CMAD, Final Day

Hi everyone,
Yesterday was such a busy day that I was unable to make the last post on the CMAD blog.  Hopefully some of you will still see these comments.

At breakfast, all the campers could think about was the performance for friends and family.  I received quotes from kids such as, the play is coming today, I can't wait for my parents to see the play and it's a very musical day.

And the campers did not disappoint their audience.  Although it was very warm on the stage, the kids hung in there really well.  They danced, spoke and sang their ways into the hearts of everyone watching.  First we had a puppet show about Jonah and then we were treated to a presentation of "It's Cool in the Furnace". The amphitheater was hoping.  They all did a great job and we so appreciated the speakers and individual singers..

The campers were also commenting that it was their last day of camp and talking about how much fun they had.  Some stated that they were sad to leave friends and this fun place.

It was a really good CMAD camp.  The volunteer leaders and counselors did a great job of caring for the needs of the kids and sharing God's love with all of them.  I know that at least two of the group made a decision to accept Jesus into their lives.  Praise God.

Many of the parents and kids stayed for the wonderful BBQ and then afterward, the egg toss and pie eating contests.  A good day was had by all.  Thank you all for your part.  God bless.

Mike

PS This was a comment from an  8 year old boy in the CMAD camp.
I will always love you Jesus.  Jesus can be with me, and I will be with you.  Jesus I hope you are happy where you are.  Jesus, I'm going to be good, but Jesus I hope you have fun.

CMAD, Day 4, June 28, 2013

Good morning folks.  It is another absolutely beautiful day at Redwood Glen and if you are concerned about the heat, you don't need to worry about the kids.  It is going to be a beautiful day here and the temperatures may reach 80.

The campers enjoyed another great breakfast in our dining hall with the specialty of the day being Cinnamon Rolls.  The kids were enjoying them as I visited each table this morning to get their blog comments.  Today is their last full day of camp and rehearsals for the show on Saturday.  Campers are getting excited about the show and sharing their gifts with you all.

I was able to extract some comments from the kids this morning and here they are...

• The talent show last night was awesome!  There were lots of great acts including the Shoe Genie,  the singing dancing, crazy counselor who played the ukulele, dancing in PJ's, and much much more.  They also felt the hosts for the show were hilarious.
• Yesterday the group went creek stomping in the Pescadero Creek.  They enjoyed hiking in the stream and rubbing rocks together to make clay for face painting.  They said the water was cold, wet and lots of fun to walk in.  They also said they had to be careful of the small rocks underfoot as some were slippery and people got wetter than they thought they would.
• Apparently there is a counselor turning 93 tomorrow (not).
• The cabins are cozy.
• Retreat Cabin Right won the Tidy Cabin Elf Trophy yesterday.
• One camper pointed out that even though the cinnamon rolls are good, her favorites were the tiny sausages.

Regarding the open house tomorrow, here is the schedule....

CMAD performance 11:00am-12:00pm

Come join us as we celebrate the Children’s Music and Drama Camp.  All week long the campers will have prepared for a spectacular Christian Show.  Join us  as they perform for you.

[Following the performance, there will be a free will offering.]

Food  12:00pm

Redwood Glen will offer a full BBQ for $5.00 per person

You may bring a picnic lunch to share with your family if you prefer.

Tickets will be for sale at the registration table area.

 Games

There will be a time of fun games to watch and participate in

*1:00pm Egg Toss (in field)  

*1:30pm Pie Eating Contests  (youth and adults near picnic area)

[Note: prizes for games will be camperships for next summer]

The campers have had a great week at Redwood Glen.  We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow.  God bless.

Mike

CMAD, Day 3, June 27, 2013

Good morning everyone.  When I visited the campers this morning they were busy enjoying a great breakfast of cereal, yogurt, eggs, french toast, and bacon.  They were enjoying breakfast so much that it was difficult to get them to talk about activities.  Consequently, today's post is shorter than normal.

The comments that I was able to get from them went like this...

