I did hear from Ryan, the Camp Director this morning. He said that all is well at Asbury Hills. All activities have gone on as planned. The rain has not dampened the spirits or the normal routine and life at camp. Very impressive, I have to say.
The night they camped outside the groups got pretty wet and returned to get dry, but everyone was fine and happy.
The group who has been on a two week adventure returned this morning also very happy and pleased with themselves. Apparently they woke up the senior staff when they arrived home. There was a bear sighting and the only medical issue was one really good blister. I think I would count that as a successful trip.
If any of you hear stories on the way home or throughout the week, we'd really like to hear them. Many times we don't get to hear the magnitude of the experiences your kids have because they reveal them to you and not always to us. We'd really love to hear what they have to say and your thoughts about it too! This is the kind of feedback we could really use for future planning.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Rainy Days At Camp?
I don't know what the weather has been like where you are, but here in Charlotte its been pretty rough. I am checking in with the camp to see how their weather has been and how that has affected their plans and activities this week. I will say that I've been very impressed so far with how they have worked around the weather.
Being a part of camp staff, I can say that having a "Plan B", "Plan C", and sometimes a "Plan D" would come in handy. Especially for these rainy days. I've had some really creative staff who have looked at the rainy weather not as a burden but an opportunity for creativity at its best. Canoe trips happening in the dining hall, some of the best skits come out of groups hanging out in a common area, and fantastic conversations happening all around. This staff doesn't seem to be the exception to this. There have been weeks that I've asked specifically if plans have had to change, and it seems as those activities happen as scheduled. One way or another, things happen without fail. Camping under the tarps... in the rain... still happen. Only one group, if I'm remembering correctly, had a tarp not particularly working correctly returned to their cabins for the night. However, they tried to stick it out as long as possible. Don't forget this kind of stuff makes for great memories and fantastic tall tales later!
Some things to share with your kids in your emails and letters:
- a great camping experience you've had either as an adult or as a kid. Or perhaps there's something you've always wanted to do at camp and have never been able to do.
- I encourage parents to also encourage their campers to be open to new experiences at camp and during worship. That you just never know how God may speak to you whether it's through the music, through friends, or devotions times.
- Don't assume your camper may be having a rough time with the weather. Just be encouraging about how much fun it is to play in the rain. If you're worried and it shows, they might become a little apprehensive too. Trust me, they have really great counselors. They're doing everything they can and more to make sure your child is having a great and meaningful time!
As soon as I hear more about what's been going on for sure, I'll let you know!
Being a part of camp staff, I can say that having a "Plan B", "Plan C", and sometimes a "Plan D" would come in handy. Especially for these rainy days. I've had some really creative staff who have looked at the rainy weather not as a burden but an opportunity for creativity at its best. Canoe trips happening in the dining hall, some of the best skits come out of groups hanging out in a common area, and fantastic conversations happening all around. This staff doesn't seem to be the exception to this. There have been weeks that I've asked specifically if plans have had to change, and it seems as those activities happen as scheduled. One way or another, things happen without fail. Camping under the tarps... in the rain... still happen. Only one group, if I'm remembering correctly, had a tarp not particularly working correctly returned to their cabins for the night. However, they tried to stick it out as long as possible. Don't forget this kind of stuff makes for great memories and fantastic tall tales later!
Some things to share with your kids in your emails and letters:
- a great camping experience you've had either as an adult or as a kid. Or perhaps there's something you've always wanted to do at camp and have never been able to do.
- I encourage parents to also encourage their campers to be open to new experiences at camp and during worship. That you just never know how God may speak to you whether it's through the music, through friends, or devotions times.
- Don't assume your camper may be having a rough time with the weather. Just be encouraging about how much fun it is to play in the rain. If you're worried and it shows, they might become a little apprehensive too. Trust me, they have really great counselors. They're doing everything they can and more to make sure your child is having a great and meaningful time!
As soon as I hear more about what's been going on for sure, I'll let you know!
Monday, July 26, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Last Day for Some Campers
So the last day is quickly approaching. Many campers are surprised how fast the week went by. If your a first time parent at Asbury Hills like I was this year, I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly the check out happened. There again, it just seemed to run fairly well. I was especially impressed with the nice "extra" touches the staff provided for the parents and family who arrived to pick up their campers.
