REDWOOD GLEN SUMMER CAMPS

2012

Well everyone, our program camps have ended for this summer.  I spent a considerable amount of time closely observing our sessions this summer and come away with the following thoughts...

• We had more campers attend Redwood Glen this year than last summer.
• Camp is wonderful for allowing kids the opportunity to enjoy new and exciting activities.
• Camp is a great place to make new friends, some of which will last a lifetime.
• Camping at Redwood Glen is the perfect place to experience God's nature in the Redwood forest.
• Christian camping is an excellent place to find God and grow in your faith.
• The volunteer directors and their staff were totally dedicated and committed to giving each child an experience of a lifetime.  There was loving care offered to each and every child.
• The resource staff of Redwood Glen  (program, kitchen, maintenance, and administration) went beyond the call of duty to give all the campers the quality experience they deserved.
• We added some new activities which the campers really enjoyed.  We will continue to add new resources each summer to interest the campers.
• The food was enjoyed  all summer long.
• The weather was fantastic.
• God was with us and provided the perfect setting to come into all of our hearts.

2012 Redwood Glen Summer Staff

We have plans to make next year even better and more exciting than this.  Our staff is already evaluating this season while making plans to bring in more campers, activities and resources.

Thank you all for being a part of the summer of 2012.  We look forward to your return and would ask you to invite your friends and family members to join you in 2013.  The dates for next year's camps are...

Discovery Camp     June 16-21

Children's Music & Drama Camp     June 24-29

Junior Adventure     July 8-13

Youth Music and Drama Camp     July 8-13

Jr High Camp     July 15-19

Sr High Camp     July 15-19

Also, be on the lookout for a new Family Camp that we are developing.  This will be a multi-generational event designed for Grandparents, Parents and Grandchildren (or any combination) to experience Christian camping together.  It promises to be lots of fun for the entire family.

This has been a great summer for me and I learned so much about Redwood Glen and the programs that take place here.  It was also fun to share with parents and campers through our blog.  If you have any questions or would like to have a conversation about programs at Redwood Glen, please don't hesitate to email me at exec@redwoodglen.com.
Mike

JR & SR HIGH CAMP

DAY 5

This is the final day of Jr & Sr High Camp for 2012.  It has been a week of fun activities, developing relationships and spirit filled worship.  The director of this camp said that it is "incredible to have young people show up and watch as God moves among them.  It is also exciting when kids can verbalize what God is doing in their lives."

The pool games yesterday afternoon were wonderful.  There was some good hearted competition among the kids who played a variety of games and for me the highlight was the high diving contest.  Most campers participated in the events and all had a good time.

The campfire was very inspiring last night as people shared their testimonies and and enjoyed the fellowship around the campfire.  Lots of tears flowed as campers realized that their time together for this year was coming to an end.  The campfire did go late which meant comments this morning for the blog were difficult to come by.

This morning some of the comments were...

• The campfire was amazing!
• I'm tired!
• This was the best week ever.
• I don't want to leave
• The talent show was terribly good.
• Sunshine cabin was good.
• This bacon is really good

I have included the camp picture and wish to thank the Jr & Sr High Director and his staff for all their hard work this week.  They not only cared for the campers needs but cared for their souls as well.  See you next year.
Mike

JR & SR HIGH CAMP

DAY 4

This morning the campers were in great spirits and ready for another day at camp.   Breakfast was great and again, there were many positive comments on the quality of the food.  The sausage, waffles and eggs were well received.

Yesterday, the campers thought the creek stomping was cool and some almost caught a crawdad.  They returned wet and tired having enjoyed their trek in the water.

Some camper comments from this morning...

• Everyone is going to cry at tonight's campfire.
• This place is awesome!
• I don't want to leave.
• I joined the family because last night I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior.
• This is the best camp in the whole wide world.
• We are excited about the talent show tonight.
• My clothes still smell like a campfire.
• Redwood Glen is amazing.
• I don't know. (what to say?)

