we had them for lunch

There's a big flashy camp about an hour from where we live. It's where Paul made his decision to become a Christ follower. It's where he spent many summers, made many friends (some of whom are now mine as well), and has countless memories and stories about his adventures. They have flashy programs, fancy amenities, and they have to deal with the hassle of salt water. Camp Q had an integral role in who he is today. That's also where he met Chris and Sharon, way back in the day. We still have friends who are more closely connected to Q. Now all these years later, we're in a different kind of camp ministry. Not extra flashy, but it sure is incredible.

And we have our own lake.

{Photo by Dave Wallace - camp guy that I haven't met yet.}

The church we are a part of here is a supporting church of Camp Q. We're working to find ways to promote our camp at the church. Many people in this town don't even know it exists (the camp, and the church - but that's another story). The Big Q has a student program, called Kale*o. One of our old youth group students from Prince Rupert is there this year! Each of the 21 students are assigned an area church to attend. At our little church, there's a sign-up sheet in the basement beside the coffee counter ... "Take Kale*o students home for lunch". Today it was our turn. We didn't eat them. We all had some very yummy tacos. Each of these young adults has taken on ministry roles in our church, and it's really nice to have them around. They are all in their late teens/early 20s. Paul and I are next up on the average age scale in the church. (It just goes up from there. Waayyy up! I know of one family who has 4 generations in attendance!)

Nancy sometimes plays her guitar during the service, and enjoys chatting with the church folks at coffee time. We found out today that she is the Director for Newfoundland Adventure Camp, a grassroots ministry looking to fill in the space left when Circle Square Ranch pulled out of the province. We are very impressed by her vision and passion to see the camp grow. She's taking part in Kaleo as training for her position at NAC.

{Nancy, checking out our 2012 brochure.}

Jon often wears cool scarves and always gets asked to pray before the offering. When the Pastor remembers, he's usually the one to read selected bible passages to go along with the sermon. And sometimes he's the overhead guy. He has spent the past 10 summers at a big camp in Ontario. Nancy tells us that lots of kids from Newfoundland travel (via 2 flights!) to that camp because the options in NL are so few.

Marissa, bless her heart. After Kale*o she's planning to go to school to get her ECE diploma. (Degree? Not sure if there is a difference.) As her ministry at our church this school year, she takes turns teaching Sunday School (3 kids today, WOW!) and in general goofing with the kids during coffee time and letting the kids hang on her legs as she drags them around the room. She spent a good portion of the visit today doodling with Marty and Jax. The under-the-sea theme was inspired from today's Sunday School lesson, for which she made each of the kids a fishing pole made from a twig, string, and masking tape.

To end the visit, we took them out to our camp to show them where it is and how awesome it is, even in the slush and sleet. They were impressed, of course, with the beautiful location and enjoyed their tour of the buildings and property. They may or may not have left with a handful of camp brochures which they were eager to strategically share with their fellow students at the Q.

{We now have confirmation that every student there has their own copy.}

We're all getting very excited about this summer at camp. Registration began on January 9th. Ladies, looking for a fabulous spring get-away? Don't wait any longer - sign up for our Women's Outdoor Adventure retreat, (WOA for short, because it'll be THAT GOOD!) directed by the lovely, the talented, the super fabulous ... Sharon.