Explorers and Jr. Wranglers I, 7/24-7/29

This week, Lazy F had the opportunity to host both the Explorers camp and the first week of Jr. Wranglers. Both camps had campers between the ages of 4th and 6th grade which resulted in a lot of energy around the camp! The week began with extreme weather, with the first day experiencing 90 degree sun and the second day hosting continual thunderstorms. If the campers weren't already feeling the excitement of the week, the weather sure helped convey that message!

Jr. Wranglers found themselves unable to attend their first day at the ranch due to the severe weather, but they were able to spend some quality time at Lazy F with the other campers. Although there may have been some disappointment on the first day, that clearly changed by the next day at the ranch! Campers were assigned to a horse for the week whom they were able to learn to take care of and ride within the ranch and around the nearby trails. If that wasn't enough, they were also able to spend some time in the pool at the ranch, complete with a water slide! Not only did the campers experience the ranch life, but they were able to participate in the morning and evening activities with the Explorers. The Wranglers worked on team bonding and working together by learning what it means to be "weird", naming themselves the Wranglin' Weirdos! [Note: The official definition of the term "weird" means: suggesting something outside of the bounds of normal, which the Wranglers decided described all of them!]. The week surely must have been quite "weird" for them!


While the Wrangler's were experiencing their ranch life, the Explorers were getting to know Lazy F quite well. These campers got to work on a couple different skill areas throughout their day such as drama, archery, and wilderness. The campers built upon their knowledge of their chosen elective for two days improving on particular things. The wilderness group, for example, began building a lean-two debris shelter that, by the end of the week, look fantastic! They also worked on simple orienteering around camp and much more. The dance class also worked on some Salsa moves with our resident Colombian and had a great time! During the evenings, the camp participated in activities such as Team Competitions that incorporated many silly things like trying to pop balloons that were bigger than the campers were! Other activities included the Water Olympics, Rodeo Carnival, and, of course, a talent show where many talents were definitely represented! Another special activity the group experienced was cooking dinner and staying the night at the teepee's for one evening. These campers surely got a very exploratory camp experience!

The end of this week began thoughts of a Lazy F summer conclusion. Although we're nearing an end to the summer, we still have two more awesome camp weeks to experience and we cannot wait for more amazing times with great campers!

Summer Highlights by: The Counselors

The staff celebrating Anam's Birthday this week!

This past week, Lazy F had the opportunity to take a break from our usual mission of providing campers with the best week of camp ever! Instead, Lazy F went through a greatly appreciated health check, update, and extreme organization around the camp grounds and maintenance areas. Because the counselors did not have campers during the week, they worked hard all over the camp updating the climbing tower, organizing the lumber piles, learning how to drive the tractor, clearing a channel to refill the pond, and much, much more!

Because the counselors worked hard in many areas they don't tend to work in, there was some reminiscent hubbub of the summer so far. Below are each of the counselors and three highlights of the summer they have experienced up to date! If you have not yet had the pleasure of coming to Lazy F this summer and are wondering who our camp counselors are, Click Here to meet the staff!

Three current highlights of the summer:

Breevie

1. Definitely reading a good chunk of Harry Potter in the talent show to the Night Owl kids who thought my accent was a talent! 
2. Being part of writing from scratch and performing all dressed up, two awesome songs; one biblical (to the tune "We will rock you"), one about camp (to the tune "Tik tok" ), with my Night Owl cabin group!
3. When I entered my cabin group's room (of all boys) during Primary Camp to say good night and to hurry them into bed, I found one of my campers head to toe in white cream. When I asked the camper what he was doing, I got the response (in the tone of "isn't it obvious?"), "I'm moisturizing"! 

Chipper 

1. Conquering the Magic Tarpet with the summer staff!
2. Being attacked by my campers with camouflage and eating ants the same day during Operation Purple.
3. Watching the moon fall in the west and sun rise in the east at 5:30am during Night Owl. 

