August – Camping with the Youth..!

We were able to go on the annual camping trip with the youth this year… of course we brought our tent trailer with us which helped with storing the food and preparing it.  Since Matthew and I graduated up to the high school group this summer we enjoyed being able to stay at the high school camping site and getting to know the youth a little better. 

We headed out after the church picnic on Sunday so we got there a little later than we wanted to but we made the most of the first day.  After arriving we quickly set up camp (well the high school students did it quickly… the Junior High students weren't as organized and a handful of them ended up getting attacked by bees).  After dinner we were able to have a group meeting before separating into High School and Junior High groups for a more personal discussion.  Afterwards we enjoyed some smores and then the high school group played some capture the flag before bed time.  

Shane hanging out with the guys... 

The group that were attacked by bees... 

Some of the high school girls hanging out in the tent..!

Ben leading the group..!

Smores.. my favorite..!

We were up bright and early the next morning to enjoy as much as we could that following day.  After breakfast we had a group time again and then personal devotions before heading out for a hike.  Unfortunately there was some miscommunication and the female leaders went to Sunrise where we were going to hike and the male leaders went in the bus to Paradise for their own hike with the youth.  Of course, I took advantage of this and walked around the camp ground and just enjoyed the beauty.  Of course the youth enjoyed some free time while we prepared dinner and then again before we met back up for our discussion time.  That night we decided to meet back up for an active version of Mafia in the dark.  

Time for some breakfast... 

The view from our camp ground..!

Group time with the youth.. 

Shane doing his quiet time... 

Matthew hanging out with the guys...

What a view... 

View from Sunrise... what beauty

Matthew was HUNGRY...

Enjoyed visiting with Sherry and the other leaders... 

Me and my man... 

The youth weren't quite as quick to rise this last day so I had some time to take a walk in the morning before breakfast.  We decided to split up into two groups this second day.  I went with the group that was going hiking while the others stayed back at camp for some free time.  We came home in time for lunch and our group discussion before we had to pack up and head home. 

View from the hike... 

The High School Hikers... (minus one)

What a blast we had... 

Lots of food... even when we have to change the menu..!

The three day camp out went by way too quickly but I loved being able to spend this time with the youth and build deeper relationships with them.  I had the opportunity to drive a couple of the girls to and from the camp ground.  I look forward to many more events, activities, and studies with this group.  I also loved watching Shane hang out with the youth and build deeper relationships with them as well.  I know how important a good group of friends is for his age and pray that he can build deep relationships with such amazing youth that will get him through these teenage years.