It's now the last night of camp and I can tell you they've had an exciting week. Our Eclipse Campers have been enjoying "breakfast" at 11 PM made by the Camp Director himself. All kinds of night time activities to include a late night swim! They stay up late and sleep in until lunch time. And I can imagine that once they start to get their bodies adjusted to their new time schedule how shocking tonight and tomorrow will be for them! They're up at a normal hour tomorrow to prepare for their final activities before greeting families and saying good bye to friends and counselors.
For all campers, they have enjoyed a week filled with creek hiking, playing on the lake, and just enjoying being at camp. Everyone has had a great week!
Somethings to think about as you make the drive home. Make sure, at some point after they've had time explode with wonderful camp stories to tell you, ask them about some of their quieter moments. Those moments that were spent during their devotion times, or the quiet times meant purposely for the kids to think and be still. Ask them about worship and the band. It seems that a recurring theme throughout this summer has been that the worship time has been "awesome". I believe some of the terminology I've heard is "worship rocks!". My own kids came home asking why church couldn't be more like worship. Hmmm. Let's think about that for a moment.
Along with all the "camp" stuff the kids love and enjoy all week long, the goal is to open their eyes and hearts to what God might have in store for them. It's a week of exploring. Exploring camp and exploring their faith. What an exciting week on so many levels!
My prayer is that you have some meaningful conversations with your camper at some point. They probably won't happen right away. They'll probably happen maybe even a week after they've come home. There's a lot for them to process right away. Don't miss the opportunity to do a little exploring of your own! Good luck!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Welcome Fusion & Eclipse Parents!!
Welcome Parents!! Looks like a fantastic week will be in store for your campers this week. A night time themed camp always brings fun activities and adventures! I'm also looking forward to hearing updates about our Fusion Group. Going to camp is always fun, but even more fun with friends and people you know.
This blog is for you, the parents. I am in contact with the camp periodically through the week and travel out there when I can. I check on your campers if you'd like for me to, give you updates to their daily fun, and hopefully give you a little insight to the life at camp. Maybe I can give you some suggestions on what to write to your campers about when you email them.
I am a former Camp Director and now a parent of 4 children. Two of them are old enough now to experience camp. They had a blast, by the way, but it was a totally different experience to sit in the background as a parent and not as a Camp Director with very little control over their activities and overall experience while they were there. And I've even been a pretty laid back parent, but the idea of letting them go to camp by themselves for some reason really threw me for a loop. It was an interesting thing for me.
Anyway, I hope you'll check back with me. I haven't received the schedules for the week yet so I'm not sure how these particular sessions will be different. But, typically the campers start out their first night with a "Counselor Hunt". It's a great way for the kids to get to know all the staff and their roles. Each night they have worship with a fantastic worship band, and a fun activity. Kids missing home seems to have been fairly low this summer. I haven't heard of too many cases, and those who were missing home had counselors and new friends very quickly helping them through it. They all usually have one night they cook out on the fire and "sleep out" somewhere. Rain has not hampered any of their plans or changed any schedules. The kids and counselors have made the best of it all summer so far and had a blast in the rain. However, here's hoping for a week of little to no rain.
Keep coming back. Let me know how you're feeling so far about your kids being at camp. Ask me questions. No question is a silly one and it helps me with the blog. Your comments and feedback throughout the week also helps the staff in their planning for next week. Without parents and their support there wouldn't be a place for your kids to go for an awesome week of playing, exploring, and learning about God in a unique environment such as this.
This blog is for you, the parents. I am in contact with the camp periodically through the week and travel out there when I can. I check on your campers if you'd like for me to, give you updates to their daily fun, and hopefully give you a little insight to the life at camp. Maybe I can give you some suggestions on what to write to your campers about when you email them.
I am a former Camp Director and now a parent of 4 children. Two of them are old enough now to experience camp. They had a blast, by the way, but it was a totally different experience to sit in the background as a parent and not as a Camp Director with very little control over their activities and overall experience while they were there. And I've even been a pretty laid back parent, but the idea of letting them go to camp by themselves for some reason really threw me for a loop. It was an interesting thing for me.
Anyway, I hope you'll check back with me. I haven't received the schedules for the week yet so I'm not sure how these particular sessions will be different. But, typically the campers start out their first night with a "Counselor Hunt". It's a great way for the kids to get to know all the staff and their roles. Each night they have worship with a fantastic worship band, and a fun activity. Kids missing home seems to have been fairly low this summer. I haven't heard of too many cases, and those who were missing home had counselors and new friends very quickly helping them through it. They all usually have one night they cook out on the fire and "sleep out" somewhere. Rain has not hampered any of their plans or changed any schedules. The kids and counselors have made the best of it all summer so far and had a blast in the rain. However, here's hoping for a week of little to no rain.
Keep coming back. Let me know how you're feeling so far about your kids being at camp. Ask me questions. No question is a silly one and it helps me with the blog. Your comments and feedback throughout the week also helps the staff in their planning for next week. Without parents and their support there wouldn't be a place for your kids to go for an awesome week of playing, exploring, and learning about God in a unique environment such as this.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Rain Acitivity Report!
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.
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.
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)