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!
Monday, July 19, 2010
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.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Quick Update
Just got word from camp and couldn't wait until tonight to post. Sounds like everything is going very well, as expected.
Trillium Cabin is having a great time hanging out together and are getting along quite well. Taking a general vote from all in that cabin, their favorite things this week have been #1 Creek Hiking, #2 Hiking Moonshine, & #3 Experiencing the Low Ropes Course.
Even if your camper is not in Trillium Cabin specifically I know from my visits, evaluations, and my own kids that creek hiking is pretty popular. While I was there I not too long ago my daughter and I took our shoes off and just stood on the rocks in the creek. The water is just so cool! It feels really good. It's not surprising how it could be a favorite activity especially on hot days.
They have gotten some rain but all plans have continued forward. They slept under tarps. The counselors had some extra training a week or so ago on building their tarp site in a way that would protect everyone from the elements a little better. It seems as though the extra training paid off! Everyone has stayed dry, happy, and are having fun!
Trillium Cabin is having a great time hanging out together and are getting along quite well. Taking a general vote from all in that cabin, their favorite things this week have been #1 Creek Hiking, #2 Hiking Moonshine, & #3 Experiencing the Low Ropes Course.
Even if your camper is not in Trillium Cabin specifically I know from my visits, evaluations, and my own kids that creek hiking is pretty popular. While I was there I not too long ago my daughter and I took our shoes off and just stood on the rocks in the creek. The water is just so cool! It feels really good. It's not surprising how it could be a favorite activity especially on hot days.
They have gotten some rain but all plans have continued forward. They slept under tarps. The counselors had some extra training a week or so ago on building their tarp site in a way that would protect everyone from the elements a little better. It seems as though the extra training paid off! Everyone has stayed dry, happy, and are having fun!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Catch up on this week!
Let me start with a quick welcome to our Elementary Core Camp families who joined us just yesterday according to the schedules! I hope that you will continue to check the blog to see what your campers are up to this week. My goal is to blog every evening with updates to the day and give everyone an idea as to what's on the schedule. Hopefully you will find it a useful tool to go along with the pictures you're viewing on Bunk 1.
With that said, I wanted to apologize for being out of commission the last couple of days. My husband is a Pastor and our church started VBS this week. My youngest child also came down with an ear infection that I've had to work with. Things like this always make life interesting, of course, but also leaves little time sometimes for extra things. But I'm back and ready to catch you up on what's been happening this week so far.
I haven't heard any specific updates about what certain cabins I'm checking in with yet. I'm thinking they might be a little slammed by the weather. It has rained pretty hard here in Charlotte the past couple days. And when you're at camp things can be a little crazier when it rains. Not that the rains squelches any of the fun mind you, but it just means the counselors get to really let their creative juices flow even more!
All of a sudden those camp outs may not be the sleeping out in tents you might have originally planned. One summer, I had a counselor who was supposed to facilitate a canoe trip and camp out. The weather just didn't cooperate all week, so in order to not let her campers down the next thing I knew we had a canoe in the dining hall and her girls were all paddling their hearts out, just laughing away. They had a tent pitched and were practicing fire building techniques in the fire place. So, as you can see, a well trained counselor can use the weather to their advantage and really make things even more fun. These are the things that memories are made of!
As soon as I hear, I will definitely update you as to how the kids and counselors are all doing.
The past couple of days have found our Jr. High Core Campers choosing their afternoon recreational activities which can range from tree climbing and creek hiking, to using the new GPS systems to find their way around camp or maybe checking out the new Canopy Tour. Their evening activities have consisted of a "Counselor Hunt", which by the way, I think is a FANTASTIC idea! I really wish I had thought to do something like this when I was a Camp Director. What a great way to meet all the counselors and learn their roles! Last night the played field games and Wednesday Night, according to the schedule they'll be sleeping in the tents.
Our Sr. High Campers have enjoyed the Counselor Hunt also. On Monday night they were at the pool for some pool games, after all, they're supposed to be "drenched" this week, and Wednesday they're packing out their lunches and going on a day trip. Looks like they also were cooking their dinner out tonight. I'm kind of curious to know what all they cook out on the fire. My kids got to experience the Hobo Dinners and thought they were fantastic. I think it's something about camp and having someone else introduce them to it. Had it been me, I'm afraid they never would have tried it! Kids are funny that way!
The Elementary Core Campers have enjoyed pretty much all of the same activities our other two groups have with the exception of Pool Games. I'm sure that'll be coming later in the week. I have noticed that the staff is very intentional about doing activities centered around water and keeping the kids cool during these hot summer days. It's been pretty stifling and there has always been some kind of water activity happening. Tomorrow the Elementary campers get to participate in "Messy Games" as their evening program. I can imagine this might be the hi light of the week for some of the kids! What kids doesn't like to be silly and just get messy??
