The last weekend in January, Abby and I attended Junior High Snow camp at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp. Mennonite Church of the Servant was the only church that managed to bring 100% of our Jr Youth. We combined with Bethel College Mennonite Church and Zion Mennonite Church to help make the sponsor numbers per gender work out. The 14 of us rode on a charter bus organized by Whitestone in Hesston. All 56 seats were occupied. This gave our Kansan kids--many of whom know each other from Mennoscah-- a 10 hour opportunity to connect before camp. Overall, retreat attendance was around 90 youth and sponsors-- roughly ⅔ Kansans and ⅓ Coloradans.
A few takeaways from the trip:
Camp ministry is close to my heart. I first attended a church camp on a whim between 8th and 9th grades, and that was the impetus for me deciding God was something/someone that I wanted to be a part of my life. After camp, I came home, began attending church and youth every week, and was baptized that year.
Really excellent faith formation happens at camp. I am grateful for the opportunity to have Abby learning from someone else, and to contribute to the formation of other youth, and to, myself, be continuously shaped. (Just because it’s geared for JH doesn’t mean I can’t learn and grow!)
As you well know, I take faith formation very seriously, but I usually don’t have a serious demeanor. The way that camp incorporates play delights me. It was a lot of fun.
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A few takeaways from the trip:
- I thoroughly enjoyed the bus ride to camp. Upon arrival, I told my friend how much I love middle-schoolers and that surely there is something wrong with me.
- Electronic devices were allowed on the bus, but completely banned during our mountain time--there’s no reception or wifi anyway. I did not hear a single complaint about this, nor see anyone trying to skirt the rule. I suspect a group of 90 average adults would struggle with the same policy. For me, the electronics ban allows me to experience a true sabbath retreat and I love it.
- In fact, I heard virtually no complains nor unkind words the entire trip. This was one of the easiest weekends with youth I have ever experienced. They had lovely attitudes.
- Phil Schmidt of Tabor Mennonite, Goessel, (WDC,) was the speaker. He lead us in reflection about Transformation: From Fear to Faith, Meeting God upon the Mountain. We specifically explored stories of Moses, Elijah, and Jesus encountering God on the Mountain.
- Phil incorporated physical activities as part of each teaching, quiet reflection time, small group discussion, and a prayer practice.
- I was particularly impressed with Phil’s teaching and how well the youth responded.
- I very much enjoyed connecting with other leaders. I met several new people and developed relationships with others whom I had met, but didn’t really know. I appreciate retreats and conferences as a way to connect with others in WDC and denominationally.
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| Very serious about human curling on the pond |
Camp ministry is close to my heart. I first attended a church camp on a whim between 8th and 9th grades, and that was the impetus for me deciding God was something/someone that I wanted to be a part of my life. After camp, I came home, began attending church and youth every week, and was baptized that year.
Really excellent faith formation happens at camp. I am grateful for the opportunity to have Abby learning from someone else, and to contribute to the formation of other youth, and to, myself, be continuously shaped. (Just because it’s geared for JH doesn’t mean I can’t learn and grow!)
As you well know, I take faith formation very seriously, but I usually don’t have a serious demeanor. The way that camp incorporates play delights me. It was a lot of fun.
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| We went to seminary together: Look at us now! |
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