• Breakfast is really good.
• Archery was fun yesterday.
• The French Toast is sweet.
• One young lady told me that she passed her swim test.
• Today, the campers are looking forward to creek stomping in the Pescadero Creek.
• Everyone had fun last night playing capture the flag. They especially enjoyed making the staff person laugh so they could get out of the games jail.
• One of the male counselors looks a little like Jesus.
• Breakfast is good here.
• The counselors are so nice at Redwood Glen.

It is another beautiful day here at the camp and the temperature is just right for all activities.  Rehearsals are going well and all the campers are having a wonderful time.  I can hear some of the music from my office and I think you will enjoy the performance on Saturday.

Well, that's it for now.  Maybe I can get them to talk more tomorrow.  God bless

Mike

CMAD, Day 2, 2013

Just before breakfast each morning, the CMAD camp gathers at the picnic area for announcements and the blessing.  This morning I met them at the picnic area just to see how they were doing as a camp.  Every camper was excited about the new day and all the activities they would experience.  It is a beautiful morning at Redwood Glen and the kids were looking forward to a hearty breakfast and a fun day.

At the meal, I walked around and had a conversation with each person to get material for this blog.  They were so busy eating that they seemed to have nothing to say at first.  After spending some time with them, I got some good comments for all you who are reading this account.

Here is what they said...
Shepherd right won the counselor hunt last night and a big blowup trophy.
One camper didn't speak but gave me a big smile and a thumb's up for the week.
One of the girls cabins had an internal issue but worked it out.
This morning a male counselor spilled some eggs on this shirt but still managed to eat the eggs.
During the counselor hunt last night, none of the girl counselors were found but the boys were easy to find. Speaker Danny was found but Larry's record of not being found continues for another year.
Redwood Glen is an awesome place.
The swimming pool is a cool, cold pool and is a lot of fun.
The hash browns this morning are so good.
When you mix orange juice with apple juice, you get a blended fruit salad taste that makes your lips tingle.
One of the girls told me that she got the workshop she wanted.
Dinner is the best said one camper.
Campers like the carrot cake last night.
Brook side is the best cabin proclaimed another camper.
Drama is fun!
I liked the new slingshot range.
Camp is awesome, I love it.

As I am writing this blog, I can hear the sweet voices of children singing.  It is a beautiful sound and one that you will enjoy on Saturday.  God bless.

Mike

PS  Our photographer was ill on Tuesday so no pictures have been posted yet.  Tuesday's pictures were taken however and should be posted soon after lunch today.  Thanks for your patience.

Children's Music and Drama Camp (CMAD), Day 1, June 25, 2013

Good morning everyone.  Well the CMAD camp came in yesterday afternoon to overcast weather but the spirits were high and the camp got off to a great start.  As one of the leaders told me this morning, the night was uneventful and that is a good thing.

This morning, I visited all the campers during breakfast to hear what was on their mind and I got lots of comments to share with folks back at home.  Here is what they said...

• This morning, some of the campers saw a beautiful banana slug and there was one in the group that gave the slug a little kiss.  Cool!
• Campers told me they slept well and there was one young lady who apparently is usually afraid of the dark and yet she slept well through the night.
• Campers were enjoying the breakfast this morning and made comments that the food is good at Redwood Glen.  They loved the eggs and potatoes.
• Redwood Glen is fun was a popular sentiment and we are just getting started.
• Campers were introduced to the plans for the week and are already excited for the presentation that will happen on Saturday.
• Several commented on the puppets being fun.
• One camper told me that it was her first time at camp and she is having so much fun. (I spoke to her mom last night)
• Campers told me that they are enjoying the wildlife at camp and especially the deers.
• They love to sing and a favorite from last night was Pharoh-Pharoh.
• Some commented that Retreat cabin is a big place.
• There was the comment that someone sings well in the shower.

Everyone was in a great mood this morning and promised they would have more to share tomorrow.  Redwood Glen is a fun place and the staff are focusing on loving the campers.  God bless.

