Sorry Guys! Moving between continents threw off my blogging groove. While we're thankful and excited to be back in the land of our calling we are missing people and places in the US. Thus this blog series is as appropriate to be writing about as ever!
Camp Hickory Hill is a special place for me. It is where my relationship with God became real. That's why it has been a big deal for me to share this place with my boys. Eli and Toby had been to camp with me before at Father Son camp. This time, however, was different for them because they were in their own cabin. Instead of their dad they got to bunk with their cousin, Hudson, and other campers- much cooler. Silas also got to go to camp for the first time. He was in a Father Son cabin with his Dad who was also serving as Camp Shepherd for the week. It was going to be an awesome time!
Eli and Toby had an excellent Senior Leader who showed them the ropes. After winning a line up inspection Eli and Toby even got to lower the flag. Things like standing at attention and saluting the flag instill character into boys and camp does a good job at maintaining an atmosphere of positive peer pressure. At 37 years of age I still benefit from an attitude of 'lets see who can serve the best': I learned that at camp. Eli and Toby also enjoyed swimming in the pool, climbing the rock wall, playing crazy games, sleeping under the stars and singing at the evening campfire. When we sing at home they still request songs they learned at Camp Hickory Hill.
Silas on the other hand has always been our wildcard. He loves mischief and a good chase when he's been just a little bit naughty. I was looking forward to having a week of one-on-one time with him at camp. When I wasn't serving as Camp Shepherd Silas and I shared in a ravine hike, fishing at the pond, go cart racing, bb guns, archery, carpet ball and of course, line up and campfires. Silas even got to go on a safari where we saw camels, zebras, water buffalo and elk! When the camp director and my good friend, Sam, asked Silas if he was having a good time he replied, 'mehh'. It wasn't until we played a supped up version of 4-square called '9-square in the air' that Silas decided he loved camp. He laughed and played with all his might literally until the sun went down.
I love Camp Hickory Hill and I think my boys are growing to love it too. Camp is a unique place where kids can grow and learn in ways they can't at church or home. A neutral environment... the solemn atmosphere sitting around a campfire under the stars... combine that with godly leaders purposefully reaching their campers and the results can be life changing. That's why we are thrilled to be developing camping ministry here in Paraguay. The many things I gained at camp I can now pass on to others... most of all, my own children.
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