Today's Chapel message was from Matthew 28:20  "And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Campers were reminded that they are never alone and that God is always with them.  In the bible, when people felt alone, that is when God did some amazing things in their lives.

The schedule for today calls for...
Archery finals to begin.
This afternoon, there will be pool games with some extreme competition.
Tonight, some testimonials will be shared at the campfire.

When last I saw the kids, they all were on their way to the daily workshops.  Have a great day everyone.
Mike


PS Have you checked all the pictures out on our picture blog?  Go to pictures.redwoodglen.com and see some great shots.

JR & SR HIGH CAMP

DAY 3

It is a beautiful day at Redwood Glen.  When I spoke to the campers at breakfast, they were in good spirits and certainly very hungry.

Last night was the traditional counselor hunt.  There was lots of activity and noise around camp as the campers ventured out to find hiding counselors.  Things were going strong when a small group of kids got too close to the home of some angry flying insects.  Needless to say, the game ended early and more importantly everyone was fine.  Afterward, campers enjoyed the campfire which featured s'mores ( a camp favorite).

This week's Camp Director was sharing the he is learning that Faith = Trust.  Last night when his plans were not going quite as he had planned, he was reminded that God is in charge and in the noise and confusion often says relax, don't you trust me?

Some camper remarks...
I lost my pants last night!
The archery tournament got off to a good start.
I liked the s'mores.
I loved the campfire.  It was emotional sharing it with my friends.  We felt very close to God.  It was a good time for stories that speak to our hearts.
Everybody at the campfire felt like family.
Hey, the band showed up for breakfast.
7 out of 10 people were able to start a fire with a flint and striker at a workshop.
The blue eyed camper is undefeated at carpet-ball.  (Make that was undefeated.)

Today, campers will be playing group games at Indian Point followed by "Creek Stomping".  Tonight will  be an evening swim with games at the pool.

From my view point, people are really enjoying their experience.
Mike

PS don't forget to check on the pictures.redwoodglen.com blog for some great pictures of this camp.

JR & SR HIGH CAMP

DAY 2

When I visited the campers this morning, the most important thing on their minds was eating breakfast.  Several mentioned how good the food was and the sausages were especially tasty.  All were enjoying themselves and I got a variety of comments from people to share with you all.  Here is what they told me...

• We had great activities last night designed to help us make new friends.
• Camp is fun!
• Although camp is a place to have fun, it's also a place where we can be serious about God.
• A first time camper told me that he was having fun.
• This is a great place to learn about God.

Today the campers were looking forward to having some great workshops, swimming in the pool and beginning their archery tournament.  After dinner tonight will be the annual counselor hunt and then a campfire with s'mores.
Mike

JR. & SR HIGH CAMP

DAY 1

Jr and Sr High Camp began this afternoon at Redwood Glen.  When I saw the group a few minutes ago, they were starting a tour of camp and meeting all the staff.  It promises to be a great week of camp and I will attempt to capture the highlights of the week for you in this blog.  Each morning I will check in with the campers and then post their comments and quotes for parents and care providers to read.  As a reminder, we also have a blog that features picture from the week.  To see them, please enter pictures.redwoodglen.com and enjoy.  These are not all the pictures for the week but just a smattering to give you the flavor of the week.
Mike

ADVENTURE CAMP

DAY 5

When I visited the Adventure camp this morning, I found them all busy preparing for breakfast,  Some were cooking, some were carrying water, some were setting the table and some were giving advise to those who were working.  They were all so busy getting ready for their pancakes and bacon that it was difficult to collect information for the blog so I took some pictures instead.

Yesterday was a swimming day as the campers were in the pool before and after lunch.  When they were done, some looked like happy prunes.  They loved their dinner of chili and hot dogs.  In the evening they all played boom-ball and I am told that the winning team did so with a walk-off home run.

