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.