When its running smooth, shows signs of weakness, when its running rough, show signs of strength!
This is a very odd, but true camp philosophy we go by at Gimli Bible Camp. Let me unpack it for you!
So when the children are behaving well, and the camp schedule is running smooth its a good feeling! Its a lot easier on the senior staff who work at figuring out the toughest situations at camp. When our weeks are going like this, it often means we have good staff in place (not great staff) OR we are understaffed and we are just trying to fill the gaps the best we can. It looks like us keeping the peace, and making the most of what we have for the campers.
VS.
When we have great staff in place, AND enough staff in place we often end up having really challenging weeks with camper’s behavior. Although this makes it really hard on senior staff, these are the kinds of weeks we hope for. (Kinda nuts eh?!) Weeks like this show us that the campers are actually feeling safe enough to let their emotions out. It shows us that God is working with them in sorting out all the garbage in their lives. Remember, most of our campers come from some pretty broken homes. They don’t have safe environments to vent their frustrations, to allow their hurts to surface. When they are at camp and their basic needs are being met, they feel safe and protected. They know they won’t be rejected even though sometimes they absolutely ‘lose it!’ Although this is as challenging as you can imagine, we know that God is working intensely in their hearts.
Because Kids Are Worth It!
So this camp season mostly fell into the category of 'its running smooth' because of the lack of staff we had. We know God can and will use our best efforts and multiply them. So we continue to pray for all the campers that came this summer, who were offered the Good News and the message of hope for their lives in surrendering all to Jesus!
The pictures above are all taken at Rise Again Ranch. It was sure a struggle this year, but looking back at the pictures and memories it sure was worth it! Its just amazing to see the kids interacting with the animals. Its therapy for sure. Are backyard was a flooded swamp until August, so we moved the animals to the front every field trip day. A lot of work and stress on Amanda, but we are glad we perservered.
***** Have you ever wished you could rent an entire hotel or resort to yourself?! Well today is your opportunity!! Gimli Bible Camp has Sept 16-18 and Sept 30 - Oct 2 available. Your group whether its a family, ministry, group of freinds will have the entire 10 acres to yourself! The cost is $700 or $16.50 per person per day (Whatever comes out to more) for the weekend!
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