There is a mystery at the campsite.  It seems that someone removed all their towels and clothes from the lines and placed everything on the tables in the night.  Hmm.  Wonder who that could be?

The kids are having a great time but look forward to seeing their parents and care providers tomorrow.  Don't forget that when you arrive to pick up your children, there will be a performance of the Youth Music and Drama camp that you can enjoy and we will also be having an open house.  If you would like to have a BBQ lunch with your family, tickets will be on sale at the hospitality tent.  Only $5.00each.  See you soon.

Mike

PS  If you would like to see more pictures, check out pictures.redwoodglen.com.

YMAD

DAY 5

This morning I spoke with many of the YMAD campers in the Dining hall as they were enjoying breakfast.  There were several who commented on how much they loved bacon and again the food is being enjoyed by all.

The upper section of Shepherd has won the clean cabin competition for Thursday and some seemed surprised that a group of Jr High boys could keep their area so clean.  Moms, please note this for future reference.

Yesterday, the group enjoyed sharing communion together and a few campers commented on the fact that people felt blessed to be a part of the celebration.

Last evening was the YMAD talent show. People enjoyed performing for each other and there really are some talented young people in this group.  One person commented that the female dancer dances like an angel.

The group is currently in the midst of their last rehearsal for the day and the musical is coming along well.  I think that parents are really going to enjoy this year's presentation which begins at 11:00 on Saturday morning.

Today, the chapel time focused on Spiritual Maturity and that we should continue to grow in our faith every day.

Some random comments as I visited this morning were...
A blast from the old past!
Stand up comedy is harder than you think.
My aunt is amazing.
The nurse is the best nurse in America.
Grandma's hats rule.
Mike

PS Don't forget that we also have a picture blog for you to view.  It is at pictures.redwoodglen.com.

ADVENTURE CAMP

DAY 4

Last evening, a stimulating game of Underground Church was played in which all the campers were involved in  some great conversations and gamesmanship.  The boys liked being sneaky during the game I was told that the girls won.

Then  the Adventure camp had a night hike which everyone enjoyed.  During the hike some campers mentioned hearing drums beating and and heard someone chopping wood.  I believe their imaginations were in high gear.

Following the hike, everyone enjoyed the campfire with brownies as the snack.

The schedule for today calls for the group to go swimming in the pool twice sandwiched around a cookout lunch with the YMAD.

This evening will be their talent show with s'mores at the campfire.

The weather has been wonderful making for a great tent camping experience.

This group of campers is having a great experience.  This morning they slept in a little because of the night hike and when I visited this morning, they were just getting going for the day and were not too talkative.
Mike

YMAD

DAY 4

This morning I made my rounds through the YMAD camp at breakfast.  This is clearly a great group of kids and all seem to be enjoying their experience.  Although morning is not the best time of day to get comments from most of the campers, they did manage to give me some thoughts to share.

Last night was the Night Swim which people enjoyed.  A high diving contest was part of the event and I was told that one particular camper jumped off the diving board and went 19 feet into the air to win.  Several campers confirmed this distance but it sounds like an incredible dive to me.

Campers continue to rave about the food at camp.  Several mentioned how much they enjoyed the menu and one camper said the "food is good but God is better."  One camper thought the waffles were really good but tasted like french toast to him.

The weather continues to remain sunny and warm.  It is cool in the mornings but that makes for a great night's sleep.

Chapel this morning was challenging campers to think about "how do you live in a dark world and still be the people of God?"  In addition the leader talked about following after the values of God and then articulating what matters to others."

Here are some random comments from campers...
We are having a blast!
During quiet time one person's sneeze was heard in every cabin.
Knee injuries really hurt!
Our competition is really friendly.
Hi.
We enjoyed the creek stomping.
The night swim was fun.
Moore cabin finally won the trophy but didn't want to carry it around all day.
Mike

YMAD

Day 3

Last night was the traditional Counselor Hunt.  It seems the staff is getting so proficient in finding hiding places that the game had to be halted because the campers had only found a few of the counselors.  Apparently only Upper Shephard was willing to venture into the woods to search for the staff where most of them were hiding.  Note: don't worry parents, we have a designated area where the game takes place and we have plenty of other staff monitoring the campers during the game.

