Hello from Junior Camp #1 (Tuesday)

TUESDAY

It's hard for me not to mention the weather everyday. Last week it got unbearable hot for a couple days, but that hasn't been the case at all this week. Things could always change, but I'm hopeful that we won't have any unexpected weather events.

This morning we started with fried eggs on English muffins, tater tots, yogurt, strawberries, bananas, grapefruit, cold cereal, milk and juice. All of the campers were able to get through the cafeteria line in about 15 minutes, so they all had about 45 minutes to eat and then prepare for line call. It was another standard morning, with a few upset stomachs but nothing out of the ordinary in the camp population. Some of our staff are a little under the weather, but everyone reported to flag raising on time.

Cabin Apache raised the flag and did a little show. I have recently started thinking about video blogging just because all of the cabin presentations after flag raising are so memorable and creative. The boys have been a little more shy so far, but the girl cabins are starting to become more outgoing and interesting.

After flag raising we went to morning worship and the camp pastor talked about the gifts God gave us and then we had a positive affirmation battle where two people would day nice things to each other in front of the audience. It was really nice to hear people affirming each other in a way the world often uses to disrespect others (often humorously).

Morning activities went off without a hitch, with some campers doing rotations and others taking classes. I heard they were really cooking in Junior Chef today, which is probably why it's one of the most popular classes at camp. It's a bit silly, but after sampling their own food it's basically time for mail call and then lunch.

Lunch today was vegetarian Swiss steaks, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetable, Hawaiian bread, chocolate pie/or vanilla pie, and a full salad bar. I wasn't very hungry, but the campers and our staff ate all the food. We very nearly had to make more potatoes so everyone could get all they wanted.

After lunch and rest period we had afternoon rotations. I spent most of my time clearing trails for classes that are going to happen during Tween Camp. I even missed big event today, which was ultimate kickball. I'm not sure what makes it 'ultimate' but I could hear the laughter all the way from my office in the lodge.

The Outpost play (Mon, Tues, Weds nights) has a lot of these campers on the edge of their seats. Last week the campers didn't enjoy the outpost as much as this group, it's nice to hear them laugh and sit silently when the action rises and falls. Pastor Pablo focused on two of the characters and how their decision to do the right thing might be scary to them, but it would help someone else immensely.

I think his words were really well received by everyone who heard them and I'm hoping for another great day tomorrow!

Blessings,

-Jeremy

P.S. Looking for photos? Check out the website! I posted 90 photos today on Ultracamp.