June 22, 2011

June 22, 2011 (posted late also!)

Well this has definitely been another great week at AO!  We’ve kept pretty busy as this week was the first week we’ve had campers.  Last week, all of our counselors went over to main camp to counsel for Step Up, our Jr. High camp.  There were about 100 campers total.  As a program team, we had some final preparations to do here at AO, as well as an all day canoe trip to the Flambeau River, a day at Black River Harbor, and a day of heading up an awesome afternoon at main camp, full of games, competitions, and the annual mud run!  The week was a blast and it was absolutely great to spend more intentional time with the people I’ll be working along side all summer.  It was fun to see how everyone works together, as well as everyone’s strengths, weaknesses, personalities, and quirks come out.  I was really encouraged and felt much more prepared for the summer after that.  After Step Up ends, campers have the option of staying a second week for Plus Week.  Plus week is a much smaller group of about 35 campers and it’s held here at AO.  It’s been so great to have kids around!  The Lord definitely has been working in many of their lives. 

There have been lots of challenges and lots of blessings as well.  Some of the cabins have had a tough week.  Although they’ve had many victories within their cabins and lots of growth, there are still struggles and challenges that the Lord is working through.  Prayer for all of the counselors is very needed!  All of the counselors have been counseling for two week straight, and some will have another week next week.  It’s been draining and tiring for them in many areas.  Prayer that they would have strength and refreshment is needed.  Many of the campers and staff have also been sick this week.  It hasn’t been anything horrible, but many have had at least a few days of having a fever and such, but lots of rest has been very helpful.  We’ve also had rainy days every day this week.  It has been cool to see all the kids connect so well and build relationships with each other when they have to be in an enclosed space, but the Pavilion is definitely getting a bit old.  We’d rather be playing games and doing activities outside!  Normally, our sessions, worship times, activities, and large group games are all outside.  However, we’ve had to spend most of our time in our main building because of all the rain.  We’re praying for sunnier days next week, that’s for sure!  Thanks everyone for all of your prayers and support!  Feel free to write a letter, too!  I’ll write you back, I promise! = )  Take care and let me know what is going on with your summers as well!  I’d love to hear!!