Day Five - It is Not Goodbye

 This morning we picked up where we left off in the account of Jospeh’s life.  Joseph is in prison, God enables Joseph to interpret the dreams of two of the pharaoh’s staff, and ultimately interpret the dreams of the pharaoh himself.  The pharaoh’s dreams predict 7 years of a rich harvest and 7 years of famine. Seeing God’s favor on Joseph, the pharaoh makes him second in command with the responsibility of preparing for the famine. 

Camper is putting on the Joseph costume to be a part of the story

Just as predicted, the famine hits and not only affects Egypt, it affects those in the surrounding area.  This includes Joseph’s family. Joseph’s brothers travel to Egypt to ask to buy food, Joseph recognizes them and tests his brothers see they have changed hearts from when they sold him into slavery, seeing their hears have changed,  Joseph reveals himself to them and provides food and land for his father and his brothers in Egypt.  

Buddies play the part of Joseph's brothers seeking food

While Joseph suffered in the beginning, God used those circumstances to save his family and provide for them.  Joseph states, “And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” Genesis 45:5 NIV

If you want to learn more about Joseph, follow this link.

During this week, the camp drama team has been regaling the camper with the story if Bandyanna Bones and the Search for the Tree of Life.  The small band of travelers makes their way through the jungle in search of the Tree of Life, while facing many perils including a brush with an anaconda. They do find the Tree of Life at the end of their journey and agree that each person must make their own way to find the Tree of Life. 

Left to right: Native, Bandyanna Bones, Dr Banks, Prissy, and Lensy Lew 

The underlying message, that is spoken throughout the play is, if you want favor with both God and man, and a reputation for good judgment and common sense, then trust the Lord completely; don’t ever trust yourself.

Kid Royale hands out crocodiles

As in years past, the camp mascot, Kid Royale provides toys as a reward for campers doing Acts of Kindness. These acts can take on many forms, sharing toys, holding doors open, cleaning tables, the list goes on. All campers are recognized throughout the week and this year they received a stuffed toy crocodile. Kid Royale is a camp favorite. 

With today being our last day of camp, we packed up, had lunch, and traveled home.  Every year we preform a couple of songs for the campers’ care givers. This year we sang two camp favorites, My Lighthouse and Jesus Loves Me, the Go Fish version. 

There was also a video of the campers’ week that showed the fun events in which they participate.   Then the campers were off to finish their summer.  At camp we don’t like to say goodbye, rather, we say until we see you again.

Day Five- Heading Home

 Friday is the day we return to town to reconnect with the campers’ caregivers. During the Welcome Home event We have a small program where we share a couple of camp songs and a video of the campers’ experience at camp.  It was heartwarming to see the campers on the risers, singing the songs they learned at camp, with large smiles on their faces. Everyone knew the words and the motions to the songs and the caregivers’ smiles were as big as the campers’ smiles while the campers performed. 

 Photographers covered the camp throughout the week, taking photographs of the campers while the campers enjoy their activities. The photographs are place into albums by the buddies for the campers to take home and relive some of their joyful moments at camp.  Some of the photographs were set to music and made into a video for sharing at the Welcome Home event.  It started with the bus arriving and took us through the crafts, boat rides, swimming, the camp rodeo and graduation.  The recap of the program’s songs and video were a good reminder of the fun we had and we were pleased to share those experiences with the caregivers. 

The cast of the Esther play

Earlier in the day, we had the last installment of our play, which is based on the account of Esther, as told in the book of Esther.  Esther’s father Abihail and her mother had died and Her cousin Mordecai took her into his home, later adopting her.  Circumstances were such that the king of the land required a new wife and through an extensive selection process Esther was chosen to be queen. During Esther’s time at the palace, a prince named Haman had plotted to kill all of the Jews in the country, because of his hatred for Mordecai who was of the Jewish people. Esther also a Jew, learned of Haman’s plot and approached the king.  Approaching the king without and invitation could result in death.  In this case the king was pleased to see her and she was able to plead for her life and the lives of the people. The king felt tricked by Haman, and Haman’s evil plot was his undoing; he lost his life.   Mordecai with the support of the king created and carried out a plan that ultimately saved the Jewish people. 

Our campers can relate to this story. They too are deprived of the parents in one form or another and are sent to live with others. If fortunate enough, they might later be returned to their parents or adopted like Esther.  Through this account of Esther, our campers learn that with God’s help they too can be destined for great things. 

Camp 2022 Buddies and Staff 

As we close out this year’s camp, we are reminded of how blessed we are to be able to support these foster children and will cherish the memories made during this time. It’s time to start getting ready for another camp.