Mike

Discovery Camp, Day 6, June 21, 2013

Today was another beautiful day at Redwood Glen.  For this last morning, I walked around the dining hall and shared that it was the first official day of summer.  Most were surprised because all they could think about was that it was the last day of Discovery Camp.  Many campers told me they were sad that they had to leave their friends to go home but were happy to see their family.

The talent show last evening was a hit with everyone.  Several mentioned that campers mimicked Mustache Matt and Blogger Mike in a very fun way.  All seemed to enjoy each other's talent.

I did highlight some memory scripture verses throughout the week that campers relayed to me.  The leadership of Discovery camp made scripture cards for the campers using the alphabet as the beginning letter of each verse.  This meant that a camper could have memorized 26 verses of scripture.  There was one young lady who memorized all 26 by Friday.  Well done!

Last night the girls sang "Rise and Shine" to the boys as they were getting ready for bed.

Last night, the campers in Brookside left their shoes out on the steps going into the building.  This morning, they found 6 Banana Slugs on their shoes.  What are the chances of that happening?

Comments this morning were brief as campers wanted to spend as much time as possible with their new and old friends from camp.  Breakfast was again a hit and kids were busy eating and talking.

Comments from campers...
Looking forward to the bacon next year.
Food was awesome.
One child told me that she had the best counselor ever!
And many agreed that Discovery Camp was the best camp ever.

We want to thank volunteer Director Janise and her capable staff for a wonderful week of camp.  Campers had a great time playing new games, trying new activities, meeting new friends, gobbeling down some delicious food, and getting to know God more,  thanks to the work of many volunteer counselors and support staff.  You all are very much appreciated.

Discovery Camp, Day 5, June 20, 2013

Good morning to all you  parents and care givers.  This morning the campers had the option to go on another Banana Slug hike and many got up early to go.  Because they were trying to beat the previous record of slugs found, the group ventured further out on the property.  And sure enough, this morning the group found 163 of those beautiful Banana Slugs.  Of course, several of the campers (7 of them girls) decided to give these creatures a little peck on the back which means they joined the “Slug Club” for 2013.

Yesterday the kids had a blast on the creek stomp hike where they put their discovery skills to work in the Pescadero Creek.  A few campers found materials in the creek to camouflage their faces making them all but invisible.  Although they had a great time, several said the water was a little chilly.

Last night was also the annual Discovery Camp Luau at the pool.  The food was great, the decorations were superb and the action was non-stop.  It seems one of the male counselors, dressed in coconuts and a grass skirt and then dove into the pool off the diving board.

I was also informed this morning that Jerry the duck was missing in action and all were on the lookout for this special stuffed animal.  Hopefully they will find him (her) today.

I continue to get very positive comments on the camp food. And this morning, one of the campers commented on how much she liked the hot chocolate.

Here is a special story from one of this week’s counselors…

The River Maze (campers imagined crossing a river)

On Monday, the kids did a maze.  The maze consisted of a 4 square by 5 square playing field in which the children had to navigate through following one correct sequence of steps.  As the kids arrived and heard about the game, they figured that it would be really easy but soon found out that the only clue that they got was whether or not the sequence is wrong.  As the kids soon figured out that they had to work together and help each other by guiding them through the course and change the path when it began to become wrong.  Eventually the kids all finished the game at which point we sat together to talk about the game and related it to the rest of camp.  We were getting reactions like the bible guides us as the rest of the team helped guide, and the map showing the correct squares held by staff member running the game was like our bible as well, a tool to help us through this worldly life.  My absolute favorite connection came from one boy, at first he knew the maze and was going along just fine but got to a spot he did not remember so instead of guessing, he decided to stop and ask for help and one of the kids in the group later compared that to stopping in life to ask help from God and looking for answer in prayer and the bible.

The scripture shared today was from Psalm 63:1  "Oh God, you are my God.  Earnestly I seek you."

The campers are having a great time in this beautiful summer like weather.  Have a wonderful day and God bless.

Mike

Discovery Camp, Day 4, June 19, 2103

This morning the kids had an opportunity to sleep in a bit as the morning hike was an option and not one camper went.  So the fact that they were well rested meant that the dining hall was again a beehive of activity.  Many campers told me how much they enjoyed the food at camp and especially the bacon this morning.