Several campers stated that the food at Redwood Glen is spectacular!  One camper did tell me that she learned a lesson which is if you are going to put hot sauce on your breakfast potatoes, don't drink the OJ to wash it down.  Yuck!

I heard that in the cabin competition, Sunshine is on top of everything and I also have seen glimpses of a giant trophy (blow up type) being carried from place to place.

The rehearsals are going well and this morning I sat in on a group session.  I think parents and care providers are going to enjoy the show on Saturday.  We do have some very talented campers this year.

Chapel this morning focused on the concept of "whose life can I make better?"  We were reminded that we are all supposed to be connected with each other and that we were once all aliens and foreigners but now God is knitting us together to be united as the church of God.

The weather couldn't be more beautiful and all seem to be having a wonderful time.
Mike

ADVENTURE CAMP

DAY 3

I visited Junior Adventure Camp this morning during their breakfast.  It was a good looking meal of cereal, fruit, french toast and sausages and everyone was chowing down.  It seems as though there is a new food choice with the Adventure campers.  It is called the Bradwich and consists of wrapping a sausage with french toast and then generously applying mustard.  Yummy! They were so busy enjoying the food and conversation with each other that it was difficult to get material for today's blog.  Here are some of their thoughts...

The food is delicious! (several people mentioned this)

Yesterday, everyone enjoyed the creek stomping although a couple of campers commented on the cold water.  Others mentioned that they found soap stones and the crawdads  in the creek.  Many told me that they also loved swimming in the pool yesterday as well.  


Last night's campfire was fun especially with the addition of popsicles.


There were several who commented on the craft project from yesterday.  They used beads and created different animals and objects with them.  Banana Slugs, Alligators, Tie Die Lizards and a cross were specifically mentioned.


The campers all heard a Hog Squirrel calling in the night.  I'm not sure if this is a real animal but it sounds pretty impressive.


Finally, a lively game of UNO was played which included lots of dog barking as a result.


Today, the campers are looking forward to some great activities including Archery and a Night Hike.


These campers are having a wonderful time and it is lots of fun just to be around them
Mike

ADVENTURE CAMP

DAY 2

The staff feel that his is a great group of kids!  They are working together, getting along and listening to direction from staff.  This is a great combination and a wonderful way to start the week together.
Last Night
Dinner was great!  Later the campers enjoyed the campfire and sang camp songs.  A highlight of the music was when all were singing "Up Clucky Clucky".  Then they all enjoyed homemade funnel cake around the fire.
Today
Campers all said that they got a good nights sleep and when I visited,  they were busy eating a hearty breakfast.  Each person is looking forward to today's activities.  They were especially looking forward to Creek Stomping followed by lunch and this afternoon they are scheduled at the pool and chapel time.
One camper said "See you soon mother."

YMAD

DAY 2

The day has started with beautiful weather.  There were several camper quotes to share this morning...
"I love to be back in the Redwoods."
One camper said that he "got the part he wanted in the musical and breakfast was very filling."
"Everyone is super excited and not tired" (a little bit of sarcasm there).
Two staff were learning Spanish Sign Language.
Several campers thought they heard a raccoon scratching at their door last night.
The left side of Sunshine woke up late this morning.
"The food is great here!"
"This is the best camp ever!"
The nurse said that the campers are a very healthy group.
One young lady got the solo she wanted.
At the auditions last evening, the staff felt that this was a very talented group of young people.
Today the schedule calls for workshops and rehearsal for the musical, some pool time and this evening a counselor hunt is planned.

