Update II:
Today the forty-two finished their last full day of events, with the slip-n-slide, ziplining, and archery as some of the favourites. I joined in with a guys’ group Rock Climbing/Zip-Lining, and was impressed by how they just lept off the zip platform (after being clipped and locked in, don’t worry Mom!) with no hesitation. Maybe it’s because they’re 7th grade boys, maybe it’s because they’re learning about trust and courage. Either way, it was a treat to join in on the laughter and challenges they experienced. Hanging around the water games for some shots, it stuck out to me how close these kids had grown to their counselors. For the guys, of course, that meant attacking theirs as he came off the slip-n-slide saying, “If you had muscles you could catch me!” For the girls, that meant sitting by theirs and asking her opinion on everything, as well as trying to get her to give away her age. (An unspoken Bighorn game- we never tell our campers how old we are until the end of the week).
One of my favourite things to catch in photos is real laughter and smiles. I think it’s a good sign, because I have captured so many this week! Watching your kids grow has blessed me. Even in just four days, they are all more encouraging and respectful to each other than at the beginning. I think true growth happens when we challenge ourselves, step out of our comfort zone, and our “underneath personality” comes out. Whether challenging themselves was doing the Low Static blindfolded, or climbing a foot up the rock, each did. As we wrap up Junior Camp, I put the finishing touches on the slideshow and give my mugs back to the kitchen, I realize this has been one of the best weeks of the summer. Thanks for letting us have your kids for the week. God continues to bless and teach in unexpected ways. -Anjeli
Update I:
“This is the definition of awesomeness!” ; “Why are they called belly-buttons if there’s no button in it?”; “I did it (Low Static) twice! The first time was hard, the second time was easy.”; ”I did jumping jacks on the raft because I was cold!”
Things are going great! Groups have already had exciting water experiences, courageous height challenges, and, of course, plenty of sweet games! (What would Junior Camp be without water balloons and Bighorn’s own version of “Minute to Win It”?!) The chapel crew has gotten very creative, which included using two stacked rafts as a whale mouth to swallow Jonah in their latest skit! Whether they’re singing “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything”, or “This Little Light Of Mine”, God’s love is being shown and taught. Tonight they will get the traditional experience of Bighorn’s mudpit; which includes team tug-of-war! Pictures will definitely follow! Today I had the opportunity to go rafting with a girls’ group and shoot footage for our Junior Camp Promo video. I was so impressed by these young people’s desire to learn and experience things. One girl asked me about river features and science the whole time! It is fun to share what parts I know about water safety and river knowledge with such eager learners. Well…the mud pit is calling me and my camera…until next time! -Anjeli
Hello Everyone!
My name is Anjeli, and I will be keeping you up to date this week with Junior Camp! Being on the Admin Team gives me a unique perspective as I peek out from behind my camera and witness the awesome experiences these kids are having. Coming through the dinner line for a hot Sloppy Joe, I heard one child say, “They have the best food here!” Indeed, the dinner was very good, but it is more the staff and their attitude as they put a tong-full of fries on your plate that makes it ”best”.
It all kicked off last night with a tasty dinner, inviting chapel, and energetic game. This week they will be learning about how we are made in God’s image, marked with His mark; and in that how we are protected from evil. I am excited to see how they will present these deep values to 6th-8th graders, with no doubt that they will do so well. Today groups are Rafting, going through the Low Static, Rock Climbing, Archery and Riflery, and an island adventure called “Lost Cause”. The “island” is actually a penninsula on the river, but it works all the same; it’s a pretty sweet place. I love all the new, exciting, challenging, and funny things that sprout from the events we do here, and look forward to sharing them with you. -Anjeli