Children's Camp 2011

Well, the summer is almost over and I will soon be able to breathe a little easier! Being in children's ministry, summer is by far the busiest time of my "work year." We begin gearing up for VBS in February, but it goes into full-force by May and doesn't stop until mid July until VBS is over. Then, as soon as I get the laundry done from VBS week, it's time to do more laundry to get ready for Children's Camp week which is usually only 2 weeks after VBS)! As soon as camp is over, we have two weeks to get Promotion Sunday prepared (changing leaders, recruiting new leaders, changing classroom rosters, organizing rooms and supplies and making sure every room begins the year with age-appropriate toys and furniture, and communicating all these changes to our preschool parents and volunteers!). I really don't have time to breathe until September, but honestly...summer is still my favorite time of year. VBS and Camp are the best (and toughest!) two weeks of my year in children's ministry!

Camp just ended yesterday, and we had a GREAT time! This year's theme was Launch Camp...Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road which leads to destruction and many will find it. For narrow is the road and small is the gate which leads to life, and only a few will find it. (Matthew 7:13-14) All week long we talked to the kids (3rd-6th graders) about what it means to "launch" your spiritual life with God, how to do that, and how to avoid the things which can hinder your ability to have a successful "space mission."

We were in Huntsville, Texas at Carolina Creek Christian Camp...a wonderful place to take kids for camp! There are lake activities, ropes courses, zip lines, pools, boats, and plenty of space to do sports like basketball, baseball, field hockey, and everything in between. The only downside to it is the fact that is is SOOO incredibly hot (mostly due to the fact that Texas is in such an awful drought this year). The lake is down 2 feet more than it should be, and the heat is intense! We marched all over camp in 105 degree temps, but we took lots of water breaks! No injuries or serious medical issues to report, praise the Lord! Here are a few of the pics I took from the week.
Three of my awesome 3rd grade girls...


Some of my crazy girls on Nasa Nerd Night :)

The numerous, colorful towels used in our little 3-shower bathroom!

My great family group...

Good friends dressed alike...on Alien Night :)

Several leaders got "slimed" on Alien Night after an awesome dance party!

Pastor Charlie having a little fun during our exciting worship service...

What it's all really about...