Hopefully I'll hear soon how the weather has been and have a few more specific details for you tomorrow. In the meantime if there's anything specific you'd like to know, ask me. I'll find out for you!
With that said, I wanted to apologize for being out of commission the last couple of days. My husband is a Pastor and our church started VBS this week. My youngest child also came down with an ear infection that I've had to work with. Things like this always make life interesting, of course, but also leaves little time sometimes for extra things. But I'm back and ready to catch you up on what's been happening this week so far.
I haven't heard any specific updates about what certain cabins I'm checking in with yet. I'm thinking they might be a little slammed by the weather. It has rained pretty hard here in Charlotte the past couple days. And when you're at camp things can be a little crazier when it rains. Not that the rains squelches any of the fun mind you, but it just means the counselors get to really let their creative juices flow even more!
All of a sudden those camp outs may not be the sleeping out in tents you might have originally planned. One summer, I had a counselor who was supposed to facilitate a canoe trip and camp out. The weather just didn't cooperate all week, so in order to not let her campers down the next thing I knew we had a canoe in the dining hall and her girls were all paddling their hearts out, just laughing away. They had a tent pitched and were practicing fire building techniques in the fire place. So, as you can see, a well trained counselor can use the weather to their advantage and really make things even more fun. These are the things that memories are made of!
As soon as I hear, I will definitely update you as to how the kids and counselors are all doing.
The past couple of days have found our Jr. High Core Campers choosing their afternoon recreational activities which can range from tree climbing and creek hiking, to using the new GPS systems to find their way around camp or maybe checking out the new Canopy Tour. Their evening activities have consisted of a "Counselor Hunt", which by the way, I think is a FANTASTIC idea! I really wish I had thought to do something like this when I was a Camp Director. What a great way to meet all the counselors and learn their roles! Last night the played field games and Wednesday Night, according to the schedule they'll be sleeping in the tents.
Our Sr. High Campers have enjoyed the Counselor Hunt also. On Monday night they were at the pool for some pool games, after all, they're supposed to be "drenched" this week, and Wednesday they're packing out their lunches and going on a day trip. Looks like they also were cooking their dinner out tonight. I'm kind of curious to know what all they cook out on the fire. My kids got to experience the Hobo Dinners and thought they were fantastic. I think it's something about camp and having someone else introduce them to it. Had it been me, I'm afraid they never would have tried it! Kids are funny that way!
The Elementary Core Campers have enjoyed pretty much all of the same activities our other two groups have with the exception of Pool Games. I'm sure that'll be coming later in the week. I have noticed that the staff is very intentional about doing activities centered around water and keeping the kids cool during these hot summer days. It's been pretty stifling and there has always been some kind of water activity happening. Tomorrow the Elementary campers get to participate in "Messy Games" as their evening program. I can imagine this might be the hi light of the week for some of the kids! What kids doesn't like to be silly and just get messy??
Hopefully I'll hear soon how the weather has been and have a few more specific details for you tomorrow. In the meantime if there's anything specific you'd like to know, ask me. I'll find out for you!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Welcome to the week!
Greetings Parents! Are you ready for a week at home without your camper or campers? This week at Asbury Hills appears to be a little different. Jr. & Sr. High Campers have arrived today as I'm sure you're aware. Elementary age campers will be arriving later in the week to join the fun!
My role is serve as a middle person, so to speak. To give you an idea of what's going on throughout the week. I visit the camp periodically through the week just to watch, talk to the kids, and talk to the counselors. It's been an interesting summer so far to watch camp happen from this perspective. I'm used to the person planning, running, playing, and making sure everything is running smoothly. Sitting on the sidelines and just watching is something I'm not accustomed to doing. I'm really enjoying watching the whole process unfold with different eyes.
I have four kids of my own. Two of them just finished a week at camp and had a total BLAST!! In fact, my daughter didn't stop talking for the whole 2 hour ride home. My son started talking around 7 PM that night and didn't stop until he finally fell asleep. They had a lot of fun and are ready to go back. I found myself wistfully remembering the quiet while they were gone!
I will be receiving the schedules of each of the groups at camp for the week and will share with you what they're up to. My hope is that you will use this blog to ease any concerns, ask any questions, and brainstorm any ideas you have to help make camp a better experience for you as a parent and your kids.
I really appreciate any feedback you might have to share with me. Tell me about your check in experience. Let me know if you get any letters from your kids during the week and let me know what they have to say. If you'd like for me to very discreetly check in on your kids while I'm at camp I'd be happy to do that as well.
Have a great week! Check back each day for a new update!
