5

³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. 

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 

  ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Liam: Joyful: Philippians 4:4-5

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  

⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Olivia: Wisdom: James 3:17

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; 

then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, 

full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Another amazing aspect was that they provide one on ones to any children who would benefit due to some type of special need.  And Braeden and Liam both had one on ones.  That. Were. Wonderful!  Only downside was that Liam somehow convinced them to literally carry him around all week.  And they did. :*(  SPOILED rotten!

After the awards in the individual rooms, we went into a large room to have a camp rally.  Groups came up to sing a few of the songs they learned this week, we saw some of the pictures taken throughout the week (that you could then go online and purchase VERY CHEAPLY), one counselor and one camper shared a short part of their story, and we heard some of the camp philosophy.

They also told us the dates they will be back next year!  Olivia is very bummed because she'll be too old, but I already pre-signed Braeden and Liam up with deposits for next year!  They were so sad the week was at an end!  Can't wait until next summer!