Mt. Gilead Bible Camp 2009
Our family just got back from a great week at Mt. Gilead Bible Camp. Abby attended camp there for several summers beginning in 1985, then worked on staff several summers doing everything from cooking in the kitchen, to being on Program Staff to counseling campers. John also worked there in the Summer of '93 as a wrangler and yes, that is where we met! We were excited when we realized out that Jesse is old enough to attend Junior Camp out there this summer! However, we weren't sure how he'd do and the camp is not set up to handle special needs kids. Sooooo, the wheels in Abby's head started turning and she contacted the Program Director to ask if we could serve as Camp Deans for the week and help keep an eye on Jesse Bear. They said yes! And so we took the whole family out there for a week. Jesse attended as a camper, slept in a cabin and fully participated in the program and the rest of us had a lovely free vacation in the Redwoods!!!
The camp has changed A LOT but in many ways is still the same. They no longer have a horse program but put in a Climbing Wall, Skate Park, BMX track and a Zipline! They had remodeled several of the facilities. But the majestical redwood trees are of course still there, encouraging one to look upward and consider our Creator. Even with all the activities we all were able to reconnect with God and ponder our relationships with Him. Mt. Gilead is a special place where you can get away from day-to-day troubles and draw near to God.
Jesse did very, very well. I don't have too many pictures of him because we tried to stay as far away as possible and let him get the full "camp experience" as if his parents weren't there too. His counselor was terrific and we would touch base with him from time to time but basically Jesse did just fine.
Joshua took a couple of days to figure out his place. He wasn't a camper but could participate in some of the activities. He had a hard time at first being there but not being a full camper. By Wednesday he had buddied up to a couple of the counselors who let him tag along to all the activities and except for sleeping in the room with us he WAS full camper!!! He's even in the camp video...twice!
Alita also took a couple of days to adjust but she soon got used to the routine. She got to swim everyday in a huge pool and play on the new playground! Also, the Program Director had 4 kids out there and one was a little girl who was 3 years old. She and Alita became buddies and played together often. It was hard running after Al and trying to help out the camp but worth it. Alita slept very well of course! It was good for her to get so much exercise and fresh air! She took 3 hours naps after lunch every day and slept from 8pm-8am each night. Gee....how can we get her that much exercise on a regular basis????
John and Abby enjoyed being Deans (sort of). It took a couple of days to figure out what we were supposed to be doing. John spent every afternoon with the boy campers who were testing the boundaries and breaking some of the minor rules. He took them around the camp and had them pick up trash as penance for their crimes. Abby delt with homesickness and other "mommy" stuff. One day she "cured" a camper who had a stomach ache by having him drink a glass of water. Poof! He was healed! Proving that kid cannot live on fruit punch alone.........
While we were there a group called "Kaleb's Kids" gathered on Wednesday morning. Kaleb's Kids are Senior Citizens who meet monthly at Mt. Gilead for a Chapel program and lunch. Many of the Kaleb's Kids are strong Prayer Warriors and financial supporters of Mt. G. Abby was asked by the Camp Director to give her Mt. Gilead "testimony" to the group at their Chapel Service. It was a privilege to speak about a place that is so dear to her heart and let these supporters know how deeply Mt. Gilead has effected her life. She joined their Chapel Service and sang beautiful old hymns before speaking for about 20 minutes.
All in all we had a BLAST! And we were renewed in our faith and in our relationships with each other. It was a worthwhile (and inexpensive) vacation. Next year, if we send Jesse to camp there again we might ask for some work projects to volunteer on so we can stay out there instead of Deaning though...............
Below you will find several pictures that highlight our experience. Also, I posted some pics from the day before we started Camp at Goat Rock Beach. It was awesome to spend time at the ocean!!!! Enjoy!
