Camp 2011 Is Underway!

This day comes after a tremendous amount of preparation and work. I think most would be surprised at the number of people involved in making camp a reality. Many of the staff arrived yesterday to do final setup necessary to receive the campers.

The theme for camp this year is Transformation. Romans 12:2 "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

This afternoon as campers arrive, there is one thing we observe. There are nervous parents of the youngest campers. We know you are excited to have your young children experience camp, but we also know that you are worried about how they will "survive" the camp experience. As for the parents of older campers, they seem to leave with quite a joyful spirit. We also know that a "break" from teenagers can be a welcome thing. One thing we want you to know is that there is a spirit of unity and acceptance around camp that includes each camper from the youngest to the oldest, from the quietest to the loudest.

As the campers arrive in camp, the first thing they do is to go to their cabin and meet their fellow campers and their counselor. Once they get settled into their cabins, they come to the mess hall for an opening period of devotion.

This year the camp check in was greeted with rain. However the rain stopped and we were able to proceed with the evening's activities.

After the devotional time, the campers go out, hug, and say goodbye to their parents. After this, the campers assemble back in the mess hall. They are then presented with an entertaining video presentation of the camp rules.

Once the rules of camp conduct are finished, then it is time for Midgett’s Madness. This is a most interesting mix of "games" that immerse campers into the camp spirit. One of the other purposes of Midgett’s Madness is to help funnel the emotion and energy of the first day of camp in a productive way.

The day closed with a devotional time and the campers returned to their cabins for the night. The goal for the campers tonight is to get a good night's rest and to be ready for a full day of Monday activities.

As always we covet your prayers. Please pray that we all come to a deeper understanding of the transforming power of the cross.

-Keith Taylor