Wednesday continued...

Ahhhh. I am relaxing in front of the camp office, where I get the best web access. I can hear campers and teens singing songs (Amazing Grace and I Have Decided plus the ever present I've Got a Mansion - camper favorite)

Today started COLD and dreary. It was looking to be a tough day, but the clouds have parted, no rain was to be seen, and it is quite nice. campers are swimming and doing crafts and relaxing.

Our team has been getting quite the compliments from the staff. I have had multiple BaYouCa staff members say how patient and great our teens are. They think we are doing GREAT!

The campers are starting to ask of all if we will come back next year. They are even praying for it! This is quite a compliment, as this is one of the highlights of their year, and they would love for us to continue to be a part of it.

I am not sure how I can best explain how proud I am of these teens. They are spending almost 22 hours out of the day in the presence of the campers. They sleep in the same cabins, help them get from place to place, assist in bathroom breaks, showers, seizures, changing for swimming and pool time, Bible time, etc.
This creates a very exhausting atmosphere. Physically, mentally, and spiritually this team being pushed. Yet, they are really shining.

The only breaks are for meal time and for team devotions at the end of the night. This devotional time we review our devos (which everybody is doing very well at) and then talk about our best moments from the day. Each team member shares something that was very special to them. It is a time that we all have enjoyed very much. With lots of smiles and almost some tears. They all will have quite a few stories to tell after this week!

Tonight will be quite a night. We have the BaYouCa county fair, which involves a bunch of booths that the campers will go to. Your teens will be doing all sorts of things including being in a dunk tank, dressing up as clowns (I am looking forward to photographing that) and running different fun events.

Next up will be the WORLD FAMOUS BaYouCa Chicken BBQ! I already had a little taste, and it lives up to the billing. They have been basting and BBQing the chicken for almost 2 1/2 hours! The whole camp smells WONDERFUL!

AND, after that we get to watch the BaYouCa Precious Jewels Talent Show! It is sure to be a bunch of skits that will have us in total laughter.

One teen commented that he doesn't think he has frowned in a few days, there is just so much to smile about, and so many people are hugging and having fun.

I am trying to compile all the photos from the teens, but it is already reaching up around 400, so I will be getting the memory cards tonight and trying to sort through the best of the best.

Those will be online soon...

Thanks again for all the prayers. Thank you to those who are caring for our kids! And thank you for the encouragement by comments and by email!


We love you guys!

Tuesday

The first FULL day of camp is complete. We are getting into the swing of things for Wednesday.

Yesterday had plenty of rain, and a little sun. Tuesday included men's and women's chapel time. We had puppets, Bible story time (Lazarus and the Rich man.

OOps, there was the bell for TODAY'S puppet and Bible time.

More Later... (hopefully)

Sunday - Monday AM

Well, we have arrived! The teens are already interacting and playing with the campers as they arrive. They are all doing a great job.
Yesterday we travelled well through the rain. We switched up seating and who was in the van or bus at least three times; so everybody got to interact with each other.
Lunch was Cici's pizza, and supper was Burger King. We arrived @ 9:30pm and were greeted with pepperoni bread from BaYouCa.

After unloading, we had an orientation from the Camp Director, Russ Warner. He gave a very detailed set of instructions and things to be prepared for, including a slide show. After that, we had a little time of prayer and handed out our team devos for the week. Lights out was @11:30, we made it by 12!

I was very encouraged to see the team members in their Bibles and devo books this morning. Puppet stage and other props are set, cabin assignments are out, and the campers are here!

It is looking to be a great week. I will attempt to post pics and video tonight.

Thank you all for your prayers!!!

Sunday:



Monday:



ENJOY! more to come...

AHHHH!

All right Youth Group!

A couple of things.

FIRST – You MUST forward/tweet/facebook/myspace/glob… your three best friends in the youth group this message and anyone else you think needs to get it.

Here is what is up…

#1

YOUTH CHOIR!!! We now meet at 11:30am!!!!!! (not 1pm, because we sing at 1pm)

Be dressed and ready to go.

#2

Those going to swings and things, we leave after we change from TFC (2:30ish). Taking the bus, will return about 9:15p.

You can still come to this very cool event, it runs from 3-9pm. Supper, all-access to S&T, great speaker and worship. COST: $25 (bring it along)

SPREAD THE WORD!!!

-Pastor Dave