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.