Our Largest Week Yet

I barely blinked and the week was gone...our largest week yet, more than twice the size of our largest week last summer. Crazy, isn't it? We had over 85 campers and 20 staff, outgrowing our brand new pavilion. Seriously, who would have thought? It was also our second to last week. Summer is certainly winding down, but it's not over yet. The saddest part of this week was that we said goodbye to 5 of our beloved staff members, Sara Beth, Tim, Erin, J-Mo, and Roya. Each of them brought their talents, gifts and passion for the Lord and his people to our camp family this summer. Even though there is only one more week, I feel like we're going into it a bit incomplete. I have to say that our team is beyond amazing and I'm so thankful that God sent them to us, called them to camp. I'm not sure what God has in store for them over the next year, but I hope each of them considers returning next summer, to continue investing in the lives of Grace Adventure's campers.

We have some campers that stay with us all summer. Let me tell you, that takes some faith on behalf of the parents. We're always honored when someone would entrust their children to us, especially when they don't know us. Last summer, there were several families, 12 kids total, who took the leap and signed their kids up for all four weeks. All but 1 of them, and they moved out of state, came back with summer. This past Friday night, our team was invited to the Shamlin's house for an end of the summer picnic and movie night. I'm amazed by this family. They have so much going on, from building a new business, moving to a new home, and raising two boys...and yet they still find time to bless our camp family with great food, fellowship, and genuine hospitality. We look forward to having them back next summer as well. It's an investment.

Another all summer family, the Metzgers, caught the vision of camp and ran with it...literally. Before they had even filled out the registrations for their four kids, three of their friends had already hopped on board (for the entire summer as well). Mr. Metzger is juggling so much while his wife is deployed, and yet he's still looking out for his friends and neighbors.

There are so many more stories just like that one where people are reaching out to the people around them and inviting them to camp. I know that as we grow, our vision will grow as well, encompassing the community around us. What a great way to open the doors of the Church, to invite people to play in its front yard.

Posted by Hillary