Back From Camp

The last two weeks have been camp. Two weeks ago it was preparing, last week was IT – kids camp at Fir Point Bible Camp in Glendale (just north of us). This is the camp that our area Free Methodist Churches run for our kids. We rent the facilities but do our own cooking and run the program. We have two camps going at the same time – one for grades 3 to 6 and one for grades 6 to 10. Joyce, Jana and I did the Bible story for the younger group (known as Kids Camp) which involves a lot of “setting the stage” with backdrops and props, then getting the kids involved in the story. It was fun but also a lot of work. There were 41 younger kids and 53 youth. Plus LOTS of staff.
We went up last Sunday afternoon to set up. This year we used a 12 by 20 canopy (the kind you might erect to put your car in) as our meeting place instead of rearranging the back of the chapel. It was set up right next to our RV which made it really convenient. It was also easier on everyone because the long walk up the hill was eliminated. My favorite day was the“shipwreck” the Apostle Paul was in. We had a “ship” backdrop complete with a gangplank to walk up, a sail to raise, and cargo to load (and later toss overboard). The sail is not up in this picture – we are just getting started.
Josiah was a camper this year for the first time. That meant staying in a cabin with other campers and it also meant his mom had to cut some apron strings to let him have a little freedom. He did great – so did mom, though there were moments. Wednesday was not a good day for him and he was a little teary but Jana let him work it out. He had one good cabin leader and one kind of so-so leader. But all in all it was a good time for him. Lilly was a precamper. The speaker for our group was a lady we have known for years. Peggy came with her 3 preschool granddaughters so they and Lilly spent a lot of time together. Peggy watched Lilly while we were doing the Bible story and Jana/Joyce watched her brood in the evening when she was speaking.

I like this one also. This story follows the shipwreck. Paul is now on the island and he gets bitten by a poisonous snake (see it in my hands?). Don’t you love the look on those girl’s faces? I waved it around and hammed it up about being bitten and then threw it in the “ocean.”

Here’s Lilly, Joyce and Jana in the lunch line when they served outdoors

One more of me and then we’ll get to the kids. On the last day Trevor challenged me to ride the Orca down the slip n Slide with him. Well, I couldn’t pass that up. At the bottom we crashed but the Orca wasn’t hurt – neither were we.

Josiah’s cabin. Some of them were trying to make faces; Josiah is the front left guy.

Fun singing the songs and doing the motions.

This group is on their way to find their breakfast. A tradition is that one morning the kitchen staff takes breakfast to some unknown place; everyone has to find it and then eat outdoors.

A group of the campers gathered for a photo-0p. Lilly is in front of Josiah – he is in the blue.

I love this one. Lilly is outside the swimming pool fence on a day she did not get to swim.

Peggy and the Princess Munchkins. The picture tells it all,  doesn’t it?

Mom isn’t “showing” much in this picture but Lilly is anxiously awaiting the arrival of a baby brother or sister next January.

Jana did the presentation the first day. She is Rhoda telling about Peter getting released from prison. Lilly is barely visible in front of Peggy. Oh, by the way… the Munchkins went to a couple of the morning activities – ones they could handle, then Peggy did other things with them.

For the last picture, here is our camper chewing on his shirt while he listens to one of the leaders.
Camp was a blast and it was tiring. I wonder how long I can keep doing it. This coming week Korak arrives and the whole family goes to a wedding in Portland. They will be back later. So stay tuned.