FBW KIDS CAMP 2012

Well parents, I am sure as I am writing this, all your sweet little children are passed out in their bunk beds after an amazing first day of camp. The busses pulled up to Sabine Creek Ranch a little after one and everyone immediately entered the chapel to quickly go over some camp rules with RaRa GaGA (otherwise known as Rachel the greatest intern who ever lived) while counselors organized  luggage and set up activities around the grounds.

 Then Tony Wolf welcomed everyone to camp as the hardest working volunteers in the universe unloaded enough water to sink the titanic, you know, if it hadn't already been sunk. We take hydration very seriously around here. 

Once the happy campers put their luggage in their dorms and made their beds, the first through third graders headed back to the arcticlly frozen chapel (Hallelujah) for their first Activate session for worship, learning and fun. The Bible verse was James 1:2, "Dear brothers and sisters, when trouble comes your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy."

The lesson of the day taught the campers that, while they can't always control what happens to them, they can control what kind of attitude they have. They should always choose to have a good attitude and the main point was, " I will always have a good attitude no matter what." The theme is called Shipwrecked and Jennifer Wiseman and Angela Medrano were stunning onstage in their tropical wear and straw hats. Scott McLaughlin and Matt Smith lead the kids in a rousing round of the future olympic sport of limbo and a very large beach ball volleyball game. All four First Baptist Wylie children's ministry rock stars lead the kids in some fun songs with crazy hand motions. I really need to get some video of THAT! We were also super grateful to have Kirk McDowell in the sound, lights, video and other intimidating equipment with lots of wires and buttons booth keeping everything running smoothly. I think while running Activate he was also launching space shuttles. And now you know what all those extra buttons are for! You're welcome :)  

While the first through third graders were busy getting their Activate on, the fourth through sixth graders were free as free birds during free time. There was swimming, canoeing, zip lining over the lake, blobbing, skeet shooting, water volleyball, rara gaga ball, tetherball, and game room games of greatness. This was also a great time for the kids to hit the canteen to purchase the all important slushy. This is Texas ya'll. Never underestimate the power of a slushy when temps top a hundred.

At 5pm, rotations started with the 1st and 2nd graders hanging with guest speaker and comedian, Tony Wolf, 3rd and 4th graders having cabin team building time with their councilors, and 5th and 6th graders chillin with Uncle Buddy, missionary extraordinaire. There must be an entire post devoted to Uncle Buddy soon. He is all kinds of greatness.

After rotations is was time to get our grub on, fiesta style! There were chicken enchiladas as far as the eye could see. I think there was even some mariachi music playing in the background, or that could have been the lack of sleep setting into my brain. You guys, these kids and the volunteers put in a full days play and they were ready to eat up! And the day was far from over at this point. After dinner it was recreation time with two of our favorites FBW pastors, Pastor Kris Segrest and Pastor Derek Draper. There were a lot of balls being dodged (though not always successfully), something called noodle hockey and then massive campfire sized marshmallows were thrown. Maybe some campers roast their marshmallows over an open fire but trust me, it was 7 in the evening and the marshmallows were roasting on their own as they flew through the air. No man made heat source needed!

After our organized sportastic time, we split again with 5th and 6th graders spending time with our fearless leader, Scott Phillips, while our 1st through 4th graders hung out with Uncle Buddy in the chapel. I really can't wait to tell you guys more about Uncle Buddy. Well I guess I can wait since it is 1am and I need sleep before those kiddos jump up out of bed all bright eyed and bushy tailed in the morning. Breakfast starts at 8:20 sharp!

All in all, a perfect first day at camp. I am so glad to be back at this place and I wish all of you were here with us. There is nothing like the joys of summer camp. Your children are making memories that will last a lifetime and gaining skills, confidence and independence that will shape their character and their future. Thank you for sharing your children with us. 

peace out,

 Jamie