As expected the counselors directing traffic were helpful, courteous, and had smiles on their faces. When we parked after grabbing the kids' stuff, we could hear the band playing. I appreciated this because I am still learning my way around the grounds. (I admit that I'm what you might call directionally challenged.) The band playing helped to guide us to the final destination. But before we made it there we stopped at the dining hall for a snow cone! Who would have thought we would have snow cones when we pick up our kids. I felt like I was at camp myself for a few moments getting that little treat. Very nice guys!
When I picked up my kids, I didn't see any tears from any of the departing campers. I only saw smiles and excitement at seeing family and friends after a great week at camp. However, I have heard that there have been tears. Some kids just learn to appreciate camp as this "safe" place. It's a place where everyone can be on an even playing field.
As a former Camp Director its something that I talked a lot about with my staff as well. The idea that we have kids who come from all walks of life coming together at camp. This must be a place where all kids have the opportunity to stretch their wings and grow. If it's done right, all kids just know that this is the place they can say anything and be okay. They can ask those questions they may have thought they couldn't before. And because of this feeling of sanctuary at camp, it can be hard to leave.
Even the most adjusted kid, the kids from the best parents and best homes may experience a little of this "let down" when they come home. Think about when you come home from a vacation. You've been living, perhaps, in a place where your bed gets made the floors get vacuumed, you can go play golf just because you feel like it, and fall asleep whenever you want watching your favorite shows. When you come home and hit the ground running back in your daily grind, don't you feel a little down? The kids may feel a little of the same way. After a week of playing hard, worshiping, and engaging in faith forming activities, it may hit them how different life really is.
This is a good thing though. It means they've been thinking and learning. It means they'll look forward to going back to that sanctuary next year to keep doing those things. Before its all over, our kids will be the leaders of other kids in their faith forming moments. I think that's pretty cool.
As expected the counselors directing traffic were helpful, courteous, and had smiles on their faces. When we parked after grabbing the kids' stuff, we could hear the band playing. I appreciated this because I am still learning my way around the grounds. (I admit that I'm what you might call directionally challenged.) The band playing helped to guide us to the final destination. But before we made it there we stopped at the dining hall for a snow cone! Who would have thought we would have snow cones when we pick up our kids. I felt like I was at camp myself for a few moments getting that little treat. Very nice guys!
When I picked up my kids, I didn't see any tears from any of the departing campers. I only saw smiles and excitement at seeing family and friends after a great week at camp. However, I have heard that there have been tears. Some kids just learn to appreciate camp as this "safe" place. It's a place where everyone can be on an even playing field.
As a former Camp Director its something that I talked a lot about with my staff as well. The idea that we have kids who come from all walks of life coming together at camp. This must be a place where all kids have the opportunity to stretch their wings and grow. If it's done right, all kids just know that this is the place they can say anything and be okay. They can ask those questions they may have thought they couldn't before. And because of this feeling of sanctuary at camp, it can be hard to leave.
Even the most adjusted kid, the kids from the best parents and best homes may experience a little of this "let down" when they come home. Think about when you come home from a vacation. You've been living, perhaps, in a place where your bed gets made the floors get vacuumed, you can go play golf just because you feel like it, and fall asleep whenever you want watching your favorite shows. When you come home and hit the ground running back in your daily grind, don't you feel a little down? The kids may feel a little of the same way. After a week of playing hard, worshiping, and engaging in faith forming activities, it may hit them how different life really is.
This is a good thing though. It means they've been thinking and learning. It means they'll look forward to going back to that sanctuary next year to keep doing those things. Before its all over, our kids will be the leaders of other kids in their faith forming moments. I think that's pretty cool.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
What a GREAT start to Camp!!
So it sounds like everyone started out the week on a really positive note! Here's what I've heard:
Our high school adventurers were dropped off at their originating site on Sunday and they were very excited. The Camp Director, Ryan, is very confident they are in for an awesome experience! God is just so apparent when you're out in nature, with a new group of friends, having an adventure led by staff with hearts full of God! The opportunities are limitless! I'm hoping the staff will come back from this adventure with a whole lot of "A-ha" moments for themselves and campers.
One of the great things about having so many weeks of camp in a summer, it gives the staff it work, tweak, and really get things to fit with each group. They have taken suggestions and their own experiences and tweaked the elementary experience a little more for this week. The worship band has worked on and are presenting for our elementary campers more younger kid friendly songs with your camper in mind! I think that's really awesome! I have elementary age kids who experienced worship with this particular staff. They absolutely loved it, however, if it's being tweaked, I'm wondering just how much better it would be for them.
