Youth Camp 2014 Tuesday

Day 3 – Tuesday – The Wilderness

Not nearly as many energetic faces at breakfast this morning.  Long days, short nights and lots of sun have definitely had some effect.  Fortunately attitudes are still in good shape and everyone is game for what the day holds.  The students are not told the schedule for the day and only find out as the activity begins.   This can lead to questions for first time campers but the experienced students know the answer is always WAFO (wait and find out). Following breakfast and a gathering at the pavilion, students spent their 10 for 10 (10 minutes in study and separated by at least 10 ft. from anyone else) in Matthew 6 reflecting on God’s provision for us.

The forecast for Tuesday was a 40% chance of rain.  By mid-morning, it looked that the 60% chance of no rain would win but by noon, storm clouds and associated lightning and thunder made an appearance.  This altered the activity plans for some groups for safety reasons but the staff and sponsors came up with alternatives and made it enjoyable in spite of the rain.  The 9^th-10^th grade group explored a “collapsed” mine and rescued some abandoned stuffed animals from the land of misfit toys.  This adventure is experienced in total darkness on multiple levels and is not for the claustrophobic.  Their afternoon rec was rappelling.  Middle Schoolers had a “mountain top” experience, developing team building skills to solve tricky people movement problems.  The upperclassman spent the morning plugging holes on water barrel on the river.  They followed this up with (after a rain delay) a trek up the mountain to ride the 3,000 ft. zip line.  This line is the longest in Texas, third longest in the US, 8^th longest in the world, and longest in the world with four cables.  The hike is about mile and a half up the mountain (a 20 minute hike) and the descent is about 1 minute. Following the 3K zip, the crew headed back up the mountain to Windmill, which is the highest point on the property.  It is also the first place to receive rain which is did for most of the 30 minute Bible study. The study focused on the Exodus account of the Israelites as they left Egypt traveled into the wilderness.  They discussed how their lives compared to the children of Israel and how they can work together to strengthen their walk with Christ.  The group made their way back to camp following the outer boundary and about 3 mils in length.  With incredible timing, they arrived just as manna was being served.

After supper, the groups assembled in the pavilion for praise and worship.  Continuing the theme of the day, the camp pastor challenged the students to rely on God as they travel through their “wilderness”.  In the small group recap session after the service, students shared their wilderness challenges and ways they can work with each other and with God to conquer the enemy.