Monthly Archives: February 2012

Middle School Girls

Middle school girls terrify most camp counselors. No joke. Maybe it’s some deep seeded memory from our own middle school experience, where mean girls reigned and determined our social status for 2-3 years. Maybe it’s just because no two middle school girls are alike, so it’s hard to adjust. More than likely it’s because we just don’t take the time to know them.

I had the opportunity to stay with 6 middle school girls one week at Outdoor School, because the school couldn’t find a female chaperone. I didn’t have to do much, just be in the cabin with them at night. It had been a while since I was in a cabin, so I was a bit apprehensive about what to expect. I remember texting my best friend (Brigette) and her responding with a solemn “Good luck with that…”

But, quite honestly, it was the most fun I’ve had with a group of kids in a while. From the time we left the Chapel after Last Word to the time they (finally) fell asleep, it was non-stop laughing; the good kind of belly laugh that works your abs and releases endorphins. We talked about how silly boys are, about how silly girls are, how good the food is, and what a great time in general they were having here at camp. Even our group prayers were filled with laughter. I know God speaks middle school girls and heard their heartfelt thankfulness and joy, even if I couldn’t understand a word they were saying.

I am thankful for the chance to get to know these girls, to laugh with them, to braid their hair and talk about boys with them, and to know that God is truly working in their lives. So next time you have a chance to hang out with middle school girls, don’t give into your instinct to run away. Just sit back and laugh with them.

What’s your favorite memory of middle school?

- Erin

A reflection on camp

As we come to the middle of the week, I am constantly reminded of how a group is affected by its leader. Kids feed off of emotion so strongly; give them a reason to misbehave, and likely they will take advantage. On the flip side, challenge them to be thinkers, creators, and doers, and they will quickly reveal the leaders in themselves. A theme among every group seems to be ability to think outside of the box. I have a feeling that this is a life skill that was lost in translation somewhere along the way between standardized tests, and memorizing lists of information, and television habits of this generation of children.

Take a child to camp, take away anything typical about their day, and allow them to just be kids.  Clothes don’t matter – a fact they learn quickly building forts, and joining the infamous ‘dirty pants club’. Technology, also unimportant, save for the usual power point directing attention to astronomy facts, fire damage pictures, etc.  What can we learn by being outside? How do we feel in fresh air? How cool is it to not only see, but to touch, smell, and hear our lessons each day.  After a week at camp, I feel these kids will be better creative thinkers, a skill that will serve them from here on out!

 What was the most challenging thing you did when you were at camp?

For more on Summer Camp click here.  We have options all summer for kids of all ages (Kindergarten – high school)

- Amy

California Trail – Outdoor School Class

Last year, in 1848, a man by the name of John Sutter discovered gold at his mill on The American River in California. Now, it seems the whole world is on their way to California to strike it rich. It’s a difficult journey, but that isn’t stopping people in the least.

That’s where I come in. My name is Adam Jensen and I’m a trail guide. I help families make it across the mountains, rivers and seemingly endless plains that they must traverse to make it to California. It’s quite an ordeal, but the victory is mostly in the preparation. Once our families are organized, they have to carefully choose what supplies they need to buy with their limited money. Do they want bacon or apples? Should they buy an expensive extra wagon axel? Or maybe they should purchase a deck of cards or a banjo to keep from getting bored? And of course, what kind of weaponry will they need for hunting and protection. The men always get very excited about that part. Then it’s time to hit the old dusty trail.

Our families have to face many trials along the trail. Someone might come down with cholera, requiring fresh water from a water cask and some fruit to help with the recovery. Or a hunting accident might require some whiskey to sanitize the wound. Hopefully the family bought some! Other challenges including hunting animals with a bow and arrow and negotiating for passage across a river by bartering with the ferryman.

The families have to learn to work together, how the 49-ers traveled and a bit about the history of California. I love it, and the families do to.

So how about you? Have you ever gone on a difficult journey? What did you learn from it?

More about our Outdoor School program here.

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 130 other followers