First Day of Summer!

It is neat that today, the first day of summer is also the first time Eric goes rafting! They left shortly after breakfast this morning and then me and the kids will meet up with them at the campsite in about a half hour to an hour!

This week of staff training has been very in depth in the Biblical principles behind their vision here at Camp Bighorn. With this deeper understanding and now ability to articulate properly how the Gospel is shared here at camp, we will be able to share our vision clearer, unlike the fuzzy vision we have tried to explain before. It's like we went to the eye doctor!

Eric and I have been discussing what our fund raising strategy will be now that we have gone through some staff training. One of the things I brought up as to why things are going slow for us (fund-raising)  is that previously, when we explained what they did here at camp people responded to us like all they did here was play and not serious about sharing the Gospel. After being here and getting to know the summer camp format (as opposed to the Explore format we experienced last fall) we realized the set up is totally different than the summer camps we grew up in.

I'm sure you all are familiar with the following (or similar) schedule for summer camp:
Wake up/ Cabin Devo's
Breakfast
Chapel
Free time
Lunch
Chapel
Team Activities
Free Time
Dinner
Chapel
Free Time
Lights Out

I did that so maybe you can see that there is a lot of chapel services and lots of actual "free time" which is unstructured in which kids can do obstacle course, crafts, swimming, boating, other camp time games.

At Camp BIghorn there is less "un structured" free time and the staff is involved in everything, more even than the camps both (E&K) were used to. I'm not  dissing other camp programs or the camp programs that we grew up attending. I am only discussing the differences in programs.

They have Chapel services daily and the amount depends on what type of camp is going on (day camp for younger kids vs. regular camp for older kids/teens). During the week the cabin essentially becomes a family for that week and that is their small group. Because they do everything as a cabin instead of just pairing off with a few friends it lends itself to community which lends itself to unity (ever notice that unity is part of the word community?).

After going through activities (ex. rock climbing) they, as a group have a debriefing afterwards explaining the activity as an object lesson our need for Christ in our life or another biblical truth!

So, while they will be given the Gospel during chapel services the ministry doesn't stop there, it only begins!

Also, a lot of the same kids come back every year and get to be discipled instead of taught the same thing over and over again. Instead of just producing a changed direction they encourage a changed life. It's encouraging to be part of a ministry that doesn't just want to see kids receive the Gospel and accept it, but also to be part of a ministry that encourages these new believers to grow after making the decision to accept Him into their lives!!!!

In saying all this summer camp is still summer camp, the program format may be different than what our friends and family are used to but both Eric and I highly encourage those interested to come out here and check it out! Come out and be on summer staff next summer and see what God will do with you and through you!!!

I hope I haven't caused any confusion in my feeble attempt to explain the program difference. If you have any questions or need any clarifications please feel free to email us! Also, if you would like to meet with us in person we will be back the end of June!!!

Now it's time I go and get the kids ready to go out to the campsite to see what Eric thought of rafting and the things they learned today. God is good, if you seek Him- you will find Him!!!

See you all soon!
E&K