The last full day of camp is officially here, and this week as has been amazing! Today, in the the small group session they discussed staying connected to Christ. Here at camp, it’s easy to make a dedication to Christ, but staying connected after camp is often forgotten. It is a very important issue for the camp, we want to ensure those who connect at camp stay connected at home.
Last night there was a concert after chapel, and it was very exciting. It’s amazing to see those quiet kids from Sunday are now the ones jumping around the chapel praising the Lord without hesitation. The band 'Loftland' came to perform and they did an amazing job. If you are interested in hearing them you can find them at their Facebook page under Loftland.
This afternoon there are more games to be played and a costume party. The theme is pirates, and everyone is encouraged to dress up including staff. Tonight there will be Bible skits, which are funny renditions of bible stories played by the campers. It is a big hit every year.
Tonight the campers will hear more about staying connected to Christ. If you have not connected to a church or small group I encourage you to do that now! Campers stay on fire and don’t burn out now!
The verse today is Romans 5:5 “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.”
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Superteen Thursday
Today the sun is shining again at Phantom Ranch, at least for the moment. Even though it rained quite a bit yesterday we still enjoyed some field games during the day and also an amazing talent show in the evening. It seems we have only been here for a short time, but already we are over half way through the week.
It is amazing to watch the campers open up this week. On Monday there were a lot of silences in the small groups, but by today many campers have opened up and feel more comfortable discussing their faith. There is an extra long discussion time today, and we are all excited to see God move through that.
Last night’s message was about how God is bigger and stronger then all our problems. This seemed to really impact all the campers, especially since many high school students deal with some heavy stuff. With all the struggles of becoming men and women, (which I am sure we can all agree there were struggles), it’s amazing to know that our God is there to help.
Today the campers look forward to a dodge ball tournament as well as some free time. This evening there will be a music concert, which will be really cool for the campers and staff.
If you are interested in learning the campers verse for the day it is John 15:4-5 “Remain joined to Me, and I will remain joined to you. No branch can bear fruit by itself. It must remain joined to the vine. In the same way, you can’t bear fruit unless you remain joined to me. I am the vine. You are the branches, if anyone remains joined to me, and I to him, he will bear a lot of fruit. You can’t do anything without me.”
Lesson of the day:
Connected to Jesus+ Following Jesus= being able to do awesome things for God!
It is amazing to watch the campers open up this week. On Monday there were a lot of silences in the small groups, but by today many campers have opened up and feel more comfortable discussing their faith. There is an extra long discussion time today, and we are all excited to see God move through that.
Last night’s message was about how God is bigger and stronger then all our problems. This seemed to really impact all the campers, especially since many high school students deal with some heavy stuff. With all the struggles of becoming men and women, (which I am sure we can all agree there were struggles), it’s amazing to know that our God is there to help.
Today the campers look forward to a dodge ball tournament as well as some free time. This evening there will be a music concert, which will be really cool for the campers and staff.
If you are interested in learning the campers verse for the day it is John 15:4-5 “Remain joined to Me, and I will remain joined to you. No branch can bear fruit by itself. It must remain joined to the vine. In the same way, you can’t bear fruit unless you remain joined to me. I am the vine. You are the branches, if anyone remains joined to me, and I to him, he will bear a lot of fruit. You can’t do anything without me.”
Lesson of the day:
Connected to Jesus+ Following Jesus= being able to do awesome things for God!
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Superteen Wednesday
It is mid week here at camp and it is raining outside. While the rain may spoil someone’s picnic, here at camp it means cooler weather and a chance to get some rest. The campers are having some devotion time as well as small group time, and are really enjoying it.
Campers have been opening up much more lately and feel more comfortable sharing experiences with each other. Conversations are becoming more thoughtful and are fueling some amazing discussion. Chapel continues to be a big hit for the campers, as they enjoy the music and the engaging speaker Steve.
Tonight will be a very exciting night because it’s open mic! The campers get to perform for their friends various talents, it’s a really fun time. We look forward to an afternoon full of activities, and more great discussions from the campers.
If you are interested in the camper’s verse of the day, it is Luke 9:23- “then he said to all of them, ‘If anyone wants to follow me, he must say no to himself. He must pick up his cross every day and follow me.”
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Superteen Tuesday
Tuesday is off to a great start; the campers are already having fun and enjoyed a game of dodge ball this morning! Today is going to be the perfect temperature for swimming and chilling on the beach. This afternoon the campers are going to play “Surge”, the adventurous slippery challenge course.
He used the story of Joseph to show how God works through the hard times. He explained in Genesis 50 that when those who hurt Joseph came to see him, He said to them “as for you, you meant evil for me but God used it for good” Steve concluded that the reason we are here is to glorify God, and to let him shine in our lives.
Tonight will be another exciting night for the campers, as they will be having more great worship and hearing another great message from Steve. The campers will also have shakes tonight and S’mores too. Many great things have already been happening at camp, with the small groups there has been a lot more sharing. Everyone is opening up and getting comfortable, so praise God!
If you are interested in learning the campers verse of the day, it is Isaiah 59:1-2 “People of Israel, the Lords arm is not too weak to save you. His ears are not too deaf to hear your cry for help. But your sins have separated you from your God. They have caused him to turn his face away from you. So he won’t listen to you.”
