This summer has been amazing, full of growth, new friends, overcoming fears and challenges.Although this was my second year at kidder creek there were so many aspects of camp that were new it kept things interesting. For example-I was in charge of coming up and explaining all of the crafts for the summer, at different points I was director of our Ranch Camp and day camp, and for the first time ever I was able to go backpacking.
There were several times in which I had to face my fears. There is something called tarzan at the high ropes course which is climbing up really high and walking across a wire while trying to reach out to ropes that are hanging. It was really scary because everytime you get a rope you would swing back and forth. It was thrilling and exciting when I got down and looked at what I did but in the middle of it there were points where I was very nervous. Every day a group is on the river every one has an oppertunity to jump rocks into the water if they want to. The highest jump is crazy and is about 50-55 feet above the water. I decided to jump the middle jump. It was actually one of the challenges I gave myself this summer. The jump was about 25 feet. It was neat especially because I went with a camper who was also afraid of heights. I was able to go with her and share that experience of both of us facing our fear. Although they were scary it was exciting to look at what I was capable of and accomplished.
Looking back it is neat to realize how well the staff got along with each other. There were not many problems that arose. Everyone got along really well. That was one of my favorite things of the summer just getting to know all the staff. Much of what God taught me this summer was through interactions and converations with the staff. It was so much fun to just hang out with them on the weekends. We definately are a weird group. Thank you friends for all the laughs (don't forget you can put the extra one in your pocket and save it for later...hehehe juan. : ) )
If you want to see more pictures look on facebook under groups with kidder creek 2007. There are tons. I had a blast with these people this summer.Backpacking was a blast. We did team building, games, and high ropes course the first day. From there we took our packs and hiked in 6 miles to this beautiful lake (campbell lake).
The hike was not that long but it was a neat time to talk with kids and really enjoy God's playground. We went through this gate into a meadow which was just breathtaking. We all said we entered fairytale land. 
It was rather entertaining. Every morning while we were there I was able to get up around 6 and watch as the sun came spilling over the mountains stretching arcoss the lake and brightening everything in its path. It was so refreshing. After we finished backpacking and rock climbing we went down to the river. I guided Rattlesnake (rapid) for the first time and did just fine. It was fun. That week was probably my favorite week all summer.An interesting aspect of this summer was I dealt with the older campers more than other campers. Part of this had to do with the fact that I was returning counselor and the oldest female counselor. It was one highlights because I was able to ask harder questions and really challenge my girls to think more about their walk with God.
I hope you all enjoyed your summer and were able to take time to stop and just be. That was one thing I was really challenged to do. I do not like taking my time off all that much but at times throug out the summer it became a necessity for me to stop and take time for myself and with God. I will probably write more about camp later but for now i'm going to call this good.