I was advised to write that "No ducks were harmed in the writing of this blog".
Mike

ADVENTURE CAMP  & YOUTH MUSIC AND DRAMA CAMP

DAY 1

The campers arrived this afternoon to begin our next two summer program camps at Redwood Glen.  It was a beautiful afternoon at the camp and the children and youth came prepared for an experience to remember.

Adventure Camp

The schedule called for the camp picture to be taken this afternoon followed by a time of getting acquainted and then the evening campfire together.

YMAD

Campers began listening to their musical "Prodigal" late this afternoon which then led to the first group rehearsal and auditions for parts.  Of course the evening culminated with a great campfire and snacks.

Each day I will visit campers and staff to ask about all the fun and excitement that they are all having.  I will attempt to capture the spirit of the camps in this blog and share it with all of you.  As the week progresses, hopefully you will feel a part of the experience.  So please check in daily and read about all the goings on at camp.  In addition, you can also log into pictures.redwoodglen.com and see some pictures of what the campers are doing.

Mike

Hi everyone,

I thought you might like to see the Camp Picture for CMAD 2012.  Enjoy.

Mike

CMAD  CAMP, LAST DAY

Saturday was the ending day of CMAD camp however this posting comes a day later because of the busyness of the open house.

On Friday, the campers enjoyed swimming, playing Boom ball and using the Hamster Ball.  I received various comments on the yummy food, campers enjoying the workshops (especially the stagecraft and drama workshops) and there were several who exclaimed that "this camp is awesome."  The "elbows off the table" song was very popular for this camp and the last I saw, one of the counselors had to parade around the dining hall because he had his elbows on the table and when he returned to his plate, most of his food was missing.

Preparation for the performance was going well and most thought that campers were ready to give it their all.  The props were made, the solos were ready and the campers who were doing speaking parts completed all their practicing.

SATURDAY OF CMAD

The performance on Saturday morning was wonderful.  The campers sang, danced and spoke into the hearts of all watching.  It was a joy to watch the proud friends, family and parents in the audience soak up the wonders of the children who were performing.  The presentation was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone as the campers ended with What a Mighty God We Serve.  The directors and staff did a wonderful job during the week of not only preparing for the musical but enjoying activities with the children and genuinely loving them for the week.  Several campers made a decision to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior and all went home with great memories.

Many stayed for the open house activities and participated in some of the games.  Thanks to all for a great week.
Mike

CMAD CAMP, DAY 5

Good morning everyone,
Yesterday was a very busy day at camp.  Most of the group went creek stomping and had a wonderful time hiking and playing in the water.  I spoke to them as they were returning and all enjoyed their time exploring the creek at Redwood Glen.  Those who did not want to go to the creek, went on a hike in the woods with staff.  They learned about Spanish Moss among other things.  When they returned, they shared with the leaders that they learned all about Mexican Moss and then later as they were talking with their friends, it became Japanese Moss.  Perhaps we should all refer to it as International Moss.  Needless to say, that they enjoyed their experience.

Campers had been rehearsing their presentation in the Siden Center but yesterday, they moved to practicing the musical at the Amphitheater and this afternoon will be the dress rehearsal for tomorrow's big show.  Campers told me that they are having fun practicing speaking lines and solos for Saturday.  One of the songs in the musical is "Have you ever been scared?"  The campers have changed the words depending on their situation.  This morning in the shower, some of them were singing, "Have you ever been cold?"  For the record, we do have hot water in the cabins.

A highlight for today is also an extended nap after lunch.  Campers and staff alike are looking forward to this activity.

The theme for chapel today is "Obedience, even when it sounds crazy."  Last night, several campers made a decision for Jesus at the campfire and some of them talked to me about that this morning.

