Day Five–Camp Wraps Up

We had the final installment of the story of Joseph in Breakfast Club.  Yesterday, we left Joseph at the spot where he’d just been made second in command to the pharaoh.  A famine had struck the area, just as God had foretold through Joseph, and Joseph’s family was forced to go looking for food in Egypt.  They were brought before Joseph to ask for food.  Joseph puts them through several test to see if they’re still of bad character or if they’ve changed.

 

Campers portray Joseph’s brothers heading off to Egypt in search of food.

 

     Camper portraying Joseph

Joseph learns that his  brothers have had a change of heart and are no longer of a jealous and murderous nature.  He forgives his brothers, offers them food and invites them and his father to come to live in Egypt.  We learn from this story that throughout our lives, we can rely on God to be with us and will watch over us, regardless of our situation, whether it be good or bad and that we must forgive those who have hurt us and treat us poorly to ensure bitterness doesn’t overtake our lives.

The rest of the day was taken up with lunch, the trip home and our Welcome Back presentation for the campers’ caregivers.  The songs for the program were, Jesus Is Our Super Hero, Rain or Poor and Absolutely Nothing. We also watched a video of our campers having fun throughout the week.

2011 RFKC Boise Staff and Counselors

            2011 Drama Team

The less serious side of the Drama Team

We want to thank our campers’ caregivers for allowing us to spend the week with their foster children while at camp. We’d also like to thank our camp sponsors and those who have made donations through the year.

It’s time to start planning our next year’s camp.

Day Four- At Least There Wasn’t Ice On The Dock

Though the morning was crisp, the weather couldn’t stop our Polar Bears and Penguins from their annual camp swim.  Early this morning the campers marched down to the waters edge to take their early morning dip. Many of the campers, counselors and staff joined in on the event.  What’s the definition of a Polar Bear and Penguin in camp Lingo?  Polar Bears dive into the cold water from the end of the dock, while Penguins wade into the cold water until the water reaches their knees.  After the swim, campers warmed up by taking a warm shower and then heading into the Dining Hall for waffles.

The Sun peaking through the clouds, just prior to the Polar Bear Swim & Penguin Wade

Campers and counselor heading down the trail to the lake

Counselors dive in and start their swim

Spectator at the event

Our camp Grandma and Grandpa traveled from Australia to be a part of the camp.  They along with some of the staff members, watched the Polar Bear Swim and Penguin Wade from the balcony.

At Breakfast Club, we learned more about the ordeals and triumphs of Joseph’s life.  As mentioned yesterday, Joseph was accused of crimes he’d not committed, which had resulted in the loss of his job, goods, and a place in his household.  We learned today that these false accusations also led to his being imprisoned. But through it all, Joseph never lost his trust in God.  Joseph was blessed by God while in prison and rose through the ranks of their “White Collar” prison to one of administration over the prison.  It was while he was there that he met servants of the Pharaoh,and through one of them was able to predict a famine (with God’s help) and advise the pharaoh on steps he should take to prepare for it. The lesson of this story is that God is always with us whether we’re experiencing an ordeal or a triumph.

The afternoon’s water activities consisted of more kayaking, sand castles building, and speed boat rides. The campers were thrilled to skim across the surface of the lake in the boat.  They also enjoyed playing in the water and on the sandy beach.

The after swim activity was working with a parachute.  This type of activity promotes teamwork as well as improving fitness.  An added benefit is that it’s a lot of fun.

 

Campers huddle under the parachute

The final event of the day was the Award’s Ceremony and Graduation.

Co-Camp Directors and  Dean of Women distribute awards

Each camper receives an award certificate that highlights something special about him or her.  The awards can vary from “Best Smile” to “King of the Bug Catchers”; the sky’s the limit.

Our graduation ceremony is for those campers who have reached the upper limit of our age bracket (ages 6-12).  Each graduating camper receives a Bible and Graduate medallion.  Their counselor says a special prayer for them as a part of the ceremony.

Graduating camper receiving graduation hat from the camp Director (The picture has been blurred to respect the privacy of the camper)

However the Graduation Ceremony does not signal the end of camp.  We still have one more day of fun to go.