Forrest 

1. My first highlight is related to Operation Purple. Because it is a camp focused on military kids we're not able to give explicit Christian messages or to have religious activities. I was surprised when one of the Op Purple campers decided to come back for another week of Christian camp and also, after that week, decided that he was going to come back next year. Everything has a meaning and definitely God talks in different forms and invites more and more people to be part of his plans....Lazy F is a place where you can feel God's call and answer it.
2. The second highlight is related to the worship. During the different camps we've had a chance to hear God's word, reflect upon its message and celebrate our faith. But I have to say that Gordy's messages at Night Owl touched a lot of campers and staff members. I think that he added a great connection with life in every single of his stories and made the Bible messages more related to the people.
3. Finally, my third highlight is related to Night Owl. In general, that camp was a time to meet up again with some of the returnee campers, have new experiences, and create new friendships. It was a time to reflect upon the past, what we saw or what we lived last year, to have tools to help campers and change lives. In short, that camp as awesome. 

Quirky

1. Making and singing the song "Night Owl Prowl" to the tune of "Tik tok". 
2. Getting to see campers I had last summer...and see how they've grown!!
3. Laughing way too hard with the world's greatest Lazy F Summer Staff!

Bestie

1. This summer has been SO AWESOME! It is really hard to pick just three highlights. One for sure would have to be my Operation Purple cabin group and our hike to the Agate Beds! The girls were sure that they would not be able to complete it right from the start, but my co-counselor and I were able to guide our girls up to the top and the looks on their faces was so rewarding.
2. (And 3). My second and third highlights are from my week being a counselor during Night Owl. My cabin group was incredible and the amount of personal growth I got out of the week is unforgettable. I feel as though I was pushed out of my comfort-zone even more than any of my campers and I realized that as a leader I am capable of so much more that I thought.  

Hobbes

1. I would just like to say that picking just three memories so far is SUPER HARD.  But there is one that jumps out immediately to me.  I was sitting and eating snack one night at Night Owl with several campers and Breevie at my table.  Our Pastor for the week, Gordy Hutchins, was sitting at the next table eating a “Grinch Sandwich” (peanut butter and pickles).  Breevie, who greatly enjoys trying new “American” foods, asked for a bite, and rather enjoyed it.  The whole table then passed the sandwich around, each person taking a bite, until it, and the next two Gordy made, were gone.  One camper noted how odd it was that a group of basically strangers was sitting around a table sharing a sandwich. SO FUNNY!
2. My second memory comes from our first week with campers, Operation Purple Camp.  My small group had had a particularly difficult time on some of the low challenge course elements and had not been able to complete the Whale Watch in time.  After a rather difficult decision making process they, as an entire group, decided that they wanted to return later to finish what they started (I was proud of them for that).  We ended up not having time to return until 9:00 pm the next night, so my small group did Whale Watch in the dark, finishing around 10 pm and it was one of the best debriefs of an activity I have ever had.  Such an awesome moment. 
3. And finally, going all the way back to staff training…I very unfortunately had to miss a few days of training to attend a conference in New Orleans (great conference, but it was sad to miss training and bonding time with the staff).  My whole drive back to camp I was just pumped up and excited to get back, although since I was arriving at about 1am I wasn’t expecting to see anyone until the morning.  However, as soon as I stepped out of my car I embraced by a mysterious figure wrapped up in blankets, and a couple other staff members.  It startled me a bit, but that amazing welcome back describes our staff this summer extremely well.  I do love this staff!
   

Moonie

1. When my group for Operation Purple finished the low course element, Triangle Tension Traverse, together. One of my girls had a broken foot and the rest of the team joined together to help her. It was amazing to see them work together! 
2. Campfire and stargazing with the Backwoods group was AMAZING! Seeing the young boys and girls lay and stare at the stars and ask questions was an awesome experience.  
3. Hiking to the cross, then watching the sunrise with the Night Owl group was an amazing end to an epic week.
     

Flamingo

1. This summer the song, “Every Move I Make” has become famous since Forrest likes it tons and plays it every chance. I have to say that it's not my favorite but it has one of my favorite phrases for this summer: "Everywhere I look I see your face".  During my first camp this summer, at the beginning of the week, my group didn't glue together.  It wasn't until during challenge course that I noticed one of my campers being that last piece to perfectly fit and make our group complete. She came from the back row to the front of leadership. She was quiet but observing, ready to step out of the box. During hard times she was my inspiration.
2. “This little light of mine” -  This is my third summer and I have never heard this song until this summer. I think I see this little light shinning in my campers when I see kindness, true friendship, and I find the little gems. Camp is the best place to discover this hidden talent and to find the best of yourself. I see this light having a title when we do the Awards. 
3. “The Funky Chicken” -“I said, let me see your funky chicken! :) What's that you say? I said, let me see your funky chicken uu aaa u aa a u…”. Having fun; Summer 2011 has been a blast of fun! The staff, WE ARE FAMILY. The campers, especially for my Operation Purple group and Wolf Pack! AAAU!