Camper Comments:
Two thumbs up for creek stomping.
It is fun being here.
I love the mystery in our cabin.  (girls cabin)

Here is a reminder:
When you all arrive on Saturday to pick up your children, please park in the Smith parking lot where you registered on Monday.  We have a weekend group arriving about the same time and they will be driving up the hill toward Siden Center.  The CMAD presentation begins at 11:00am at the amphitheater.  Lunch tickets are available for $5.00 at the Hospitality tent and it promises to be a delicious BBQ.  See you all tomorrow.
Mike

CMAD CAMP,  DAY 4

Hi everyone,
Last night went very well with the CMAD crew.  Campers loved playing Boom Ball and  then in the Hamster Ball.  One of the director's commented that the camp is great, the weather is great and the leaders are great.

The theme for today is "bullying" and this focus will be carried throughout all the activities.  The chapel this morning taught the campers that we have been chosen by God to be God's child and that we need to care for each other.  The illustration was that of a shepherd and this morning the one staff member was dressed like a shepherd and the campers were his sheep.  He led them around the amphitheater but when they returned, one sheep was missing.  They talked about who the missing sheep was and then watched as the shepherd went out to bring the lost sheep home.  It was a lesson they all grew from.

This afternoon, the campers are all excited about going "Creek Stomping" and this evening they will have a Skit Night and a Talent Show.

The rehearsal times have been going well and the campers want me to remind you that their program (Zeroes into Heroes) will take place on Saturday morning beginning precisely at 11:00am.  Following the performance, we will have our Open House activities.  Why not make a day of it?

Don't forget to check out our pictures blog at pictures.redwoodglen.com
Mike

CMAD CAMP, DAY 3

Hi everyone,
The campers seemed in excellent spirits this beautiful Wednesday morning.  They were so busy with eating and singing "get your elbows off the table" that they didn't want to take time to give me information for the blog.  I finally sat down at a table and had some great conversation.

Yesterday campers really enjoyed...
The counselor hunt.  One group of campers found counselors 9 different times. One of the counselors has longer hair and a beard and as the kids tagged him and brought him back they announced, "We found Jesus!"
The pool Olympics were enjoyed by all.
Listening to the music was a favorite of one camper.


Today...
Acting parts for the musical were announced.
The camp picture will be taken.
Archery will be offered. 
Will be another perfect swimming day at the pool.


A comment from one of our lifeguards...
"It was nice to hear the worship while working at the pool."


Here is a reminder for those of you who would like to see some pictures of camp.  Enter pictures.redwoodglen.com and you will find our picture blog.  Have a great day everyone.


Mike

CMAD, DAY 2

Good morning everyone,
I saw all the kids this morning and everyone was excited to be at Redwood Glen.  Last night they played get acquainted games, heard the beginning of the musical and enjoyed a campfire with singing.  Part of the get acquainted games included a game of tag and one of the staff told me this morning that "staff training did not prepare her for running away from the campers."

After a hearty breakfast this morning, they headed to chapel where they sang and then heard a Mr. Potato Head message about how God has made us all special.

The campers are all looking forward to today's activities which include...
Swimming in the Pool
Pool Olympics
Playing Ping Pong
Musical practice
Workshops on puppetry, stagecraft, vocal and choreography training

The name of this years musical is "Zeroes to Heroes."

The campers are looking forward to creek stomping, archery and lots of pool time this week.  One child told me that "things were awesome so far."
Mike

Children's Music and Drama Camp,  Day1

CMAD

Question:  What do you call a frog that likes camp?
Answer:    A hoppy camper.

Today our CMAD campers are arriving and we are expecting a week full of happy campers.  Each day, we will post a blog to keep you informed of all the happenings at camp.  Be sure to check out our pictures blog as well so you can see what they have been doing.  We anticipate that the first pictures might be up to see on Monday.  Have a great week and thank you for trusting us with your children.

DISCOVERY CAMP 2012

A special thanks goes to co-directors, Janise Wilson and LuAnn Cherry (pictured front center), and their staff and counselors who helped make Discovery Camp 2012 a blessed success.  To see more pictures of Discovery Camp, check out our link here.

