Week 7 of camp (teen week) brought new challenges. I had 7 girls that I've had before as campers and really connect with them. It's awesome to see how God is building our relationships as the years go by and all that God is doing in and through them.
Crafts has been a highlight of my summer, because of some incredible helpers the last two weeks. That activity will never be the same- so many stories, but what happens in the craft shop stays in the craft shop. I'll just say it was quite the adventure (involving wood burners, tons of stickers, clothespins, a guitar, and more).
I also had the privilege of being a "token person" with Samantha Irving during Mission Impossible, which we played two nights this week. We went out and hid with tokens (painted sticks) and the campers had to find us, without being caught by gunners (counselors/wranglers). It gave Samantha and me quiet time out under the stars. The first night we were easy to find, but the second night we made it more difficult and only two people found us.
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When Josh Hillis started his campaign last week, I had no idea he'd be able to get enough campers to vote for me to be slimed. (For those who don't know what a "sliming" is- they mix a whole bunch of leftover foods together, have the person being slimed lay down on the ground, and dump it all over the person. Then that person chases other people.) It is an incentive for the campers to learn Bible verses and books of the Bible. Nobody really knew me or had reason to see me slimed. However, the votes came through and I was nominated. The boys always have trouble getting enough of them to say the verses and books of the Bible and I was sure they couldn't pull it off. But by lunch Friday, Josh made sure that was accomplished. Over 18 boys and 18 girls completed the challenge. Then a hail storm hit Friday afternoon and I thought I was off the hook, but the skies cleared enough and I was slimed. I made sure I "shared" it with Beth, Josh Hillis, and some nearby vulnerable
campers. It was the most disgusting thing I think I've ever done. Josh Hillis kept reminding me, "Only the greats get slimed." That brought me some encouragement. At least now all the teens know who I am..jpg)
The hail storm was one of the most amazing weather events I've ever seen! It rained balls of ice for quite a while. At the end, it looked like it had snowed everywhere. Several people went out and played in the "rivers" the rain had created throughout the camp. Crazy weather.
Saturday night was the staff banquet and time to look
back over the summer. The food was delicious and the fellowship was wonderful. We shared the things we appreciated most about each other, bringing laughter and tears. God blessed me with getting to know, in a much deeper
way, many of these staff members. It was inspiring to look back at the previous eight weeks and see what God has brought us through, together.
I can't believe the summer is almost over. There's still one week to go and we are going to finish strong!
