Girls Camp 2007

Our theme this year was Relationship. I felt the entire camp reflected that theme, something that Lecia and I had been praying for during about 9 months of planning. We went in as "newbies" to directing camp-and I felt God's hand in each aspect of planning and preparation. He knew we needed His guidance and strength.

A huge blessing for the week was that daily Chapel time with Elizabeth as the speaker was totally Holy Spirit driven. Elizabeth got up there and completely captured her audience (about 150 4th-6th grade girls +about 60 staff/counselors). God was alive and present in every moment. How cool is it that "the God stuff" was the highlight for the week for those pre-teen girls? It also deeply touched the adults - never was there a day where we weren't a bit weepy as the Spirit shook the Meetinghouse and stirred our souls. Everyone that heard Elizabeth's message was powerfully reassured that God loved them, would never leave them, and always desired a Relationship with them.

The rotations of Cabin Together Time, Craft, Outdoor, and Recreation also went great. The team we had in each rotation were simply fabulous! I can't say enough about how grateful I was to be surrounded by a group of women who are so dedicated and gifted. I was often humbled by their devotion to Girls Camp-their love for children and their love for the Lord. It was awesome to see how God finds so many different ways to express His desire for Relationship with us.

On top of the rotations we also had other staff that served Girls Camp by providing music, a bedtime story, and our faithful "assistant everything." These three ladies did sooooo much more than I can describe here. But it is because of them that camp was able to function as smoothly as it did. Miriam (a former long time camp director)-gave us much needed advice each day and also was our upfront marvelous musician. Her presence was like a warm security blanket for me. Always there, always loving. Susan, our storyteller, became the hands and feet of Jesus. She was everywhere at camp, providing service and love. She gave the girls a fun and meaningful story each night, but she did everything else at camp too. From setting up and taking down tents, being our dining hall hostess, to substitute counseling-her presence was priceless!! And finally, Deann-the one who provided the emotional backbone of Girls Camp. Her expertise with children gave us all the support we needed to get through "homesickness" and discipline issues with the campers. Deann is a Girls Camp pro, a friend who is always available, always loving and strong. And needless to say to all her know her-the funniest woman at camp.

Two other women I can't leave out-because there service to camp was amazing and vital...our nurses Tamara and Lisa. They dealt with everything thing from throwing-up to ER visits. The amount of daily medications that they had dispense to campers and staff seems like a logistical nightmare to me, but they did it with expertise and warm smiles. They even gave me burn gel for my nasty huge blistered sunburned ear :)

I thank you God for another life transforming week. I thank you for Relationship with you and with your servants.