This past weekend we had 20 guys from Central Church on the Hill from University Place, WA. spend 3 days on a Mens Retreat. At times it is easy to feel like it is just another weekend for us here at Camp Bighorn. We live here, we work here, and it is part of the ministry to welcome in groups just like Central throughout the year. For the staff, Camp Bighorn is our comfort zone, it takes a mental shift for all of us to remember that what we experience day to day is a changed environment for groups that we host, especially when they come from western Washington. When we make that shift and enter into the ministry that God has for us, tremendous things can happen, not only for us but for the groups we host.

At the end of the retreat, I got a chance to sit in on the debrief that Central Church had. Here are some of the highlights that they experienced:

-It was great to get to know each other deeper, I see many of you each week at church, but now I know you and I want to introduce you to my family the next time I see you at church
-I felt like I really learned to trust you guys, especially on the ropes course, you guys really had my back
-We really connected in worship, singing in unity, that is what worship is supposed to be about
-I look forward to finding ways to connect with this group beyond this weekend
-I really had a chance to sit down and just be by myself, it was really refreshing

So now that you know what a Camp Bighorn retreat can do for you, all you need to do is find a reason to be here and give us call!

All Aboard!

One sunny afternoon on the banks of the Clark Fork, nine barrels, yards of webbing, and planks of varied shapes and sizes accompanied the rocks and lapping water.  It was time for “Huck Finn,” the team-building, architecturally challenging, exciting Camp Bighorn event where campers build their own rafts and float down the river to, “Save Tom!”  Barefoot, donning an old plaid shirt, and wild daises in my braids, I introduced myself as “Becky”, and with feigned franticness told the group of boys they had “somewhere around ninety minutes” to build a raft and save poor Tom who was swept downstream!  As fortune had it, barrels and boards were simultaneously washed ashore!

The team of high school boys was promising.  Full of energy and camaraderie, they jumped to it: arranging barrels, untying wads of rope, vigorously accepting the task.  One found a tall branch; another donated the shirt off his back for a team flag!  After receiving the safety brief and life jacket buddy test enthusiastically, they were gung ho to hit the water!  In record time, and not to forget a prayer blessing its maiden voyage, the boat was pushed offshore.

All was calm and contained, as they sat in the sun on their handiwork letting the river do its work.  It was the perfect raft.  Large enough to fit everyone, stable, and proudly declaring their team flag.  As we rounded the final bend, I communicated from my supervisor’s rubber raft to steer river-right, so we would make the take-out (our river exit).  A few especially eager boys accepted the task, and with best intentions, leapt in to swim the raft across the river.  From that point on, things got funnier and funnier!  As a consequence of losing weight so suddenly, the raft lost a barrel, tilting it severely.  The jolt also loosed boards, which used the current to wiggle free and attempted their escape down the Clark Fork!  It was not long before the whole group was in the river, scrambling to collect their materials and reach the take out!  Quickly beaching my own craft, I began directing them to swim themselves with their wreck to the side of the river.  It was not long before all boys, barrels, and boards were safely on the rock beach…albeit severely spread out!  As we gathered the dismembered materials and dragged the boat skeleton up the beach to dismantle, laughter and recounting of the adventure filled the air.  Well over thirty minutes of unknotting the webbing was light work with the many hands.  During debrief time, we discussed the lessons we learned, and the analogies to our lives.  One spoke up how often in life we start out with everything under control, and sometimes it takes a rigorous dismantling for God to truly bring us together and to trust Him!  Suffice it to say, this particular dismantling definitely grew these boys’ trust in each other and God with the teamwork, and co-operation that was unexpectedly required!

I won’t forget them easily!

Camp Bighorn and Lone Ram Ranch presents

The Power of Camp

Do you need a reason to send your child to attend Camp this summer?

Camp Bighorn provides a safe, adventurous, and spiritual environment for your kids to:

• learn more about themselves
• learn more about God and how the Bible relates to their life
• develop character and leadership through outdoor adventures
• be influenced by godly servant leaders

What are you waiting for?

Register Now

Value, Character, Leadership, and Perseverance through the Outdoors.