They've had counselor hunts, messy games,and field games. Our elementary campers were in tent tonight and cooked out on an open fire. Typical meal probably was a hobo dinner. If you're not familiar with a hobo dinner, it's basically a meat, vegetables, and potatoes wrapped in tin foil. Throw it in the fire, cook for a while, and enjoy. Some of the best meals you will probably ever eat. However, if you as a parent suggested it, your child probably wouldn't eat it. (At least my kids are that way!) However, at camp it's totally different. They try it and they really like it. Hobo dinners are pretty tasty anyway!
For those campers leaving on Friday, tonight was an important night in the worship life of camp. It's the culminating event when it comes to worship experiences. The daily lessons all lead up to this night giving the kids the opportunity to think more thoughtfully about their relationship with Jesus and what it means to them. If they want to really talk with someone about their feelings and thoughts staff members are very available to them. If they just want to sit quietly, that's okay too. A no pressure event, but a poignant one none the less. Very meaningful. It might be something you will want to mention or at least ask about once they've been home for a day or two and had time to process their week.
The recurring theme of most campers having spent a week at camp will tell you that the worship and worship band are pretty awesome. Asbury obviously does worship well. Of course, they're doing all sorts of other really cool stuff that they like as well. My kids just told me today that they were THRILLED to have pancakes with powdered sugar and waffles with whipped cream. Thank you Asbury Hills for spoiling my children with food treats they don't usually get at home! What a treat for them and something to look forward to for next summer! LOL!
Our high school adventurers were dropped off at their originating site on Sunday and they were very excited. The Camp Director, Ryan, is very confident they are in for an awesome experience! God is just so apparent when you're out in nature, with a new group of friends, having an adventure led by staff with hearts full of God! The opportunities are limitless! I'm hoping the staff will come back from this adventure with a whole lot of "A-ha" moments for themselves and campers.
One of the great things about having so many weeks of camp in a summer, it gives the staff it work, tweak, and really get things to fit with each group. They have taken suggestions and their own experiences and tweaked the elementary experience a little more for this week. The worship band has worked on and are presenting for our elementary campers more younger kid friendly songs with your camper in mind! I think that's really awesome! I have elementary age kids who experienced worship with this particular staff. They absolutely loved it, however, if it's being tweaked, I'm wondering just how much better it would be for them.
They've had counselor hunts, messy games,and field games. Our elementary campers were in tent tonight and cooked out on an open fire. Typical meal probably was a hobo dinner. If you're not familiar with a hobo dinner, it's basically a meat, vegetables, and potatoes wrapped in tin foil. Throw it in the fire, cook for a while, and enjoy. Some of the best meals you will probably ever eat. However, if you as a parent suggested it, your child probably wouldn't eat it. (At least my kids are that way!) However, at camp it's totally different. They try it and they really like it. Hobo dinners are pretty tasty anyway!
For those campers leaving on Friday, tonight was an important night in the worship life of camp. It's the culminating event when it comes to worship experiences. The daily lessons all lead up to this night giving the kids the opportunity to think more thoughtfully about their relationship with Jesus and what it means to them. If they want to really talk with someone about their feelings and thoughts staff members are very available to them. If they just want to sit quietly, that's okay too. A no pressure event, but a poignant one none the less. Very meaningful. It might be something you will want to mention or at least ask about once they've been home for a day or two and had time to process their week.
The recurring theme of most campers having spent a week at camp will tell you that the worship and worship band are pretty awesome. Asbury obviously does worship well. Of course, they're doing all sorts of other really cool stuff that they like as well. My kids just told me today that they were THRILLED to have pancakes with powdered sugar and waffles with whipped cream. Thank you Asbury Hills for spoiling my children with food treats they don't usually get at home! What a treat for them and something to look forward to for next summer! LOL!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Welcome Drenched, Core, & Exodus Camper Parents!
Wow! The summer is really flying by and it looks like another full week of camp! Welcome Parents! I hope you are looking forward to a week of looking for your campers on the pictures that will be posted each day. I also hope your kids were incredibly excited about their week (or two weeks) at camp.
As I looked through the schedule of who was expected at camp for this week, I was surprised to see the senior high group who would be spending 2 whole weeks doing some pretty major canoeing and hiking. They're in for a fantastic adventure! I can't wait to hear updates to their journey.
