Another Family Bible Camp is over and everything is packed up and put away. There may still be a little mud between the toes here and there and some are still probably cookied out. I think every church in our conference sent about twelve dozen cookies to camp, and of course the kitchen crew felt obligated not to waste them. I probably will not eat another cookie for quite a while.
Security was kept pretty busy nights with campers trying to sneak out of the dorms and ring the bell next to the speaker's cottage. The youth seemed to enjoy the many activities. The mud pit seemed to be the favorite, though most seemed to enjoy the slip and slide baseball as well. Junior campers got in on the action with the water slip-n-slide. There was something for everyone, and the "Family" aspect of camp seemed to shine through this year.
The spiritual component of camp was centered around the "whatevers" of the Bible (i.e. Philippians 4:8) and campers of all ages were challenged with messages of commitment and the altar was pressed into service as campers were presented with many opportunities of grace.
Kevin and Lisa Hoffman served as our missionary couple and they were a joy to have with us. It was refreshing to see such youthful enthusiasm coupled with spiritual maturity.
Volunteers were an inspiration, as many of them spent their vacations to be at camp and to give their time and energy to serve others.
I am thankful for our Eastern Conference Family Bible Camp and hope God continues to use it to draw families and churches together in fun and fellowship, encouraging each other and growing together. I am already looking forward to next year.
