Mud and Many Chairs

We have started week 6 out with lots of rain! The roads are very muddy, but today the sun is out and shining and I for one hope that it continues. :)
We have this week, we are pretty sure, the most campers ever attending Alpine camp in the history of Victory! Yesterday we played a game of 'I have never' and it was amazing to see so many chairs around the edge of the top story of Alpine Lodge. Even more amazing that those 100 and some odd chairs were filled!
There has been a need for lots of creativity in planning games, activities, trail rides, etc., for so many campers, and we have had to borrow a few counselors from other camp areas, but the staff have been up to the challenge and are doing a beautiful job! It is also very much a blessing that we have an awesome group of kids this week, with great attitudes and great listening skills.
The speaker for chapel this week had to cancel at the last minute, leaving Victory in what could have been a tight spot, but I believe it was God's plan. The ministry team decided to have counselors share their testimonies for the regular speaker's spot in chapel, and it has been just incredible to see God work through this. There is just something so real about someone getting up in front of so many people and sharing their personal story and journey to Christ, and I think that it especially hits home with the kids since our theme this summer is Identity. It's perfect that these staff members can share their identity in Christ and that the campers can relate to that.

Some ways you can pray for Victory this week:
-There is currently no speaker lined up for next week either, and it's coming up fast! Pray for God to fill this spot with another something great.
-For the camps to continue to run smoothly despite the many campers and therefore many issues that can arise
-For continued rest & good health among the staff- I have never seen a summer with so few people sick!


(Photos: More great sidewalk chalk art :), Alpine counselor Chomper with the Alpine sign for new arrivals; we will have put hundreds of miles on the stroller by summer's end; Justin cliff jumping into hidden lake; the campers gathered in Alpine lodge to hear rules for the week)