Welcome & Updates!

Welcome to another week of camp at Camp Asbury Hills! What a great summer we've had so far! We've had some really great feedback from campers and some eye opening experiences for counselors. I think each week, these counselors probably learn just as much from the kids as the kids learn from them. The counselors really have to walk the walk. They're out in front of your kids every day, playing with and teach them both informally in their choices, and formally by using the curriculum and devotions each day. They are the examples our kids will hopefully be able to look back on as a positive role model.

I have some updates for you. Our high school adventurers checked in today and everyone is happy and doing well. They all seem to be enjoying themselves and coping with the heat the best they can. I'm sure water is involved in just about everything they do to maintain their levels of hydration.

Our other campers who are staying at camp this week are also coping with the heat. Although, I will say it doesn't sound like the heat is keeping anyone down! They're enjoying the creek. Ryan, the Camp Director, re-introduced the counselors to creating the natural water slide from the cascades. Just staying cool is the name of the game this week!

If Asbury Hills is a new experience for you, one of the first things your campers do when they arrive is participate as a cabin in making ice cream. You know, the old fashioned, hand cranked kind. In my opinion, this is some of the best tasting ice cream. I remember as a kid doing this every summer and nothing beats it. My kids got to do it this summer at Asbury and LOVED it. Not only does this activity "break the ice", pardon the pun, but starts the process of team work, getting to know one another, and just get acclimated.

The first evening activity is a counselor hunt. The cabins work together as a team to locate all the counselors positioned around camp. This really helps them, again, to work together as a team, get to know each other, and get to know the staff in a fun way. In my opinion, this is a great activity.

Sounds like last week they experimented with different kinds of worship experiences. For instance, they had worship out on the lake and around the pool. In addition to this, of course, they have "regular" worship in their recreation shelter. The worship seems to be a hi-light of the week for the campers. In the majority of the evaluations that come back from the campers this time of their day seems to rank in their top three experiences. It probably wouldn't hurt to mention or ask questions about their experiences in your letters/emails to them.

Keep checking back throughout the week for updates. I try to update daily, however, I've been averaging about every other day. I also typically update at night. If I can answer any questions or check on any particular cabins/campers, let me know. I'd be happy to check on them for you. I'd also love to hear your thoughts about Asbury Hills and your experience with them from a parent's perspective. This is a great opportunity and forum for you to be heard. Don't let it pass the staff at Asbury Hills is always looking for feedback to continue to improve.