Monday, July 25, 2011
Superteen Monday!
Its July 25th and the official first day of Superteen.
The heart pumping camp for freshman through seniors in high school!
The heart pumping camp for freshman through seniors in high school!
Today the campers have enjoyed a very exciting field game, and look forward to another one this evening. The campers are staying hydrated and will most likely go swimming this afternoon.
Chapel is another cool time for campers, many of them really like the concert setting for worship. One camper Bradly Himsel said he likes worship at camp because it’s a concert, and the band is really cool. The campers move to the front of the chapel for worship and can praise however they feel comfortable.
Students are also looking forward to chapel tonight when Steve Hobbs will teach on how God's word helps us to work through common teen problems. It will be so cool to see how God works this week.
Tonight the campers get to go star gazing, which is a cool time for them to learn about constellations and Gods love for them. It says in Daniel 12:3 “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” So after learning all about the Lord of the stars the campers get to enjoy a nights rest.
Everyone here at camp is excited for tomorrow and the exciting activities that are planned. We all are looking forward to the campers opening up more in small groups and sharing more of their stories, as well as seeing God work through the issues they have already expressed. Today has been a great start to a very cool week at Phantom Ranch!
Chapel is another cool time for campers, many of them really like the concert setting for worship. One camper Bradly Himsel said he likes worship at camp because it’s a concert, and the band is really cool. The campers move to the front of the chapel for worship and can praise however they feel comfortable.
Students are also looking forward to chapel tonight when Steve Hobbs will teach on how God's word helps us to work through common teen problems. It will be so cool to see how God works this week.
Tonight the campers get to go star gazing, which is a cool time for them to learn about constellations and Gods love for them. It says in Daniel 12:3 “Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever.” So after learning all about the Lord of the stars the campers get to enjoy a nights rest.
Everyone here at camp is excited for tomorrow and the exciting activities that are planned. We all are looking forward to the campers opening up more in small groups and sharing more of their stories, as well as seeing God work through the issues they have already expressed. Today has been a great start to a very cool week at Phantom Ranch!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Triple W-2 Thursday
It's Thursday and the Triple W-2 campers are adding the final touches on their drill team for Saturday when they get to show their parents! This morning, the girls were prepared their horses for the exciting day ahead of them.
Triple W had the opportunity to learn a new and exciting skill this morning- riding the horse with no hands! They had a blast learning how to master it and with the wranglers help, they were able to ride with no hands successfully!
The girls have continued to learn more and more about riding while also growing in their relationship with God. The counselors and wranglers are all thrilled with how well these girls have been doing!
The Triple W-2 campers are so excited for the show on Saturday! They have been working hard and can't wait to show their parents just how valuable this week has been for their riding skills and their walk with Christ.
Triple W had the opportunity to learn a new and exciting skill this morning- riding the horse with no hands! They had a blast learning how to master it and with the wranglers help, they were able to ride with no hands successfully!
The girls have continued to learn more and more about riding while also growing in their relationship with God. The counselors and wranglers are all thrilled with how well these girls have been doing!
The Triple W-2 campers are so excited for the show on Saturday! They have been working hard and can't wait to show their parents just how valuable this week has been for their riding skills and their walk with Christ.
Roughriders Thursday
It's Thursday at Roughriders and the week has almost come to an end! This week at Phantom Ranch has been full of excitement and spiritual growth. Campers have had meaningful discussion on the character of God and how He calls us to live. They have also made lots of friends and have enjoyed the company of their counselors.
One of the campers said that they like their counselors because they spend the whole day with them making sure they're having a great time. Phantom Ranch is blessed to have great counselors that care about how their campers are feeling and what they can do to make their experience one they will never forget.
This morning, the chapel speaker talked about the fruits of the Spirit. The Roughriders learned that sometimes we have to take a step back and ask ourselves if we are displaying the fruits of the Spirit to those around us. We have to be honest with ourselves and ask God to help us bear good fruit. For more on the fruits of the Spirit, check out Colossians 5:22-23!
Today is a relaxing day for the Roughriders. They were able to sleep in a little bit to gain some more energy for the rest of the week!
Another hot day at Phantom Ranch probably means that the waterfront will once again be the place to be this afternoon! The campers have had a great week spending time with their cabin mates and counselors at the waterfront!
As you can see, this week has been all about young boys learning together, playing together, and making memories that will last forever!
One of the campers said that they like their counselors because they spend the whole day with them making sure they're having a great time. Phantom Ranch is blessed to have great counselors that care about how their campers are feeling and what they can do to make their experience one they will never forget.
This morning, the chapel speaker talked about the fruits of the Spirit. The Roughriders learned that sometimes we have to take a step back and ask ourselves if we are displaying the fruits of the Spirit to those around us. We have to be honest with ourselves and ask God to help us bear good fruit. For more on the fruits of the Spirit, check out Colossians 5:22-23!
Today is a relaxing day for the Roughriders. They were able to sleep in a little bit to gain some more energy for the rest of the week!
Another hot day at Phantom Ranch probably means that the waterfront will once again be the place to be this afternoon! The campers have had a great week spending time with their cabin mates and counselors at the waterfront!
As you can see, this week has been all about young boys learning together, playing together, and making memories that will last forever!
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