CMAD (Children's Music And Drama) camp is gearing up to begin with the counselors and staff onsite.  Registration begins on Monday, June 25 from 2:00-4:00 pm.  Any questions, check out the Parent Resource Center or email us.

Our first week of campers has gone and the dust has settled.  What a wonderful experience these children had.  We have a weekend group in which is taking up quite a bit of the facility and our staff is working to make sure they have a great visit.  At the same time, we are busy preparing for Children's Music and Drama Camp (CMAD) with another group of energetic and excited young people.  God is good and we thank Him for his many blessings.

Just a reminder that on June 30, this coming Saturday, we will have an open house at Redwood Glen where we will feature the CMAD performance, two praise and worship bands and some fun games for the whole family.  Why not invite your friends, fellow church members and family to join us.  We also will have a BBQ for $5.00 each or you can bring your own picnic lunch.
Mike

DISCOVERY CAMP, DAY 5

The campers go home this morning after a very busy and exciting week.  I am sure that they will be sharing stories of camp as they travel and probably most will sleep the last half of their trip.  It has been an excellent week of fun activities, making new friends, trying new things, meeting the Redwood Glen support staff, eating great food, growing closer to God and enjoying the natural beauty that God has blessed us with.

We want to thank all the campers for coming and spending a wonderful week with us.  We want to also thank all the volunteer directors, counselors and support staff for giving of your precious time and talents.  You have all worked endlessly to make sure that each child had a rewarding and unique experience,

It has been a great week of camp.  Here is your special invitation to return again next summer for another awesome week of camp at Redwood Glen.

See you then and God bless.


Mike


PS  Next Year Discovery camp will be June 16-21, 2013.  Why not put it on your calendar now as a reminder.  See you then.

DISCOVERY CAMP,  DAY 4

Hi everyone,

This is the last full day of Discovery Camp 2012.  It has been a wonderful week of camp for these children.  They have done many exciting things together and have a great common experience to share with each other.

Last Day Comments...
Camper 1:  "I am sad because I will miss my friends, but at least I get to call them"
Camper 2:  "I am happy to go home tomorrow because I miss my pets."

Yesterday, the campers went down to Pescadero Creek to enjoy the water and do some "Creek Stomping."  Here are a couple of comments about the activity....
"It was fun".
"I felt like I had hyper-thermia"

Last evening, the campers had a Luau at the pool with dinner and swim activities. Here are some of their thoughts...
"The swimming pool was warm."
"The chicken was great."
"The pool toys were fun."
"The counselor diving competition was awesome."
"Seth was the best.  Bobby was the best.  James was the best - he did the best belly-flops and the water left the pool."

Here are a couple of reminders...
If you want to check out our picture blog by clicking here.
Checkout on Friday is at 10:00am.

DISCOVERY CAMP, DAY 3

Good morning everyone,

It's another beautiful day here at Redwood Glen.  The sun is shining brightly and it promises to be another fun-filled day for our campers.

Yesterdays favorite activities were Swimming, (many enjoyed jumping off the diving board) Tie Dying, Archery and Human Foosball.  Yesterday, we also unveiled our newest activities, the Cargo Net and the Tire swing, both of which were huge hits with the kids.  Campers also enjoyed the night hike and activities in the woods complete with tons of Glow Sticks.

At worship last night campers heard the story of David and Goliath complete with a slingshot demonstration and a giant "plastic" sword.  The kids were very attentive.

Special note:
Each day, while campers are out doing activities, the Cabin Fairy makes the rounds of all the camper living areas checking for clean cabins, writing encouraging notes to campers and leaving gifts behind.  The campers don't know who this person is and are always trying to guess who does this.  Yesterday, the Cabin Fairy got this note from a camper and I thought I would share is with you.  These kids are a hoot!

Dear Cabin Fairy,
Why won't you tell your identity?  Some of the girls saw you but not much.  We still wonder who you are?  And please don't say Cabin Fairy.


