Greetings parental figures & supporters!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday’s adventure started bright and early with a classic team moment: five people forgot their towels on the way to shower. It’s safe to say the day was off to a strong start.
Wednesday is a day off for Eaglecrest staff which meant no day camp and our team was on our own for the day. For breakfast we had a cold feast of bagels, cereal, and toast before making our lunches of PB&Js or ham/turkey sandwiches and other snacks to take on our adventure.
After breakfast, the boys somehow decided it was military time. They lined up on a bench and proudly sang the national anthem. Unfortunately, a few people thought it would be funny to joke around. Let’s just say… Sergeant Grant was not amused. The punishment? Two laps. Actions have consequences.
Then we loaded into the vans and headed about 45 minutes to Hatchers Pass. The weather had other plans. We almost started hiking… then it rained, so we retreated to the parking lot. We tried again… and retreated again. Then we gave it one more shot… and yes, retreated a third time. At that point, all 16 of us somehow squeezed into one van and passed the time telling life stories. (Anthony thought he was slick trying make us move back into the different vans when he really just wanted to go on the hike.)
Eventually the skies cleared, so we finally got our chance to hike through beautiful Hatchers Pass. The views were definitely worth the wait. Afterward, we drove down the winding mountain roads to Independence Mine, an old gold mining town from the 1940s. We explored the buildings, imagined what life must have been like there, and took plenty of pictures.
By then we had definitely earned dinner. Everyone split up for a feast of Taco Bell, Subway, or Alaska Pizza Company. It was, in the words of professional food critics everywhere, scrumdiddlyumptious.
When we got back to Eaglecrest, the leaders had their nightly meeting while everyone else immediately found their way to the pickleball courts. Later, we all gathered in the pickleball shed (also known as our totally legitimate “campfire” location) for worship, more life stories, and a great discussion about veracity—being honest about who we really are instead of hiding behind masks or pretending to be someone we’re not. It was a meaningful way to end an already memorable day.
Of course, once “campfire” was over, we went right back to pickleball because…priorities.
Now we’re wrapping up the day, writing this blog, and getting ready for bed so we can do it all again tomorrow.
Grant’s Cup of Awesomeness Counter: 21. Grant insists it’s going down, but we all know that’s fake news.
Until tomorrow,
Amana & Riley
Singing the National Anthem
Sergeant Grant
Hatcher Pass
Eating gummy bears Beck’s way during our rain delay
Hiking at Hatcher Pass
Independence Mine
A very well written post! It made me laugh! 🙂 Sounds like you all had a full and fun day. I’m glad you persevered and were able to go on that hike. It looks amazing! Thanks for continuing to share these stories and pictures. I look forward to each update post! I hope and pray that all your days continue to be successful; full of new experiences, growth opportunities, reflection, and laughter. Have fun with the local students when they return today!
Oh my gosh, this was a HOOT to read. I love your style, Amana and Riley! I can practically hear Riley telling these stories in person. It sounds like you all showed perseverance, grit, tenacity, and resilience on a tough but rewarding day. I bet it was beautiful, I love seeing the pictures! Riley – we all miss you, especially Kai! Hope you all have a drier and sunnier day today.
Amana & Riley, this was so beautifully written and it made us laugh! So glad to learn of your experiences and the fun time you’re having. Our favorite scene is Sergeant Grant dishing out the putty 😂. And thanks for adding scrumdiddlyumptious to our vocabulary 🤪. We miss you, Amana.
The nickname Sergeant Grant is awesome, that makes his whole family laugh. Glad you are all having a great time.
Thank you for the daily updates as always! I enjoyed hearing about another full day of adventures in Alaska. Hatchers Pass and Independence Mine look incredible. I hope those images stay etched in your minds when you return as a reminder of all the beauty that surrounds us in this world, knowing that sometimes you need to search for it. Thank you for supporting one another as you shared your life stories. Veracity is an important attribute. Always stay true to who you are and who God created you to be! As you continue serving, stay rooted in who He made you to be. Continue to encourage one another and let Christ’s love shine through you. Wishing you all another amazing day of serving, learning, and making a difference in the lives of others at camp. Keep encouraging one another, and remember that even the smallest acts of kindness can have a lasting impact.