A week ago Sunday we pulled away from the farm in a 31 foot RV (with our mini van following behind) and headed to Lansing, Iowa to attend Family Camp at Village Creek Bible Camp!
We have been attending this Family Camp since 2011, even though we only visited for one evening each in 2012 and 2015, because we were unable to attend the full week those two years. Family Camp is definitely the highlight of our year, and we signed up for next year already!
It took a small army to get ready to go, but I have a small army that was willing to work hard! We prepped all of our meals ahead of time, freezing what we could, so that we would only have to reheat things at meal time. Traveling with food allergies is a big job!
The RV that Blake found for us to rent was a true blessing! It allowed our own “safe” space (thinking of Eliza mostly when I say that), and also our own kitchen. I had a blast keeping house in that little RV!
One of my favorite parts of Family Camp is arrival time. I watched friends RUN when they spotted each other, and give big hugs as they saw each other after so long!
There were SO many friends we just could not wait to see. I am so glad Addie Mae got some great photos!
Each morning at camp started with Chapel right after breakfast, and went from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Chapel included announcements, singing, skits, families sharing music, Bible memory, testimonies, and a message. SO, SO, SO good!
There were over 40 families at camp this year, which was over 300 people, and 115 children under the age of eight!
After morning Chapel we had a break. For our family, we spent this time in the RV sharing and talking about all we just heard/learned, and also had a snack. At 10:45 a.m., the guys headed to the men’s session while we girls headed to the women’s session. The women’s sessions were amazing. SO many practical things shared – like tips for doing big family laundry and how to teach scripture memory to your kiddos. Things were also shared that were aimed toward spiritual growth, and I have implemented several of them already! I came home with pages of notes and have looked at them over and over!
After dinner was evening chapel at 7 p.m. It lasted until about 8:30 p.m. It was similar to morning chapel, but of course the messages, skits, singers, and singing were different! ALL of it was super good – even though there were certain messages that struck a chord with me, and I have been reflecting on them ever since. The Lord used SO many talented people to make Family Camp so special!
We also had some very, very special visitors two of the nights for chapel! My sunshine and his people!
David and Kayla were so gracious to stay on the farm while we were gone to take care of the horses, our pup Sadie, and our dog Zoe!
After lunch each afternoon, there were dozens of activities to choose from! This was when Blake and I had to divide and conquer. I usually took the littles to the camper for a nap and some down time. This is also when I would do therapy with Eliza – either brushing her skin, or bouncing her on the ball we took. I also ran DVD’s a lot any time we were in the camper, as it worked well to help Eliza stay calm. I did have a class I wanted to attend after lunch one day, so Blake napped the littles while I did that. We made a great team!!
Of course, there were perks to being the one to nap the littles!
We went to the creature feature one afternoon. YUCK!
The littles went for pony rides. I guess you can tell who LOVED this. My horse girl!! Her smile makes my heart sing!
Lane built a rocket! They actually put an engine on it and shot it off the last day. I do not have photos of the launch, because it was pouring rain. But it was fun! And got stuck in a huge tree!
There was volleyball and basketball any time of any day!
There was archery and shooting as well. The trap shooting was right next to our camper and VERY loud!
Tate and Eliza really liked the trampoline – even though they were harnessed, which made their Mama happy! Tate could flip and flip and flip! Tiny mighty thing that he is!
Addie Mae took voice lessons!
Late night activities included an arm wrestling match and some routy games of Dutch Blitz!
Blake and I kept Tate and Eliza on a schedule as close to home as we could. They were in bed at night only a little bit later than they would have been at home. We knew this would be the key to success for them, and it truly was! They were great sleepers in that little RV, and had so much fun at camp! We couldn’t be happier with how well they handled a week away from home! They cannot wait to go back next year!
I asked each of the kiddos what their favorite part of Family Camp was. Here are their answers:
Eliza: “Riding the ponies! I met the ponies. I love the trampoline.”
Tate: “The playground and meeting all the peoples. And I loved to flip!”
Lane: “The rocket launch, sports, fellowship, men’s sessions, chapel, and the arm wrestling tournament.”
Chad: “The men’s sessions (they were the best ones we’ve ever had), and meeting all the new families.”
Addie Mae: “The session How to do Things God’s Way in the Business World, and Dutch Blitz games after midnight.”
Grant: “The fellowship, meeting new people, the men’s session called Investing in Future Generations, the boat races, and Mighty Mighty Scoop Noodle Challenge.”
I will end with this quote from one of the sessions:
“I’d rather see a sermon,
Than hear one anyday.
I’d rather you walk with me,
Than merely point the way.
The eye is a more ready pupil,
Than ever was the ear.
Good advice is often confusing,
But example is always clear.”
Author Unknown
I think this may be the longest post I have ever done! And my scrapbook about Family Camp is not finished yet!
Blake and I feel SO blessed to have had an opportunity to get away – especially to a place where iron sharpens iron. Family Camp has left a lasting impression on each of us, and I truly am not the same person that left this farm last Sunday!
More about Family Camp to come – stay tuned!