Camp Rocks!

Starwalker

Upon first wake of the day, where is it we find ourselves?  When the day has gone and passed, where do we retire to rest our head?  Where do we run to when we are hurt or humbled?  Where do we grow as an individual or as brothers and sisters?  Where do we break bread with loved ones by our side?

What makes a place, a home?

Is it the mat that lies at the door? Is it the memories we continue to hold? Or is it simply the place in which our time is spent most? 

For me, a home is made by those with whom we share it.  Bunk mates, neighbors, or even the strangers that pass on the sidewalk, are all crucial elements that make up the community in which my home resides.  For someone whose home of over twenty years is nearly two thousand miles away, often, it can be rather difficult to believe that such another exists.

Here, I have found the fallen to pick up, and those not afraid to push, ones to teach, and some very unexpected lessons.  In thoughts, and in ways, I challenge the days, while perpetually being loved, for who it is that I am.  With absolute poise my stride remains steady, yet we still make time to walk a bit silly.  Through blushed cheeks and bare feet, we all manage to get the dirt beneath our fingernails.  I have been bruised, busted, hugged and fed, all in the same afternoon, and time and time again, we say with utmost sincerity, you are the best!

It’s true you see, such places exist.  Surely, they do not lie around each corner, often times they can be hidden quite well.  Sometimes it’s best to dive in head first, rather than test the waters, for you will know its feel only when fully submerged.

Here, I have found a home, one I would have never thought to exist.

Night Owl, 7/11-7/15

If the counselors were finally starting to feel like they were getting into the swing of things, this week truly threw them off! Our one week of the summer where the schedule completely turns on itself came and went with a hoot and a howl! Night Owl, ages 8th-12th grade, gave campers the opportunity to stay up later at night and wake up later in the morning, transitioning the entire schedule into a nighttime camp. Night Owl has been full of tradition for the past few years, meaning that the campers always know to expect the mud pit, the Challenge Course, and the sunrise hike to the cross. However, this year, the campers (and staff!) were in for a surprise with many new activities and events throughout the week.

The week started off with an extra-long day finally ending around 1:30am. There was a lot of time to spend together in cabin groups, working on learning about one another and creating group covenants for the week. Sharing a cabin with another cabin group allowed for the campers to get to know other campers outside of their group in cabin hang out time and other activities lead by their counselors, like capture the flag. Friendships and special bonds were made quickly during this week by the great facilitation of the counselors and the other staff around them. Being Lazy F's first camp with older campers during the summer, the change of pace was greatly welcomed!

The highlights of the week included the Challenge Course within cabin groups, especially the Zip Line and other high elements, as well as Glow-in-the-Dark Ultimate Frisbee, Minute to Win It, the Guinness Record Races, trip to the pool, the Barn Dance, and the Talent Show. Not to mention, the afternoon electives, Bible Encounter, campfire, midnight BBQ dinner, moonlight dip at 1:00am, and of course, the sunrise hike to the cross.

Campfires and morning watches were very special times, thanks to our long-lost, Night Owl veteran, camp pastor, Gordy. Many of the campers and staff mentioned that the stories that were shared and the discussions of heroes held were a powerful positive to their week. Many light bulbs went off and understanding was made not only with the campers but with the staff as well. God was most definitely in our midst throughout the week and was incorporated into every activity had and friendship that was made.

The week was so full of adventure, spontaneity, fun, laughter, and many, many friendships. The week was special in its own way due to the unique schedule, but also due to the people who were here and the experiences that were had. Although we are all recuperating now that the week is over, you can't help but wish that the week could continue on for just a little bit longer!

Backwoods, Primary, and Grand Camp, 7/5-7/8

This week proved to be a challenge logistically at Lazy F due to the many camps occurring at the same time! For three days and two nights, both Primary Camp and Grand Camp spent time at Lazy F in main camp. At the same time, Backwoods (otherwise known as Teepee Camp) were out at the teepees for four days and three nights. We were lucky to have three wonderful resource volunteers for each of the camps who helped bring in new ideas, fresh enthusiasm, and great support for the staff of their respective camps. We also had great volunteer camp pastors for each camp who helped with the flow of the week as well as the faith sharing within each group. The week was so busy with campers in every area of the camp sharing time as a group as well as working together as an ultimate combined camp!

