Apprehension and Encouragement

THE highlight for the GEMS club is our annual weekend at camp.  This year, we shook things up a bit and went to a new location in Hope - Camp Squeah.  Once again we partnered with the GEMS from Fleetwood CRC.

As leaders we wanted to encourage the girls to meet some new friends, create stronger bonds with old friends and experience new activities that would push their comfort level a little.  Some of these activities were hiking (with a set of stairs down a steep hill with 206 steps), orienteering using a map and/or compasses, canoeing, pottery and a high ropes course set 30' up in the trees.  For the majority of these girls, this was the first time they had tried a particular activity and yes, some of them were very nervous and apprehensive.  However, with MUCH encouragement from their friends, they went ahead and gave it a try. We also tie dyed some T-shirts which the girls could sign.  And...no camp is complete without a campfire, campfire songs and S'mores.  YUM!

We finished the weekend with a church service Sunday morning based on our theme verse from John 3:30.  We talked about making Jesus the center and how He can pour joy into our lives.  We need to stop and take note of where we see God in our day to day activities.  The girls cited many places that they saw God over the weekend.  We can then share that joy with others. 

At the end of the weekend, I asked for favourite memories from camp.  Here are some of their responses:

"I loved seeing God's lovely creation when canoeing and hiking."

" Talking to new friends."

"The peace and quiet and the beautiful waterfall."

"Bacon."

"Taking in nature while canoeing."

"I loved high ropes.  They were so much fun and a bit scary!"

"I loved the hike and going up and down the stairs."

"I loved pottery because it was really fun."

"Everything."

"Making the T-shirts."

"Breakfast."

"The creepy stairs."

"Mr. Fuzzels (the camp cat)."

"I really enjoyed the Leap of Faith on the high ropes."

Listening to the giggles and chatter, to the cheers of encouragement, seeing the look of triumph after they overcame a fear - these things made camp a memorable experience for the girls and for us the counselors.  Looking forward to another fantasitc year in the fall!