Here are some comments from campers while eating breakfast…

One camper told me that he loves the chef’s food.

My experience at Redwood Glen is great.

I can’t wait to go creek stomping.

While practicing music last night a deer wondered close by to worship with us.

We are excited about the Luau tonight and the evening swim.

A staff person told me that a camper learned to cut their food with a table knife. Yeah!

A camper in Hilltop Paradise shot a bulls eye with a 24 pound bow.

A camper in Brookside right is the Gaga champ.

We loved the glow stick hike last night.

One of the girl campers got two bulls eyes.  Yeah T.

Some scriptures shared with me this morning were…

”Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again, Rejoice.”  Phil 4:4

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.”

“Very truly I tell you the one who believes has eternal life.”

On Monday night, one camper had to go home for medical reasons.  Everyone rejoiced when he returned yesterday and this morning he was having a great time and glad to be back.

Last night, at Indian Point, all the campers enjoyed the wonderful campfire stories complete with a flaming arrow to start the campfire.  God bless everyone.

Mike

Discovery Camp, Day 3, June 18, 2013

It is another beautiful day at Redwood Glen and the campers of Discovery Camp are having a fabulous time.  This morning they all went on another Banana Slug hike and found 138 slugs around the property.  We had several staff join the "Slug Club" this morning.  This means that they either kissed or licked one of our beautiful Banana Slugs.  Yuck, was the general consensus about the slugs.  One of the girls told me that they were cold, wet, and slimy.

At breakfast, I spoke with many campers about their experience at camp and got some great comments from them and the staff...

Worship last evening was wonderful.

Hey, it almost rained last night!

I love everything about Redwood Glen!

We had fun folding the counselors laundry.

All the campers enjoyed the morning hike.

Yea!  I passed the swimming test.

A group told me that they loved crafts.

Boomball was a hit yesterday afternoon.

Breakfast this morning was delicious.

Again today, a camper came to me with a memory verse to share.  It is from James 1:17 and reads...

"Every good and perfect gift comes from above."

Today's schedule includes archery, more pool time, an all camp relay in the field and much more.  Have a good day everyone.

Mike 

Discovery Camp, Day 2, Monday, June 17, 2013

I spoke with many of the campers this morning to find everyone in good spirits.  It seems that most of the campers slept well for the first night of camp.  Kids were enjoying a hearty breakfast and as usual, very talkative with each other.  The dining hall was alive with chatter.

This morning everyone went on a Banana Slug hike and saw about 30 slugs along the way.  One person said that he saw the biggest slug that ever was and another said that he found a tiny slug that was under an inch long.  The hike ended with a morning prayer on Apple Hill.

One camper said that he memorized a verse and then proceeded to share it with me...He said "All scriptures are inspired by God and are useful for teaching people about the truth."

Some comments from campers were...
My counselor snores (girls cabin)
One camper lost her voice (already?)
During the hike they saw a deer and her fawn.
One camper said this was her third year and this camp is awesome!
A boy camper said the food is tasty today.

Campers are having a great time today and very involved in activities.  The weather is perfect and their spirits are high.  Enjoy your day everyone.

Mike

June 16, 2013 First Day of Discovery Camp

Hi Everyone,
Well this is the first day of summer camp 2013 at Redwood Glen.  We have Discovery Camp in with 52 very excited 2nd through 5 graders. Registration went well and campers got to meet the staff working with them for the week.  Games in the field went great with lots of noise and excitement.  Then the group ate a delicious dinner with chocolate cake as their dessert.  Tonight will be a great opportunity to get to know each other better before turning in for the night.

Director Janise and her staff have been preparing for months for this camp.  Staff have been trained and are now ready to give your children a loving and memorable experience.  Each day, we will keep you posted as to the activities that the campers are enjoying and any special comments that are heard at activities and meals.  Check in with us daily to stay informed and don't forget to check out the camp pictures.