Bible Camp Sure is Fun!

We spent last week at one of the best places in the world--East Iowa Bible Camp. We all had a great time. The speakers were excellent, and so were the kids' teachers. Only Chase complained about the nursery, but who can blame him. It was really hot the first part of the week, so we were thankful for the AC in the trailer!

James D. asked Britta to help him with the flag on Wednesday morning. It was the last flag raising I was on time to. James told me that Britta sang a solo for the talent show during 5th grade camp, something she neglected to tell me. :) He said she did a good job.

The tire swing is still there, and kids still fly off of it. I only let Chase get on when Glen was pushing. Tate got to get on a little more often, but Britta and Sammy had strict orders not to let him go too high!

Sammy spent a lot of time with a new friend, Brooke who is a year older. Brooke's older brother (she's adopted) was a friend of mine from when I worked at camp many years ago! His mom has adopted at least 6 foster kids.

The kids all enjoyed the pool, especially Britta who got her cast off on August 7. She and Sammy spent almost every moment possible in the pool until it was closed Thursday afternoon due to a chemical imbalance.

Britta didn't willingly pose for a picture until this one. She had her name drawn in order to receive a balloon hat in chapel. I guess I just need to give her a silly hat every time I want a picture. :)

Tate and Chase both loved the water slide--they played on it for probably two hours the first day it was open. Both fell asleep at the dinner table that night. I remember Sue D from CVBC calling it "camp coma." It happened again on Friday night, and Tate was so funny--Mom would wake him up, and he'd take a bite, chew a little, lay his head against the back of the chair, and drift off again.

Britta and Sammy both won numerous ribbons in the Bible Drill. This was Sammy's first year to get any ribbons, but she got a couple of blues and was in both of the championships, in which she placed second and third. Britta made it to the "Champ of Champs" and won a trophy! Great job, girls!

The missionary for the week had grown up in Colombia and learned some tricks with this top that he was showing the kids. He'd get it spinning and then put it onto their hands. Chase loved it! He was a little pushy, wanting to hog the top. :)

The girls also competed in the cardboard boat race. Glen built it for them, and they painted it. Notice the boat is not very deep. They started out well, but weren't able to work together and stay balanced, so they took on water quickly and ended up swimming about halfway across the pond. I took a video of their actual race, which is not very exciting. They had a lot of fun, though.

Britta and Sammy made a good team for the wheelbarrow race in the annual camp relays. They entered a lot of events because all participants got candy. :) Tate and Chase tried this one too and actually went a little ways before Chase got too tired.

Tate and his friend Tyler were partners for the three-legged race. Tyler is one of Brooke's adopted brothers.

Paige T. talked me into being her partner for the three-legged race. To my surprise, we beat all the other women and weren't too far behind the men! She is a great athlete, though.

The boys had fun playing on the sand volleyball court. It's the biggest sandbox ever!
Chase wanted to push the giant beach ball so badly--look at him in there with the big boys! He did get knocked down, but not trampled, and I got him out of there quickly after that. He was mad at me, of course, for keeping him safe.

Camp is such a vacation! There are too many activities to really call it relaxing, but it's great to have little responsibility except to watch your kids enjoy themselves. Now I need to get back into the habit of cooking, cleaning, etc. I am so thankful for the servant staff who make such a great experience for everyone who attends.

The Bible teacher and missionary speaker were excellent as usual. I don't think I fell asleep once during a service!

Tate's preschool session teacher was great--Glen went in early to pick him up one night, and he said all the kids were absolutely mesmerized by her. She taught about kids in the Bible and that even though they're little, God can still use them! She always gave the kids a little glow necklace or bracelet after the evening session, and she gave them to Chase too. One night he said it "blows in the dark!'

The girls' teachers were wonderful as well. Neither ever complained of chapel being boring. They did a lot of contests and mystery verse challenges, Bible drills; they drew names for prizes, and Grandpa Dean Worthington taught about the worldless book. Mr. Stretch still picked the camper in the Quiet Seat! I have always suspected that the seats are selected prior to the session, and I'm even more convinced since both Britta and Sammy won one during the week. :)

You should go to camp!