Tracking Thursday

July 1, 2010

Greetings!

Today, our final full day together at 2.0 2010, was filled with fun and excitement and the sense of stepping towards the edge, embarking on a journey to an unforeseen destination. The students began the day with optional sessions of stretching or fishing by the lake, and after that, we gathered together for breakfast. After breakfast, students went down to the lake to a place of solitude to engage in their quiet time to prepare for the day. Today, our discussion turns to Moses, who stood on the brink of promised land but never reached it before his death.

Throughout the day, the students adventured to the high ropes course in their small group units for a time of bonding, of adventure, and of fellowship, challenging their minds and bodies and encouraging one another.

After their quiet times, we gathered as a camp family for our worship experience, this morning led by one of our small groups. Our worship text was Psalm 139, and the students shared their thoughts on scripture and led us in music. After worship, the students gathered in their small group for discussion which was followed by an exciting and original activity time led by the Sports and Activities small group.

After lunch, the students returned to their small groups to construct their boat for our annual Camp Longridge 2.0 Regatta Extravaganza! The students built the boats and a paddle out of random materials and one student from each small group raced the boats form the edge of the dock to the shore! It was a photo finish, and each team’s boat was creative and original. Small group spirit and friendship poured over in the excitement.

After the Regatta, the students had several hours to relax and enjoy the activities at the lake. When we gathered later for supper, the students sat with their small groups and the staff from their groups served them and took time to fellowship and bond together.

Next, the students met with their church groups to discuss the day. When that concluded, the small groups met again for a final time to construct a station for the final invitation in our worship experience. In chapel this evening, Mark reminded us of Moses and his journey to the promised land. In return, three staff members shared their own life’s journey, including their vision of their promised land. Finally, each student was invited to take a marker and draw their own path, stopping at the stations set up around the chapel that represented significant moments or aspects of their life, like friends, relationships, school, and salvation. Students were urged to take that risk in sharing their story and to imagine their own vision for the promised land.

After chapel, we concluded the day with a time of fellowship, snacking on funnel cakes and ice cream while watching a classic camp film, reenacted by our own camp staff. After a day of risking vulnerability, of pushing ourselves physically and mentally and spiritually, and of considering our own past, present, and future, students finished with a quiet devotional time in their cabin.

This week itself has been an incredible journey, but, like Moses, we are standing on the brink of the promised land, continuing on this journey that has not ended. We’ve tracked our past, considered our present, and envisioned our future, and as a camp family, we are eager to see what that future may hold.

Grace and peace,

Hillary

Posted in Staff