At Grand Camp, grandchildren and grandparents spent time together in one-on-one time, in their grand families, and as a whole group. Mornings were spent in Bible Encounter time (B.E. a Hero) learning about heroes from the Bible as well as contemporary life.  They worked on activities that helped foster a relationship they might not normally have outside of camp.  The afternoon gave them an opportunity to participate in activities together, such as crafts, climbing the tower, and shooting some arrows out at the archery range. At night, the grandparents were able to cheer on their grandkids during the Water Olympics who were having a blast slipping and sliding! Although the week was short, it was jam-packed with activities that all ages could enjoy together!

In another area around camp, Primary Camp worked together to learn what camp is all about! Primary Camp featured 7 to 9 year old kids, many of whom were participating in their first week at camp ever. Although their schedule was very similar to Grand Camp, they did their activities within two cabin groups with two camp counselors each.  The Primary campers were able to get to know the other campers within their cabin groups, working on group covenants, playing many games, and learning more about God. They hiked to the Agate Beds and participated in archery, dance, and sports as a whole group. They joined Grand Camp for campfire to hear the pastors' words on the Bible and the many heroes. The week had a focus on being a Superhero and by the end of the week, many of the campers were being just that!

On a different level, 6th through 8th graders inhabited the teepees found a bit of a hike away from main camp. Throughout the week, the campers slept in teepees, cooked most of their own meals, and followed their own, distinct schedule. Campers learned how to build fires, cook a variety of food on them (apple crisp!), wash their dishes and clean up after themselves without leaving much of a trace. In a more relaxed fashion, the group was able to have a lot of small group time getting to know one another and getting to know God. They spent an entire morning working as a team through many low course initiatives and elements around camp. They also joined the whole camp for all-camp activities like the Water Olympics to represent their teepee camp as a team. Other days allowed for time on the high course, raising the Peace Poles at the Agate Beds, stargazing and many more. They even allowed the staff to join them for an evening of campfire and a "No Talent" Show which  ended up showing off many strange talents!

The week was truly blessed with awesome campers, wonderful volunteer staff, and great experiences. It was definitely a week full of happy memories!

Operation Purple, 6/26-7/1

Campers listening to the Military Speaker

Our first week of camp began with a bang! Or at least, with over 70 campers. Our camp staff welcomed in the summer with a week-long Operation Purple camp. Operation Purple is sponsored by the National Military Family Association as a program designed to support kids of military families. The goals throughout the week are to focus on communication, stewardship, the environment, and the military. The program searches to allow campers to feel a sense of inclusion and connection with other kids in similar family situations, all the while enjoying a typical week of camp!

The week included a lot of get-to-know you games within their cabin groups as well as throughout the entire camp. Campers had the opportunity to explore the camp through hay rides and a large group game of "Where's Waldo". They were able to choose two daily activities known as afternoon electives where they could mix with campers not in their cabin groups, as well as experience different elements of camp. Such electives included archery, the climbing tower, dance, drama, and crafts in the craft cabin. Each elective was taught by a camp counselor or two who prepared activities within the electives for that week. Archery and the climbing tower are always a hit for this age, but each elective was received well by the campers after their first day!

The week continued on with hikes to the agate bed and the cross and participating in a lot of cabin group activities. The campers had daily activities to work on for the Operation Purple curriculum such as "My Life as a Tree" where they had the opportunity to discuss special events in their lives with their cabin groups. The week also presented many all-camp evening activities such as the Water Olympics, Rodeo Carnival, and the Talent Show, all of which featured many gifts and specialties of the campers and staff. Campfires allowed the opportunity for songs (most especially, "Down by the Bay"), skits and stories. The staff very successfully presented the Snack Monster skit that left campers laughing for days! 

All in all, the week allowed campers to come, be, and enjoy in a home away from home. Although Lazy F could not support a Christian camp setting for this particular week, our staff upheld our summer goals of being Christ-like, a team player, and being positive and uplifting. Although the gifts of God were not verbally shared throughout the week, they were reflected in the camp staff's patience, understanding, and support of the campers who came through Lazy F.  What a way to begin the summer!