This morning we woke up and prepared for the students from Sutton to arrive. We had a bountiful breakfast of spicy eggs and Costco hash browns. We then did our devotionals and pondered today’s theme: Encouragement! A very fitting topic for our first day of day camp.
Buds!
Morning Caffeine
Togetherness
At 10 a.m, we all went outside and awaited the arrival of campers. Some of us waited near the parking lot to greet while others engaged in a FIERCE game of volleyball, in which the Sutton students started to join in as they arrived via bikes, 4-wheelers, truck beds, vans, and walking.
Gaga Ball
Nine Square
Camp Games with Students from Sutton
A day of Day Camp runs from camper arrival (10-10:30 a.m.) until 3 p.m. The daily schedule is free time, teambuilding games led by Jim of Eaglecrest, two of our skills clubs, lunch, worship and a Bible lesson, and ended with a group game led by us! Campers were given the choice between two skills clubs. Today, Bryson, Tate, Isa, Ruby S., and Norah led Paracord Bracelet Making skills club and Allison, Ruby B., Cooper, Luke, and Sophie led a Scavenger Hunt skills club (which led them to find ingredients to make homemade ice cream). The group game was a variation of Capture the Flag, which was led by Tate, Sophie, Allison, Ruby S., and Oliver.
Paracord Bracelet Making
Sutton Students Making Bracelets
Beck and Her New Friend
Hard Work
It was awesome seeing our students engage, encourage, and start connecting with the local students so quickly. Even though it rained during the group game, it did not stop the fun or energy! 36 campers came today and we are excited to see how many, or more, continue to come throughout the week.
Camp Director Jim Talks to the Campers
We just finished dinner and are heading into Palmer to go shopping for snacks (i.e. sugar). When we get back, the campfires will be lit and life stories will start to be shared…
Fun & Random Facts:
- The kids that come to camp are not just from Sutton or nearby, but drive 20+ minutes to come for the day!
- Lots of hair was lost today during our “waxing session” with the duct tape from paracord (ask your student for more details :))
- Salty ice cream is not very good.
- Sutton students play Gaga Ball with different rules than we are used to (hip and below is out, use a volleyball instead of a dodge ball)
Zippity bippity! Love the stories & photos. By the time you read this as a team, you’ll be done with Day 2. Continuing in prayer for you all.
Also, WOW that cool log room where Jim is talking with the campers is GORGEOUS – they keep beautifying their property through the years! And, save me a bite of salty ice cream; I’d happily give it a shot.
Sounds like a great first day of fun and adventure!! Love seeing the pictures of all of the students. I’m not sure I would like salty ice cream either! And can’t wait to hear the duct tape story.
Hello from Verona! Every time I see that there is an update on the Alaska website I get so excited to read the update and see the pics! Salty ice cream sounds interesting! Praying every day for this amazing team!! Also, someone give Allison a big hug for me please!! Sorry…had to….
Claire has loved to read about Alaska and see the pictures. She wants Cooper to know that she loves him “one hundred thousand sixteen million.” 🙂 we will continue to pray!
All of the activities sound so fun but I’m sure you’re all very tired too. Praying that the rest that is needed is found … even if it’s in smaller doses than usual! Love you all — especially you, my Chloe!
Love this! Can’t wait to read more!
Looks like everyone is having a great time. Love the pictures!