Goodbye Campers!

VBC's summer camps are officially finished! We waved off the last busload of campers leaving just a few minutes ago and now the staff are gathering for a last meeting all together. Most of the counselors will leave tonight or tomorrow to go back home to many different states.
A few staff, including our family, will stay here for family camp and wilderness camp, which will both take place next week.
This week was full of excitement! We had several injuries around camp, thankfully none life-threatening. On Wednesday, 3 of the 4 camps participated in the Monumental Scamper (VBC's version of the Amazing Race!) and spent several hours racing around camp and participating in wild team challenges. On Thursday we went to the Alpine campout to discover that a bear had again broken into the things left out there and helped itself to a can of non-stick cooking spray. I was also able to share part of my testimony of my time in the village with the campers during our around-the-fire chapel.
Justin got to be the wrap-up speaker after chapel every evening this week, and we taught our final life session on Thursday. It's been cool this summer to see how God can teach you through what you are teaching to others!
We are ready for a bit of a slower, more laid back week during family camp. Justin's job will be to help organize and schedule various staff into the activities they're helping with- the week will be pretty unstructured, with activities available to families who can choose whatever they'd like to do during the day.
Wilderness camp will be a trial run on a first-ever week of this type of camp. High schoolers will hike, cook and sleep outdoors, and learn more about God's creation.
We are so thankful to God for the lives He changed and the seeds that were planted this week. Several campers stood up last night at campfire and talked about rough home lives and what a blessing it is to come to camp and be refreshed and loved by their counselors. Please be in prayer for them, that their growing in their walk with Christ won't stop after camp!
Other ways you can pray for Victory this week:
-Several staff members who are debating about staying on staff for the winter; pray for direction and discernment as they make a choice about how to spend this next year.
-For a fun and safe week of family and wilderness camps.
-Praise to God for an amazing summer, and for His work to continue! We are so thankful to be used by Him.

(Photos: The Victory staff gathered for a last meeting; high school campers building 'fortresses' to protect eggs from destruction; the sun breaks through on a rainy evening in front of Miracle Lodge)