For the past two years Leah has gone to Word of Life Camp, just over the lake from us in New York. She always has great stories to tell when she gets home and gets so many experiences that I know she will remember a long time. Last year Andrew got to go too, and I love how it forces them to be independent and to build friendships on their own. They get good Bible teaching, they get to be outdoors all week long, and they get to try new things.
This year, we wanted to try something new, so the rest of us-- Brett, me, Abi & Jacob-- went to camp at the Family Camp part of Word of Life, called the Pines. We borrowed a camper from a friend at church-- it had running water and air conditioning (although the gas for cooking and the hot water were not hooked up), so it wasn't exactly "roughing" it. There is worship and guest speakers each morning for the adults, and free childcare (including an actual VBS for Abigail's age group) for the kids during that time. Then the rest of the day there were many activities to choose from, or we could just be together as a family. Another couple from church was also camping there, and we joined them for many of our meals and really developed a great relationship with them!
First, we dropped Leah and Andrew off at their camp. Leah's cabin-mates were so excited to greet her. They were a crazy bunch of girls and Leah was immediately comfortable.
Jacob and Abi found the playground as soon as we arrived at the Pines. Our campsite was right next to all the activities, and everything was centrally located, so I felt safe letting them play while we took care of some other things.
The kids each had their own bed, and we had a really nice queen-sized bed. We all slept fairly well every night.
Day 1 was super rainy. We had to eat breakfast in the RV. And wear cute froggy raincoats.
We used our free time the first day to make a trip to Target, which was only about 20 minutes away. The second day the weather cleared up long enough for us to enjoy a little pool time. This kid was a FISH and also must have thought he was invincible, as he wanted to just jump in the 3-foot deep water!
Abi asked to go to the pool any available minute, too. They loved being in the water!
Abi got spoiled with ridiculous amounts of soda and bubble gum. I think she loved being the oldest and getting special attention. The third day we watched a magic show.
After the magic show we enjoyed a ride on a pontoon boat in Schroon Lake. I think they really did enjoy it, even though their faces may not show it!
We stopped in to say hi to Leah and Andrew. This is about as much as we saw of Andrew-- he was way too busy with his friends (and his giant jawbreaker).
We had a campfire only one night, since it was so rainy! But Abi and Jacob enjoyed playing outside as much as they could, and getting dirty like you should on a camping trip.
The fourth day we enjoyed a short game of mini golf on the camp property.
And we were treated to a delicious steak dinner from the cafeteria with strawberry shortcake for dessert.
One night we got to go see a real concert- Josh Wilson. It was Abi's first time at anything like that, although she fell asleep for some of it! Jacob got to stay at the nursery back at camp.
The last day all the kids from Abi's group came and sang a song for us during the Adult Worship Service. I was so proud of how independent she became and how brave she was for doing this with no one that she knew!
Friday night we went over to the Ranch, where Leah and Andrew were camping, to enjoy a family rodeo and kids' activities. We got to see the petting zoo and a bouncy house. And Abi & Jacob got to ride a real horse. That was a highlight for them, I think!
Andrew got to sit with us for the Rodeo. It was a really fun atmosphere.
We had lots of time for togetherness! It was a great week and we already have plans to go back next year, and hopefully bring more families from church.
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