My role is serve as a middle person, so to speak. To give you an idea of what's going on throughout the week. I visit the camp periodically through the week just to watch, talk to the kids, and talk to the counselors. It's been an interesting summer so far to watch camp happen from this perspective. I'm used to the person planning, running, playing, and making sure everything is running smoothly. Sitting on the sidelines and just watching is something I'm not accustomed to doing. I'm really enjoying watching the whole process unfold with different eyes.
I have four kids of my own. Two of them just finished a week at camp and had a total BLAST!! In fact, my daughter didn't stop talking for the whole 2 hour ride home. My son started talking around 7 PM that night and didn't stop until he finally fell asleep. They had a lot of fun and are ready to go back. I found myself wistfully remembering the quiet while they were gone!
I will be receiving the schedules of each of the groups at camp for the week and will share with you what they're up to. My hope is that you will use this blog to ease any concerns, ask any questions, and brainstorm any ideas you have to help make camp a better experience for you as a parent and your kids.
I really appreciate any feedback you might have to share with me. Tell me about your check in experience. Let me know if you get any letters from your kids during the week and let me know what they have to say. If you'd like for me to very discreetly check in on your kids while I'm at camp I'd be happy to do that as well.
Have a great week! Check back each day for a new update!
Friday, July 9, 2010
Final Full Day
Well, today was the last full day of camp. It's been a long week, yet strangely short all at the same time. It looks as though the kids have spent a lot of time in the creek in an area they call "the bathtub" staying cool and having fun!
With the week ending the kids will be asked to fill out an evaluation of their week. I don't know what the evaluation looks like exactly, I can only go off of my own experience with these things. Our evaluations were pretty basic. We asked questions about the food, their favorite things, their least favorite things, and suggestions for what they'd like to see next year. We also gave them the opportunity to say anything else they wanted to say. There is a section where the kids can evaluate their counselors as well. It's a fantastic way to give the kids their own voice regarding their camp experience.
I wanted to share with you some of the answers of previous weeks to give you an idea what your camper might be saying. Who knows, it might also give you some things to ask them about if they find themselves at a loss of words on the way home. (Do we REALLY think that will happen???)
What did you learn about God…
That God’s love is forever and he will never give up
I am marked by his love
I can serve him by hospitality speech + my Gifts
I learned that God puts people in your life for a reason. I may not know who but when I look back in the future I can find out.
In the Future:
This week I confirmed that God loves me no mater what
That I will live by love and service
I trusted in him more
To strength my faith + pour myself out
Whenever I come to camp, I feel refreshed with my relationship with God
To become more involved in church
Evals about camp / staff….
It was my favorite year because Lily and Brittany are the best counselors
This has been the best year. We had fun and did lots of activities but still had some down / chill time
(the staff) They were very encourageing, funny & fun. They really did help me grow in my faith. They were good leaders
They were so fun and let us have a say in what we did, also made it not-awkward the 1st day
I love Morgan and Sarah! They were so nice and awesome!
1 (best experience) made new friends and had a blast!
As a parent, you also will have the opportunity to evaluate your experience with Asbury Hills. Please take a moment and fill it out. It's important to give your feed back so that we can continue to grow, and improve. We can't read minds, so please share yours with us!
I hope this blog has been a useful tool for you this week. As I get feedback from the week I will post it as well. If any stories come out about campers I will share them with you. Who knows, you might hear about your camper. Come back and check it out!
With the week ending the kids will be asked to fill out an evaluation of their week. I don't know what the evaluation looks like exactly, I can only go off of my own experience with these things. Our evaluations were pretty basic. We asked questions about the food, their favorite things, their least favorite things, and suggestions for what they'd like to see next year. We also gave them the opportunity to say anything else they wanted to say. There is a section where the kids can evaluate their counselors as well. It's a fantastic way to give the kids their own voice regarding their camp experience.
I wanted to share with you some of the answers of previous weeks to give you an idea what your camper might be saying. Who knows, it might also give you some things to ask them about if they find themselves at a loss of words on the way home. (Do we REALLY think that will happen???)
What did you learn about God…
That God’s love is forever and he will never give up
I am marked by his love
I can serve him by hospitality speech + my Gifts
I learned that God puts people in your life for a reason. I may not know who but when I look back in the future I can find out.
In the Future:
This week I confirmed that God loves me no mater what
That I will live by love and service
I trusted in him more
To strength my faith + pour myself out
Whenever I come to camp, I feel refreshed with my relationship with God
To become more involved in church
Evals about camp / staff….
It was my favorite year because Lily and Brittany are the best counselors
This has been the best year. We had fun and did lots of activities but still had some down / chill time
(the staff) They were very encourageing, funny & fun. They really did help me grow in my faith. They were good leaders
They were so fun and let us have a say in what we did, also made it not-awkward the 1st day
I love Morgan and Sarah! They were so nice and awesome!
1 (best experience) made new friends and had a blast!
