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.