Activities of the Middler I and II are going quite well. Night three is now complete. Tuesday’s theme was from the second promise of the baptismal covenant – “I will persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever I fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord.” The morning watch started with a reading of the Prodigal Son and how he returned to home after taking a journey. Details were addressed and the campers broke into their two groups.
The nature hike in the morning took us to Horse Creek. As we walked up and down the hills the campers learned about taking care of nature. As we walked the campers were encouraged to stick together which was a bit of a challenge because they wanted to take pictures of the flowers along the walk. Parts of the group would continue to walk and thus they had to catch up and others would wait. The group would break up and regroup along the way. One of the important activities was the campers picked up trash along the way. They were righting what had been wronged. To think about it this was repenting in that they were working hard to return what has been wronged.
In the afternoon another group of campers headed over to the rope course. The purpose of this portion of the camp is to learn how to work together as a team or unit. It is fun to listen how the campers negotiate the rules. The leaders stuck to the rules of the activities with humor and grace. One of the activities the campers had to swing to one platform to another without touching the ground. As it turns out it worked best when they were “hugged” when arriving. That sure sounds like restoration into a relationship.
The weather had forced us indoors. The evening activity was bible scrabble. This group found words in the bible that were only listed once or twice and I am sorry that I cannot recall what they were. The campers worked well together and they are becoming a happy and well adjusted community. There are a few kids who are getting a bit homesick, but others are quick to bring cheer and happiness to these brief moments of sadness. The rain stopped and everybody returned to their cabins to end another exciting day at camp.
Here is a copy of the prayers and evening collect (please note that these prayers come from the campers themselves) –
Prayers of the People -
Almighty God, we hope that our memories of home will be a source of support. We pray that you help us remain busy with our new friends.
Holy Spirit, it is our hope that we continue to have fun and give thanks that you watch over us this night.
God the Son, it is our hope that we have a safe and fun time and we count on you to care for us this night.
God the Creator, it our hope that we catch fish and enjoy your creation and we rely on your peace and quiet this night.
God the caretaker of this planet, we hope that all of creation is safe from pollution and it is pray that you help us protect the planet from pollution.
Almighty God, it our hope that we continue to have fun with our new friends and we ask that you will bless us with favorable weather.
God, it is our hope that we are always amazed by the sight of wildlife in Wyoming and we ask that we continue to spread your word of hope and love.
A lover all our souls, it is our hope that all people care for each other and through your compassion people will treat others in good ways.
Collect for the night -
Holy and gracious God, we have learned that you are always present and watching us so that we can be safe as we have fun with the company of friends. You have also given us the gift of peace, hope and happiness. The rainbow is there to remind us that you are ready to help as we help others, in so many ways you are a parent for all of creation; we ask for continued health, that all of the living animals have a safe place to rest their bodies. We pray that you bless us this evening with courage and strength, to take care of our families and our friends this night, through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
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