As a parent, you also will have the opportunity to evaluate your experience with Asbury Hills. Please take a moment and fill it out. It's important to give your feed back so that we can continue to grow, and improve. We can't read minds, so please share yours with us!
I hope this blog has been a useful tool for you this week. As I get feedback from the week I will post it as well. If any stories come out about campers I will share them with you. Who knows, you might hear about your camper. Come back and check it out!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Some Camper Feedback
I have to admit, I'm having a hard time deciding what to write abat out tonight. There are just so many things going on and I'm not sure what kind of information might be helpful for you to read about. If you're checking out the blog, I'm assuming you're taking a look at the pictures. I've been checking a couple times a day myself just see if more have appeared and what everyone's up to. I'm seeing lots of smiles, staff interacting with kids, and just lots and lots of active activities. It's exactly what you might expect to see at camp.
I'm hoping to see some pictures of worship. That seems to be one of the things the kids will talk about the most when asked what they like the most. Of course, they love the other activities, but don't you find it interesting that when asked, many of them will mention the band and worship time as one of their favorite things to do? Makes me wonder... What can we do when the kids get home to keep them interested in "worship" and getting something out of it. I know our church isn't the most vibrant when it comes to worship experiences for kids and young people. We're trying to work on it, but it's not easy. I don't think we're alone in that. Why should the kids have vibrant experiences that speak to them only once a year?
I've seen their worship space and it's a pretty decent space. It has nice benches for the kids to sit on, the band itself sounds pretty good, and guys in the band seem very genuine in their love of God. Sometimes just seeing the authentic love and enjoyment of worship can affect how those we're leading to be more open to the message.
I love the way we do worship at camp. Each day has a theme. The themes build on each other and the messages do the same. The big night at camp now happens a couple nights before the last night now instead of waiting. The reason for this is to give kids the opportunity to make decisions or just let the teachings sink in. It gives them something to think about. And then on the very last night after worship they have a dance party just to celebrate! They celebrate lessons learned, decisions made, or just the idea of processing the things they've heard. They celebrate friendships made and the hope of friendships continued. It's a great release of energy one last time before they go home. It's a way to end camp on a fantastic "high note" instead of pure, raw emotion. I tend to appreciate that. It's how memories are made.
As the campers get ready for their most meaningful time of worship at camp, please consider writing to them about a meaningful worship experience you've had. I know I've said it before, but it's because I think it's just so important. Kids pick up on so much more than we ever give them credit for. It's so important for them to see us as their parents, caregivers, friends, and family as people of faith. That our faith journey and experiences are important to us as well. That we may worship differently, find meaningful experiences in different ways, but the journey is the same. The journey is to see and experience God in the people and places around us. That we can see His love and share His love together. Help these kids see and understand it's together that all this and more can be accomplished. Be a part of their continued journey when they come home.
I'm hoping to see some pictures of worship. That seems to be one of the things the kids will talk about the most when asked what they like the most. Of course, they love the other activities, but don't you find it interesting that when asked, many of them will mention the band and worship time as one of their favorite things to do? Makes me wonder... What can we do when the kids get home to keep them interested in "worship" and getting something out of it. I know our church isn't the most vibrant when it comes to worship experiences for kids and young people. We're trying to work on it, but it's not easy. I don't think we're alone in that. Why should the kids have vibrant experiences that speak to them only once a year?
I've seen their worship space and it's a pretty decent space. It has nice benches for the kids to sit on, the band itself sounds pretty good, and guys in the band seem very genuine in their love of God. Sometimes just seeing the authentic love and enjoyment of worship can affect how those we're leading to be more open to the message.
I love the way we do worship at camp. Each day has a theme. The themes build on each other and the messages do the same. The big night at camp now happens a couple nights before the last night now instead of waiting. The reason for this is to give kids the opportunity to make decisions or just let the teachings sink in. It gives them something to think about. And then on the very last night after worship they have a dance party just to celebrate! They celebrate lessons learned, decisions made, or just the idea of processing the things they've heard. They celebrate friendships made and the hope of friendships continued. It's a great release of energy one last time before they go home. It's a way to end camp on a fantastic "high note" instead of pure, raw emotion. I tend to appreciate that. It's how memories are made.
As the campers get ready for their most meaningful time of worship at camp, please consider writing to them about a meaningful worship experience you've had. I know I've said it before, but it's because I think it's just so important. Kids pick up on so much more than we ever give them credit for. It's so important for them to see us as their parents, caregivers, friends, and family as people of faith. That our faith journey and experiences are important to us as well. That we may worship differently, find meaningful experiences in different ways, but the journey is the same. The journey is to see and experience God in the people and places around us. That we can see His love and share His love together. Help these kids see and understand it's together that all this and more can be accomplished. Be a part of their continued journey when they come home.
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