Camps Revisited: Week 5 - Tweens and Growin' in Grace

Week 5 - Tweens and Growin' in Grace - Oh dear, where do I even begin with this one. I was hesitant to sign up for this camp because of my obvious growing exhaustion with Summer Camps and because it was organized through the United Methodist Conference. Little did I know of what I would be in for. Really the only reason why I decided to go is because my sisters were going as campers and I knew that I would love to spend a week with them. But oh, oh, oh, I completely forgot what it's like to be in 6th grade. If I ever have a kid of my own, I will mandate that they skip the 6th grade because I just don't think I could bear to watch them go through it! It's such an awkward transition time both physically and emotionally and there's just too many personalities in between. I'm so glad that I'm certain I will never be in that horrid grade again!

Anyhoo, as I was preparing for the week I realized something big. I moved out of the house when Caroline was just 6 and in kindergarten and Katie was only 4 meaning that I have had very little spiritual influence in their lives.  So, in going, I was anxious about what God was going to do during our sister time. When I think about it now, I am so glad that I went. Here's why: organizationally the camp was equal to or worse than blind people touring the Grand Canyon, the overall program and teaching materials were probably written for tree-hugging do-do birds, and the team building activities were intended for a weekend at OU/Texas. Looking past all that, and in such a true showing of His character, God showed up and showed us that He didn't need flashy lights, rehearsed programs, or even a worship band - He just needed willing hearts. And guess what?! Lives were changed. (I'm writing this next part with a huge lump in my throat) My sister Caroline was in my small group and during our last session we asked the kids to tell about a time in their life when they first knew that God was real. Caroline responded with telling the group that she first knew that God was real when she saw our love for Him at our wedding. (Gulp!) She said that she has been encountering God every day ever since. !WOW! I never knew! Both of my sisters were changed that week and now live with a fresh perspective of what it means to be a Christ follower. Other highlights from the week include fun dance parties, ice cream in a bag, the "prayground" and excellent 6th grade quotes including these two gems:

Maegan: (after just waking up) "Ewww, my breath smells like a pet store!"

AND

Ashley: "Hey Amy, let's have a belching contest."

Me: "Um, how 'bout not. Belching is unladylike."

Ashley: "Fine then, I WIN!"