08/02/2024
And that's a wrap for LIFE Camp 2024!
We finished last week on Saturday morning. The campers rolled out of bed 30 minutes earlier than any other day that week (and probably hours earlier than at home!) but moved out quickly for our last meal together. After breakfast, we met for one more time of worship, and Pastor Brad shared communion with the camp. Then came all the 'See ya Laters', hugs, and high fives before each camper and staff member headed their separate ways.
It was an outstanding week! I believe each person left feeling a little closer to God. It was easy to see Holy Spirit move through the beautiful setting as campers and staff alike were present with each other, learning about God through contemplation and discussion with others, and by showing genuine care for each other. Even after so many years, it can feel magical during what feels like one of the shortest weeks of the year.
We are so thankful to our host, Lake Louise Christian Community, Camp & Retreat Center, for providing such a wonderful place to hold LIFE Camp. The team worked hard to make sure that EVERY camper made it to camp. This year, we had more campers than ever request assistance with tuition and Lake Louise made it happen. We are hoping to help raise some funds to make sure that kids can keep going to camp for years to come.
To our campers - Thank you for hanging out and reminding the staff what it's like to have a childlike faith and the importance of investing our time and energy in our young people in our community. Your positive attitudes, open minds, and silly personalities made the week an absolute joy. While we hope that the highs from the week will stick around as long as possible, we know that it will start to feel low at times; remember - you have a support network who will show up when you need it. Simply reach out and ask. We look forward to seeing you again next year.
To the LIFE Camp staff - YOU are the reason that LIFE Camp is successful each and every year. Your commitment to these young people is above and beyond what is seen in our society today, and it truly makes an impact. Showing up for the week demonstrates to our campers what it's like to live out the faith. Rest up! We'll start planning for next year soon!
To Neil, Greg, and the rest of the staff at Lake Louise - We are so thankful for your support and making sure each person was happy, healthy, and able to fully enjoy all the plans we made. I know it's been an exhausting Summer, but you have changed the lives of the hundreds of people that came to camp this year.
To all our supporters - Thanks for following along last week and always being there for us. All of your support and prayers were felt and helped give us the strength to make it an amazing week!
While we have (hopefully) finished up our laundry, packed away our sleeping bags, and slept more hours than we have in months, the memories of LIFE Camp 2024 are still fresh on our minds. Before we even left camp, Chelsey and I started talking about 2025! If all goes as planned, we'll be back for LIFE Camp again next Summer from July 20th to July 26th, 2025 - GET IT ON YOUR CALENDAR!
More pictures to come! Until then, we'll save you a spot by the fire.
Dean Parker