This blog is for you the parents. I try to blog every night and give any updates I hear from camp. I let you know what's coming up in the daily schedule to help give you an idea about the daily life your camper is experiencing while he or she is there. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts, concerns, and praises for your kids experiences. I work to answer any questions you may have, address any concerns you've had on your mind, and just listen to your experiences. I also will try to give suggestions for things to write your camper about in case you're looking for ideas.
If there's anything I can do to help your week go by any smoother than it already will, don't hesitate to let me know! Until later, enjoy your week, keep watching for pictures, and check back to see what's going on at camp each day!
As I looked through the schedule of who was expected at camp for this week, I was surprised to see the senior high group who would be spending 2 whole weeks doing some pretty major canoeing and hiking. They're in for a fantastic adventure! I can't wait to hear updates to their journey.
This blog is for you the parents. I try to blog every night and give any updates I hear from camp. I let you know what's coming up in the daily schedule to help give you an idea about the daily life your camper is experiencing while he or she is there. I'm interested in hearing your thoughts, concerns, and praises for your kids experiences. I work to answer any questions you may have, address any concerns you've had on your mind, and just listen to your experiences. I also will try to give suggestions for things to write your camper about in case you're looking for ideas.
If there's anything I can do to help your week go by any smoother than it already will, don't hesitate to let me know! Until later, enjoy your week, keep watching for pictures, and check back to see what's going on at camp each day!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Will This Be YOUR Camper?
As your camper's week has ended or will be ending soon, it might be helpful to know some of the possible experiences they may have had. The following are just some notes about campers of previous weeks. I find it helpful as a parent, as a person who works in youth ministry, and just as someone who works with kids on different levels. It's helpful as a tool in conversation with your child. Maybe your child will have had a similar experience and it will give you something to help relate to as they are talking.
Many of the campers feel that worship is one of their favorite times. They like the freedom to worship in a way that feels good to them. They can dance, they can chant, they can yell out as the counselors lead and not feel out of place. It's "their" worship, not ours. It gives them a new view of God or maybe just different. It helps them have a chance to express themselves, think about things, and maybe make decisions that can affect the rest of their lives.
Last week Pastor Andy had 4-5 kids approach him and want to talk with him about what it means to have Jesus in their lives and hearts. Wow. One week of experiencing God in new and different ways. Some kids feel so safe and affected by the environment at camp they are brought to tears when its time to go home. Enough to tug at the hearts of the staff.
Maybe your child was the camper who started to think more. They were the camper who started to ask their counselor what they needed to be thinking about each day. Looking for those "God Moments" as they went about their day.
Or perhaps, your child will come home just a little different. Maybe a bit changed. A little bit more thoughtful. Maybe more interested in what the Pastor has to say on Sunday mornings. Hopefully the change will include being more open with you as their parent. Wanting to know more about your faith journey and experiences.
Camp is an amazing place for a kid. Anything is possible. Are you ready to see God in a different way yourself? Just take a moment to really listen to what your camper is saying on the way home. They experienced God all week even during the fun "camp" stuff. Just listen. You might find yourself changed a little too.
Many of the campers feel that worship is one of their favorite times. They like the freedom to worship in a way that feels good to them. They can dance, they can chant, they can yell out as the counselors lead and not feel out of place. It's "their" worship, not ours. It gives them a new view of God or maybe just different. It helps them have a chance to express themselves, think about things, and maybe make decisions that can affect the rest of their lives.
Last week Pastor Andy had 4-5 kids approach him and want to talk with him about what it means to have Jesus in their lives and hearts. Wow. One week of experiencing God in new and different ways. Some kids feel so safe and affected by the environment at camp they are brought to tears when its time to go home. Enough to tug at the hearts of the staff.
Maybe your child was the camper who started to think more. They were the camper who started to ask their counselor what they needed to be thinking about each day. Looking for those "God Moments" as they went about their day.
Or perhaps, your child will come home just a little different. Maybe a bit changed. A little bit more thoughtful. Maybe more interested in what the Pastor has to say on Sunday mornings. Hopefully the change will include being more open with you as their parent. Wanting to know more about your faith journey and experiences.
Camp is an amazing place for a kid. Anything is possible. Are you ready to see God in a different way yourself? Just take a moment to really listen to what your camper is saying on the way home. They experienced God all week even during the fun "camp" stuff. Just listen. You might find yourself changed a little too.
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