I was so excited to be taking my youth group to a teen retreat up at Camp Maranatha! I have been going to this camp since I was a little girl. And it is so much fun to take my youth group there and get a chance to work at the camp. We took up 9 teens and four adults! That is a really big group for us. Not to mention all the kids and adults from our sister church's. Also we were able to bring our daughter Sienna with us. She had a ball with all the big kids and loved being outside for most of the weekend!
Daniel and I taught a workshop on dating and I was in charge of the games for the weekend. I love planning fun games for the kids, and I hope they enjoy them too. This weekend's theme was Survivor. But what we wanted the kids to understand is the Lord doesn't want us to just survive life, He wants us to thrive! The kids went to three relationship workshops,( family, friendships and dating). And they learned how to thrive in those relationships. But all the games were based on the TV show Survivor. It was so much fun watching them laugh and learn about God.
One of the coolest things this weekend was watching the kids in our group grow closer to each other.Also Aimee a wonderful 16 year old in our group wrote and preformed three songs in front of the entire camp. It was amazing to see her heart and love for the Lord displayed through her talent. Also she was given the opportunity on Sunday morning to lead the worship time for our closing service. Go Aimee! I have been honored to get to know and love all these kids. And it was great seeing them encourage one another and build life long connections with each other. I feel like a proud parent, and just can't wait to see even more changes in all of their lives.
Camp has always been a special place for me. I never feel closer to my Savior then when I am on that mountain at that camp. All of life's distractions just go away. no TV, no cell phones, no work, and no stress. I just get to learn and worship my God. It was my prayer this weekend that the kids would be able to have this kind of experience. That they would grow closer in their walk with Christ this weekend. Because I know when ever I leave camp I am refreshed and ready for what the Lord has planned for me.
Do you have a wonderful camp you attend? I would love to hear about it. And if you live in southern California you might want to check out Camp Maranatha, you won't regret it! Hope you had a lovely weekend!
