I got back home from camp Friday evening, and I am already missing it.
The week went by so fast, I am sad that it's over already.
I arrived there on Saturday, June 12th, with a friend who was also serving. After getting settled, we went to Taco Bell for some dinner. I had been craving Taco Bell for quite a while, so that was perfect.
Sunday, the other STMs (short term missionaries) arrived, and we had training, lunch, more training, and a bonfire in the evening.
Monday, we had some final training, got ready for the families to arrive, and the families arrived that afternoon.
I did not have a camper, as I was serving in the sweet shop (which is where I served at the last retreat I went to), but it was still fun meeting and cheering for the families that arrived.
We had an ice cream social that afternoon, and a meeting just for STMs, to talk about how the day went.
Tuesday, we had morning devotions, breakfast, and everyone went about to different things in the morning. I helped bake some things for when the sweet shop opened that afternoon (brownies and brookies--half cookie, half brownie treats), and then I was able to sit in on some of the activities the campers were doing.
The campers made a beaded cross keychain, and then played this game where one person had a bucket on their head, and another person had to try and get golf balls into the bucket.
At some point during the game, the director of the camp came by, and everyone was saying he should play. So, he put the bucket on his head and was ready to go.
I was then voted to try and throw the balls into the bucket, which was a little awkward for me, but it was fun. I didn't get any in, but that's ok. I enjoyed participating.
There was a carnival that evening, with typical carnival-style games, as well as bouncy houses, a horse-drawn carriage ride, a woman drawing caricatures, and a fire truck that everyone could check out.
I didn't play any of the games, but I did go on the carriage ride (horses are my favorite animals), and I got a caricature done of myself.
Wednesday, there was morning devotions, then in the afternoon I was in the sweet shop again. I helped with preparing for the parents dinner that evening, and then I got to check out the petting zoo. I love animals, so I enjoyed seeing the animals there (a pig, some baby and adult goats, ducks and chicks, rabbits, and chickens and roosters.
There was a dance on Wednesday evening as well, that I checked out. I danced a little, and watched the rest of the time.
Thursday, I helped out with a women's lunch, and got to eat with them as well. We had afternoon activities for the campers again, and in the evening there was a talent show and karaoke. I watched the talent show, and then hung out in the sweet shop for a bit.
We were right on the lake, so a couple of the days, I went down there to hang out a bit, when I needed a break. I love water, so being by the lake was so calming for me.
Friday, we had breakfast, helped the families pack, and then had a closing ceremony. STMs and families got to share what was on their mind if they wanted, and everyone was so thankful to have had the opportunity to come to camp.
The campers were given teddy bears, as a sort of parting gift from the camp, which I thought was sweet. There were a few left after everyone got theirs, and I was allowed to take one home for myself.
After the families left the STMs and leaders had a final debrief, where we talked about all that went on during the week, and how we were feeling. I am very shy, so I didn't say anything, so I just listened to what everyone else said.
All in all, I had an amazing time, and am so grateful that I was able to go this year, and I hope that I get to go again next year.
