Week 1

The first week of camp is almost over! Alpine had around 30 campers this week. There have been the inevitable bumps in the road, especially as the first week of camp is a lot like a test run as everyone figures out the schedule. And there are always a couple of campers who have attitude problems that need a little extra love. But there have been lots of awesome happenings! On Monday night the campers gathered around a campfire at Alpine fireside as Justin, or 'Maverick' (everyone has a camp name here!) shared some about his favorite scripture passage. Wednesday night was a waterfront night and Alpine did its first ever Water Olympics.
Also Wednesday night, several campers made first time decisions to follow Christ, and there were a couple of rededications as well. Justin was greeted by a counselor with a camper who wanted to share the awesome news of her decision to trust Christ. He didn't even have to ask; he could tell by the radiant smile on the camper's face what news she wanted to tell him!
We are also praising God that He held back the rain for the campout last night. It rained before, after, and in the middle of the night, but the campers stayed warm and dry throughout! It's awesome for the kids to be able to get deeper into nature and take some time in the solitude of the lakeside campout to talk to God.
I have been struggling a bit with being first and foremost a mommy this year instead of regular summer staff. It's sometimes tough to watch everyone and not help out with things even though I'd like to. But my two precious girls always make it very clear that they need mommy, and I love being needed, even if it is for a different ministry. We are falling into a nice little routine and are enjoying Parmenter, the camp house we've been placed in this summer. I have been able to help teach a life session on dating alongside Justin and really love doing that. God has also placed it on my heart this summer to be in constant prayer for the staff and any needs that arise around camp. Prayer is an entire ministry in itself, which I am finding out!
Tonight is the last night that campers will spend here in their week of camp. Please be praying for God to open hard hearts, walls to be broken down, and the newborn children of God that made decisions this week to be strengthened and rooted in His love after they go home.