Snow Camp 2014 Great Weekend - Praise God
What do you get when you have a whole lot of snow, a bunch of energetic kids, and some dedicated (others say “crazy”) leaders spending a wild weekend together? ..............Snow Camp, of course!
The fun started as we piled onto a bus and headed to New York; many dressed in some bright, crazy clothing and making a “statement.” After arriving and getting situated into our cabins, we started the first round of competitions by playing a live version of Mario Kart. Imagine, racing on tricycles while throwing balls at people and having obstacles trying to slow them down. The evening games also consisted of some of our kids running (or falling repeatedly) in sumo suits, and others launching balls at a team mate who was inside a giant inflatable ball. By the end of that evening our church kids were definitely playing together as a team! Friday night ended with the students and leaders in their cabins spending time together and having some “amazing talks.”
Saturday morning’s chapel service was led by the founder of the camp who is 87 years old. This man’s passion for the Lord flows from Him and when he invited students to accept Jesus as their savior or recommit to living for Jesus, 14 students from Fellowship made this commitment! During the afternoon and evening chapel services the students were challenged to really live for God despite the obstacles that will try to get their focus off of Him. As the service ended and the students were released to have free time many of our Fellowship kids stayed in the chapel huddled together praying and singing and spending time with God. There is nothing better than seeing a bunch of middle school students choosing to spend time in worship and prayer!
Sunday morning’s chapel service focused on getting our eyes off of ourselves and onto others. During this time some students spent time in prayer while others sent letters to people who are being persecuted for their faith. You can go to www.persecution.com for more information. The morning ended with the infamous “Donut relay.” This is a team event that requires speed, agility, balance, good aim, and the ability to catch flying, frosted donuts and scarf them down as quickly as possible. Sunday wasn’t without its challenges. Our bus wouldn’t start and the mechanic was not able to get to the camp until later in the day, but as I began to wonder and worry about how late we would get home, God showed us that He was in control of the situation. Another group that had a bus there from the same bus service let us take their bus home because they were staying for an extra day.
I am truly thankful for each of the students that went to Snow Camp. They reflected Jesus throughout the weekend and were a blessing to many. The weekend would not be possible without the leaders who pour so much into the kids and who really show the kids what it looks like to live a life for Christ.
Together, let’s make God famous!
Margo