The trip I was a part of with Turning Directions Youth Ranch went very well.  I feel the boys learned a tremendous amount about character while we were out there traveling in the snow.  After the trip a couple of the boys mentioned that they will remember this trip for the rest of their lives.  We had opportunity to teach orienteering, experience challenge course, cook, backpack, and camp in a winter environment.

I worked with Josh Vandermeer in leading the trip.  I am always very impressed with the way Josh teaches lessons on leadership and character in a way that freely shares Christ with the students.

This is the TDR website if you are interested in knowing the particular group we worked with.   http://www.turningdranch.com

It has been exciting to see the Venture Youth Expeditions program grow.  This year we will have a total of around 50 days of adventure with struggling teen groups.  (38 of which are with TDR)  This is exciting as it means that almost 1 out of every 7 days during the year we will be working with groups like this.

The below verse is at the core of the ministry of Camp Bighorn.

1 Peter 3: 15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

Taking a bearing during an orienteering course.

“Am I correct on my bearing?”

The Snow Kitchen

Winter Camp

Winter Travel

Winter Evening.

Vandermeer

Choosing Attitude during Altitude.

Challenge course during dry out day.

Teamwork

“We are very appreciative of your prayer and support.  ADONAI (The Lord), has tremendously blessed us through the ministry of Camp Bighorn.”

DETAILS

Dates: May 1-22 (beginning with breakfast May 1st and ending with dinner May 22nd. Housing will be provided if you call ahead the day before and the day after the trip)

Cost: $600 (this is an amazing deal!)

Requirements: must be college-age or older, and able to carry a pack (with food and gear for multiple days) and paddle a canoe.

3 Credits available through Prairie Bible Institute – ask for more details.

TO REGISTER

Download a registration form right here! Please send registration forms and payments to Attn: Registrar, Camp Bighorn, 1850 MT Hwy 135, Plains MT, 59859 by April 1st.

Questions? Talk to Becky for more information by emailing beckym@campbighorn.com or call 406.826.3144

Date: May 18-20, 2012
Cost: $100/person
Includes housing, food, 1/2 day of
programming and a special steak dinner

Retreat Description: In a stressful world full of deadlines, health complications and financial pressures how vital it is to have times of rest, refreshment and renewal. Even more vital is to share these moments with others. As long as we live individual lives we fail to embrace God’s calling for the church to be united as one as He is One.  Furthermore, we fail to experience the Incarnation of Christ within us as we extend grace and forgiveness to one another.

In a desire to bring men of all denominations, places, and histories together, Camp Bighorn is proud to host this years Mens Retreat May 18-20th.

A special steak dinner will culminate a weekend full of soul enrichment, challenge and fellowship. Call today to register for this one-time special!

More information and a weekend schedule will come shortly.

Download the Men’s Retreat Flyer and share it around with others!

Throughout this year at Camp Bighorn we would love to share your stories, whether it is of a past experience at Camp Bighorn or a recent one from someone you know.  The only rules are that it has to be a true story. If your story is selected to share online we will send you a $50 voucher for one of our camps or a free Bighorn hoodie!

To enter the exchange mail in your story submissions to our address: Attn: Stories, 1850 MT Hwy 135 Plains, MT 59859 or email it to us at stories@campbighorn.com

Disclaimer: Winning stories will be posted on our webpage.

Summer Staff Positions:

Being a summer staffer is a great way to take the Bighorn experience to the next level. As a summer staffer you will be given opportunities to see God working in and through your life in new and exciting ways.  At Camp Bighorn all of our summer staff rotate through positions that could possibly include: facilitator, technical adventure coordinator, cooks assistant, dish washer, ground keeper, admin assistant, media support, and much more.

If you are interested in being on Camp Bighorn summer staff applications are now available for download: Summer Staff Application 2012

As part of your application you will also need to print out and send to us reference letter forms. Reference Form 2012

We ask that every staff member raise $250 to serve during their time here. To read a little bit more about support raising and why we raise support click here!

Instructions: Download the application form, fill it out and mail it in to our address as soon as possible. Applications will be considered in the order that they are received. The $250 you will be required to raise for your support to serve on summer staff will be due on June 1st. More information regarding raising support will be included in the summer staff acceptance packet.

NOTE: All staff members are required to attend Staff Training which runs from June 17-30.  We also ask that all applicants be at least 14 years of age and are willing to make at least a six week commitment during the summer.