Winter Camp 2011

Marc and I love our church. It is exceptional. The teaching. The people. The worship. Exceptional...not the norm. And ever since August, Marc and I have been volunteering as Ministry Partners with the youth group. We've grown to love these kids...and the other ministry partners who serve alongside us. It's truly been a blessing--truly. So ever since we began working with the youth, Winter Camp was the talk. From August to March...there were many discussions about this weekend and how it was epic. Yes. Epic. A popular word used here by my Colorado youth...and I have to say..."epic" it was. This year's Winter Camp was known as "The Show". Many skits and games were all organized around the theme. Creative (and hilarious) minds make up our youth staff--they are c.r.a.z.y. but so much fun. Here's the set for all the sessions. Top notch. (Yes, those are flat screen TVs in the back). The praise and worship band from Woodmen Valley Chapel led us in worship throughout the weekend--awesome job guys! We stayed at a Young Life camp called Crooked Creek Ranch. It's located in Fraser, CO close to Winter Park. Some are you thinking, "Like Windy Gap?" Yes. Like Windy Gap. Brought back great memories of my youth group days! Here is a picture of the lodge where we stayed. Beautiful and cozy. My friend, Julie, and I were cabin leaders for these awesome high school girls. We loved hanging out with them all weekend--even though we were deprived of sleep. :) It was totally worth it! They were a huge blessing to us, and we are thankful for the weekend to get to know them.

Throughout the weekend, we were divided into teams and competed in many games and activities. We were given the task to name our team and create a cheer. We were assigned the color blue...so "Blue Steel" was our team name. The girls were all about it...as you can see here. Serious business. I'm happy to report that we placed 3rd--and you would have thought we won an Olympic Gold. :)

Here are a couple of pictures of the scenery (Amazing!) and the "Tire Game" (Crazy!).

For me to explain the concept of this game would take some time...so let's just say...minimal collateral damage was done. Thank goodness. Although, one poor adult leader broke her tailbone. Talk about servanthood? No sleep + broken tailbone= extra jewel in her crown. :)

Here is Marc participating with his team. They were assigned the color pink...so "Pink Panthers" was his team name. Most of the guys sported a pink tie throughout the weekend which you can see in the second picture. Keeping it classy.

This is one of my favorite pictures of the weekend. On Saturday night, we were challenged to dress-up as a celebrity. This is the bathroom as everybody was getting ready for dinner. Madness. Taylor Swift, Audrey Hepburn, Julia Roberts, Hermione Granger, and even Pancho Villa made an appearance from our cabin. Way to get into the spirit girls!

I decided to dress-up as Sue Sylvester (Glee's infamous Cheerio's Coach), while Marc was Will Shuster (How did I not get a picture of him??) My friend, and former Frazer youth, Blair, was Emma Pillsbury. Here we are--isn't Blair cute? The red hair compliments the outfit perfectly. :) Snooki, Estelle (aka Joey Tribbiani's agent), and Sue were happy to make an appearance. Love to Julie and Jen--two of the best Colorado girls I know.

And...my favorite costume of the night goes to...Ugly Betty! Isn't she a dead-ringer? I mean--too cute! I have to say that "costuming" is not really my thing, but it was fun trying to guess who people were and watch the kids "act" famous.

Another activity that Winter Camp is known for is tubing! Marc and I were able to go, and it was...yes...say it with me...epic. Here are some pictures of us as we suited up and slid down a huge hill covered with snow. Fun times!

Parting shot--our cabin of high schoolers. I almost feel like I was in their shoes not too long ago (but it was many, many moons ago), and my "wisdom" often seems misplaced. I love their spirit and heart for the LORD. They teach me, humble me, and challenge me.

Winter Camp 2011 is a great memory for our time here in Colorado. We are thankful to be a part of a community of believers who bless us tremendously. Thank you Woodmen Valley Chapel!