Happy Campers

This past weekend we took our kids up on an invitation 

to join them at Rockridge Canyon Camp where Shaun is working with Young Life.

I did not know what to expect and how it would feel to just be there

with a large group of high school campers.

The best way I can explain it is with photos . . . so be warned about the overload.

I have to say that getting up and just sitting down at a table was quite nice. 

Memories of my own days at camp . . . so long ago . . . came to mind.

The dining lodge is beautiful 

and the sound of  hundreds kids eating family style with their cabin leaders is wonderful

even if it's loud.

 I enjoyed getting such a nice smile from my table partner!

After breakfast, while the leaders were getting their kids ready for a volleyball tournament,

we hiked up to the Zip Line hut. 

On the photo it's the small fort, above the last lodge.

It is one of the longest continuous double zip lines in North America

and it was the first time I had a chance to do this!

The line comes down the hill, over the buildings and the lake towards the orange cone.

I loved it!

Natalie went tandem with Papa.

Love their smiles on their landing!

Heading back to the other side we saw the side view of the zip line crossing.

and still more beauty all around.

The tournament was a fun way for the kids to bond as teams.

Each leader had brought costumess for their cabin/team

and all of it was a surprise for the campers.

You might notice that my H volunteered for a role in the games.

It was fun to observe! 

My favorite team were the paper bag princesses,

playing like true princesses, trying not to lose their crowns. 

Lunch was brought outside and we had that before the finals were played.

In the afternoon campers had free activity time. 

We chose to take the three grands out in the canoe.

Meanwhile Kristal came around with Everly, who had just woken from a nap.

She got to watch the bunch of us from the shore.

There was a small ice cream parlor and a games room the boys enjoyed with Papa

while us girls went to the pool. 

We passed by Shaun hanging out with a group in an impromptu music jamming session.

In the evenings, all the campers participated in a "not so quiet" singing time and skits,

ending with a Young Life Speaker, for the ultimate purpose of encouraging the kids,

especially toward a relationship with God.

Being at this camp, we grew in appreciation for adult leaders 

who give of part of their summer and time during the year, to invest in the lives of students.

It was good to get a peek into the world our kids live in.