Camp Creston 2016

Before moving on to September, I would be remiss if I did not highlight one last August adventure: our second annual church camping trip.  This year we did something a little different.  Rather than going to an already established campground, we turned a friend's family farm into our very own Camp Creston. It was perfect.  We had plenty of room for our tents, a campfire, and lots of outdoor activities.  We could not have asked for better weather and better friends to spend our weekend with. Initially, I didn't expect to have any pictures from the weekend, as I had forgotten our camera.  But actually, it was kind nice.  We could focus on the weekend and let someone else capture the special moments.  Here are a few pictures I got from others.

Our tent among a few others.

Swinging through the trees.

Claire and myself busy in the "Craft Hut".

Grandpa S. helped us prepare some nail art for the campers, and it was a big hit.

Gathering in the evening for fellowship and s'mores.

Our happy camper, peeing in the trees.

I love that someone actually captured this picture.  What a great church.

One thing I should mention is that as part of the fun of Camp Creston, I dressed up to play a variety of characters.  My first character was the Camp Director, named Ranger Roxy.  She was in charge of making sure everything ran smoothly.  She helped with registration, the "Snack Shack", as well as a nightly song and story time for the junior campers.

Ranger Roxy reading a camp-themed bedtime story.

Note...the junior campers did not go to bed after this, as was intended.  In fact, it was pitch black before their heads hit their pillows.  But they had fun playing with friends, covering their clothes with glow sticks, and eating endless s'mores.

Another staff member, the Camp Cook named Ginger.  

She helped serve the "grub" to the campers.

And, of course, "Referee Rhonda".  She was in charge of keeping order during the games and events. There was a game of Kick Ball Saturday afternoon, and then in the evening the campers had a lot of fun with a picture scavenger hunt.

Sunday morning our usual church service was moved out of the city, 

onto the farm, for a beautiful time of worship together.

Henry and his buddy, Roman, "listening" to the sermon.

Ranger Roxy even participated in the service.  What a trooper.

We are so grateful for our church family.  They bring so much joy and support to our lives.  We had prayed for years for a church to call home, and Creston has certainly become that for us.