We had the opportunity to go with my brother-in-law's and sister-in-law's families on a family campout for my brother-in-law's church congregation. Actually it was sort of a regional thing ... the entire stake was invited. It was a phenomenal opportunity. And, those who planned it and were in charge did such a fantastic job!
We went to a scout camp that is only about 2 1/2 hours away. It was so nice to be among pine trees, camping out of doors, and still have potable water and the absence of mosquitoes. It was severely serene and beautiful.
Because we were camping at a scout camp, we had all the amenities we could ever hope for: a cafeteria, fantastic food, flushing toilets, a zip line, archery range, horseshoes, badminton, trails, and even showers. Each ward took their turn preparing and serving a meal, and then cleaning up afterward. Because of our little ones, we had to divide and conquer. So, I ended up hanging out with our littles while Jon helped in the kitchen and cafeteria with our biggies.
I think one of the things I loved about this camp is the activities. They set up a Camp Primary and a Camp Nursery. Our children were checked into Camp Primary and Camp Nursery during certain hours while Jon and I could go to classes they had prepared, or just go and hang out or play. It was so nice to know that our children were in good hands, and having fun while we learned and had fun.
Jon and I attended a few classes and learned so many great things. The one class that stands out in my mind was the class called "Living Your Personal Legend." The presenter talked about finding out what the innermost desires of your heart are, and striving to achieve them. Actually, he talked about determining the one goal you have always wanted to do, but felt that it was next to impossible. He said that we need to find a way to eliminate the guilty feeling we all feel when we think of putting our family aside to achieve our goal, or vision. It was a really good class, and I now wonder what my vision is and how I can accomplish it.
Our children had a blast with their cousins and at their respective Camps, but I think one of the things they enjoyed the most was the zip line (Adam rode with Kate, Eliza with a random stranger, Andrew with me, and Jon tried to fly down the zip line like superman). I loved the zip line! We were standing in line waiting and watching everyone come down the mountain and I kept saying that it seemed like whoever was taking their turn wasn't enjoying it because they weren't smiling or screaming or anything. I was determined to scream as I went down .... but I'm like that: I scream on roller coasters and such. So, when Andrew and I went flying down, I was screaming and hollering ... and so was Andrew. I think we had more fun because of that.
On one of the nights there was a talent show. My brother-in-law's family was asked to perform. So we all got together and sang a song. The funny thing is that we chose a church song, and the performance before ours was a group of women dancing to "Thriller." So, the contrast was quite apparent. But, it was a great talent show.
It was such a great weekend, and I'm so glad we made the effort to be there. Our children loved the campfires and hanging out with their cousins. They even built a little fort by the creek behind our campsite. Eliza asked to go back to the campsite again and again so they could play in the fort. Some of the boys caught crawdads and they cooked them one night. Such creativity children have when all technology is eliminated.
Comments