Wednesday, October 2, 2013

blessing others

Some leftover building materials that I had been trying to get rid of.  They ended up being exactly what a camper dad was looking for..

Specifically he was planning on a remodel project and needed a space heater in 2 rooms... we gave him a bunch of trim and 2 space heaters.

Sweet.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Good Feedback from Camper Parents

My grandchildren love the camp and they have learned values of everyday living, and about teachings of the Bible.  K.S.

Emma is much more confident and her self-esteem has improved a lot since going to Camp. She is also much more interested in Sunday School and reading the Bible. S.M./EM

He is eagerly reading his bible and his behavior is awesome -  JP/JR

Both boys have learned more about their faith and how they can share the good news with others. They loved to come home and tell us the bible stories they had been taught at camp.  JB/ K&SB

"What did your child learn?"  Bible stories comes up again and again

I love listening to him tell me bible stories and share verses with me. - MM/RM

He has learned the meaning of many of the award phrases and has incorporated these into his vocabulary. The other day he told me that he has unconditional love for me and told me what that means. JP/JM


Good feedback Quotes from Staff

This summer I definitely grew as a leader, just knowing when and how to step up when there need to be someone do something. I've also come to see Gods grace even more as I get stumped by children and staff members questions. Just knowing God is allowing me to be used even when Im really not that smart. - Shelby

I learned to be less selfish with my time, and more devoted to God and doing work for His glory.- Morgan

my patience and humility have grown! - Stephen

One of the EP campers encouraged me to start reading my Bible from cover to cover.- Jared *ask more about this story

I Read the Bible more. -Cameron

I have grown in my relationships with other Christian men in morning devotions and staff events and also with God during devos.- Zach

Starting out my school year, I know have a really positive and joyful look on life. I'm always aiming towards not focusing on what others think of me, but putting all of my focus and trust on God. This is all a result of working at camp this summer! Site directors and staff at EP really inspired me! - Kara

Camp of Champions has encouraged me to read the Bible on a daily basis.- Noah

I think I have become more open about my faith to people that I don't know.- Annabell

Camp has been one of the biggest sources of spiritual growth for me over the past four summers. Just being surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ helps me to stay encouraged. It gives the workers a lot of experience in sharing the Gospel of Christ, which is really what this life is all about.- Seth


Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Staff Retreat Stories

At Pekin: Counselor talked with a camper for about an hour after camp and she wanted to accept Christ. (this mainly came from a wrong answer to the question "When do we receive the holy spirit?" that the camper gave in assembly.)  Counselor was able to share John 14:26 about Jesus being the only way   Counselor had camper tell mom and she was excited ..

at EP: Junior counselor volunteered to share the Good News at Mission Peoria.  He used the wordless book, which he attested to COCUSA for learning.  He shared the Good News with 25 inner city kids and 4 accepted Christ.

Eureka: While Katie was giving camper a piggy back ride she was able to tell him Bible stories for about 40 minutes.  The boy specifically wanted to know more about the story of Jonah.  And while he hasn't yet accepted the Good News he was starting to open up and at least interested in hearing about it.

Pekin: Attitude change: everyone at camp encouraging camper from Orange team as he struggled to kick a ball into the air.

Morton: Young boys attitude.  Most of camp had a good attitude towards a challenging boy.  Staff cared for him and loved him and this trickled down to the kids cheering him on despite the potential label of a 'problem camper'  Mom said that our staff was able to communicate challenges without labeling him as a 'bad kid'

EP- Cassie noticed a big change in one of her kids from the last day of 2012 to the first day of 2013

EP week 9 Older boy requested references for Bible stories from Jared Brown.  He read it all the time, even when he 'wasn't supposed to'  Same boy also improved his attitude throughout the summer.

EP/Morton JC .. after his first week of work thought "I'm done" and "This isn't working"  But during his 2nd week it started to click (and he did an excellent job the rest of the summer)

EP staff: Good News Time- watching it click with some kids even though some others aren't listening.

Monday, August 19, 2013

East Peoria Week 11 Story Re Telling

Story of Saul's Boat Ride

13 kids participated

37 adults outside of camp heard the story

Feedback Quotes

"I am so blessed to have had this opportunity to work here, best summer yet!!" - morton/Pekin female counselor

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

sub site director checking on camper family situation

Emily subbed at Pekin Camp for 3 days week 10.

She had ongoing conversations with an older camper whose grandfather was not doing the best health wise.  The camper was concerned if he was a Christian or not.

So Emily went through the wordless book with her and encouraged her to share it.

Emily then came back a week later (as she was prepping for school) to check on her...

She had shared the Good News with both her grandparents.. not sure on the response but her grandpa was brought to tears