Day 7 - Blue sky and sunshine! What a way to start the day that would later turn into the official start of camp for 15-20 high school and middle school kids as well as the crew from UFCCH. After breakfast we had time to take care of last minute stuff before we began our hike to the dock at 11:30am.
With great anticipation for the number of campers we would meet at the dock we began our hike. The pace was much quicker than the day before because "berry stops" were less frequent. We got to the dock a bit early. It was a crowded dock so we wondered where the "fast boat" from Salmon Falls would dock. After talking some and meeting some of the other folks who were docked there we heard the roar of a boat coming our way. It was a Salmon Falls boat and it whizzed right past us and kept going. People waved to us so I guessed that the boat was heading down toward the Naha River just to give everyone a glimpse and after the glimpse it would return and dock. Others weren't as sure. A few minutes later the boat did come back toward us and found a place to dock on the inside of the dock.
We were excited to see Leslie and Elenor (Steve & Leslie's foster child) and one, two, three, four...eighteen campers! Karen, we met last year, is from Titusville, FL and was part of last year's camp team that put on VBS at Metlakatla and then did a camp for elementary school aged kids. Trevan was a camper last year, it was so awesome to see him return this year. He decided to come at the last minute and brought a couple of friends with him. Leslie, Jacob, Ben and God all worked to get Trevan to come so we were so excited to see that he did decide to come at the 11th hour. There were a couple of girls who were with us at camp last year as well. Four were familiar and fourteen were new to us.
Once all the campers, their luggage and supplies were unloaded we began the hike over "the hump" to the other dock where the small boat was waiting to take the luggage. Everyone loaded their luggage and then we began the hike to camp. Along the way was a great time to visit with those we knew and get to know those who were new to us. It was a fun hike that went by fast due to the conversation along the way.
It's always fun to get that first glimpse of Orton Ranch. Inevitably someone yells out, "I see it!" I was toward the back so I don't know if Ben did his ceremoniously run across the field a second time. We all gathered at the Pavilion and received our first set of instructions. Moments later the campers were moving in and setting up their bunk and the space around it. There was lots of excitement in the boy's dorm. I could tell we had some interesting characters. After awhile it was time to begin the camp program which included get to know you games, formation of family groups, worship, a message, campfire, hangout time and bed time. This time of beginning camp and getting to know each other was interesting and challenging.
By the time bed time rolled around (the campers had to be in by 11:30pm and quiet by midnight) it became obvious as to who the rowdy campers were. I was bunked by Izzak, Donovan and Austin. All very cool guys. The guys across the way from me were part of the Rowdy Bunch. Trevan, Jarrett, Hugh and eventually Kaleb. They were lively but respectful. When midnight came they quieted immediately and went to sleep. I was shocked but praising the Lord! \o/ I knew if they did that all week we would be fine and get enough sleep to push through each long and exhausting day of camp.
All in all we survived the first day. I am sure there will be some things to address at the morning Staff Meeting so we can be ready for the first full day of camp and more time getting to know the campers who are new to us.
God answered the prayer re: more campers, I know it is just the beginning of his work among us this week.
PTL!
bob g & the AK mission team
With great anticipation for the number of campers we would meet at the dock we began our hike. The pace was much quicker than the day before because "berry stops" were less frequent. We got to the dock a bit early. It was a crowded dock so we wondered where the "fast boat" from Salmon Falls would dock. After talking some and meeting some of the other folks who were docked there we heard the roar of a boat coming our way. It was a Salmon Falls boat and it whizzed right past us and kept going. People waved to us so I guessed that the boat was heading down toward the Naha River just to give everyone a glimpse and after the glimpse it would return and dock. Others weren't as sure. A few minutes later the boat did come back toward us and found a place to dock on the inside of the dock.
We were excited to see Leslie and Elenor (Steve & Leslie's foster child) and one, two, three, four...eighteen campers! Karen, we met last year, is from Titusville, FL and was part of last year's camp team that put on VBS at Metlakatla and then did a camp for elementary school aged kids. Trevan was a camper last year, it was so awesome to see him return this year. He decided to come at the last minute and brought a couple of friends with him. Leslie, Jacob, Ben and God all worked to get Trevan to come so we were so excited to see that he did decide to come at the 11th hour. There were a couple of girls who were with us at camp last year as well. Four were familiar and fourteen were new to us.
Once all the campers, their luggage and supplies were unloaded we began the hike over "the hump" to the other dock where the small boat was waiting to take the luggage. Everyone loaded their luggage and then we began the hike to camp. Along the way was a great time to visit with those we knew and get to know those who were new to us. It was a fun hike that went by fast due to the conversation along the way.
It's always fun to get that first glimpse of Orton Ranch. Inevitably someone yells out, "I see it!" I was toward the back so I don't know if Ben did his ceremoniously run across the field a second time. We all gathered at the Pavilion and received our first set of instructions. Moments later the campers were moving in and setting up their bunk and the space around it. There was lots of excitement in the boy's dorm. I could tell we had some interesting characters. After awhile it was time to begin the camp program which included get to know you games, formation of family groups, worship, a message, campfire, hangout time and bed time. This time of beginning camp and getting to know each other was interesting and challenging.
By the time bed time rolled around (the campers had to be in by 11:30pm and quiet by midnight) it became obvious as to who the rowdy campers were. I was bunked by Izzak, Donovan and Austin. All very cool guys. The guys across the way from me were part of the Rowdy Bunch. Trevan, Jarrett, Hugh and eventually Kaleb. They were lively but respectful. When midnight came they quieted immediately and went to sleep. I was shocked but praising the Lord! \o/ I knew if they did that all week we would be fine and get enough sleep to push through each long and exhausting day of camp.
All in all we survived the first day. I am sure there will be some things to address at the morning Staff Meeting so we can be ready for the first full day of camp and more time getting to know the campers who are new to us.
God answered the prayer re: more campers, I know it is just the beginning of his work among us this week.
PTL!
bob g & the AK mission team