Also, please meet me at the pool on Wednesday when it opens.  Please wait 15 minutes for me,please if I don't make it on time.


Just to let you know, my bed is the one with the horse pillow and the one with the frog sleeping bag.  One more thing, I hate pink slash red.  I am still keeping the bookmarks.


Plus, I loved the kitten card you gave me!


Today's activities include a Creek Stomp, and a dinner Luau at the pool.
Mike


PS  Don't forget to check out some pictures by clicking here.

DISCOVERY CAMP, DAY 2

Good morning everyone,
I spoke with many of the campers at breakfast and everyone is having a great time.


Yesterdays favorite activities were...
     Archery, Camp Store, Swimming and the Counselor Hunt
     Many campers noted that they enjoyed making God's Eyes in crafts

Quote of the day...
"Mommy said she would be in my heart while I was at camp. So is Jesus in my stomach or on vacation?"

This morning cabin units had the option of going on a morning hike, going to prayer time or just sleeping in a bit.  Every cabin went to prayer time and most participated by submitting prayer requests.  Staff were thrilled.

Today campers will be meeting in the recreation field  for "Field Games" and each cabin will bring their group flags and sing their cabin song.

Each person will also be making noise makers to use at the night hike tonight and today's craft specialty will be tie dying.

It is another beautiful day at Redwood Glen, the weather couldn't be more perfect.  Have a great day everyone.

By the way, if you would like to check out some camp pictures, click the link here and view the latest entries.

Mike

Discovery Camp, Day 1

Hi Everyone,
Well the first group of summer campers registered on Sunday afternoon.  Discovery camp began with some very excited young people and lasagna with home made bread for dinner.  The games on Sunday night went very well and the campfire afterward was well received by the kids.  They enjoyed stories, songs and s'mores and had a great time.  Today is a beautiful day at camp.  The clouds are beginning to break and the sun is making an appearance.
3 Cabins went on a "Banana Slug" hike this morning and found 51 beautiful bright yellow banana slugs.  Each cabin has made flags for their building and renamed the cabins and at Chapel this morning each camper was given reading glasses to try emphasizing our theme for the summer of FOCUS.  Discovery camp will be thinking about three important words this week.  FOCUS - REMEMBER - JESUS
It promises to be another fun filled day at Redwood Glen capped off with a counselor hunt tonight.

Welcome to the Redwood Glen Blog.

The intent of this blog will be to keep a running report of the happenings at Redwood Glen this summer.  My intention is to update the blog daily with things like the weather at camp, what the campers are doing and  any thing special or unique that may be happening during their stay.  My hope is that parents will check in to get the flavor of the week and hopefully feel a part of their children's experience.  When the summer programs have ended, the staff will endeavor to update the blog periodically to keep you all informed of upcoming events at Redwood Glen.  Thanks for reading this blog and see you soon at the camp.

Less than a week away to our first camp!
Don't miss out - if you have not registered already, you can do so here.

If you need to pay an account balance on your camper, login to your account here.

Look forward to seeing everyone here.

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every hinderance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Earlier last year (2011) a marathoner was stripped of his third place finish by admitting to advancing in the race by taking a bus. In fact, annually, dozens of runners' times are disqualified. Questions abound: What would possess someone to do such a thing? Did he think he was really going to get away with it? And, so on. In reality, it is not such an unusual temptation. In fact, Jesus was tempted in this manner. In His 40 days in the wilderness, he was offered a shortcut to providing for our salvation. The difference between this marathoner and Jesus' response was FOCUS. What the runner did not see is that it's not about how you place, but how you run.
With so many distractions around us - from the crowds, to the scenery, to our mobile devices, to the lure of finishing first - its easy to lose our FOCUS. This summer, we will be learning where our FOCUS ought to lie, how to resist the temptations of distraction, and how to run a race worthy of our calling. We hope you will come and join us as we fix our eyes on Jesus - our FOCUS, our goal, and our inspiration.