This week has been a scorcher, but we've found creative ways to keep cool. My favorite way was having a firetruck come and spray from its hose so that the water rained down on the campers! And I've really seen God move in amazing, unexpected ways these past few days!
For example, this week I have a camper named Kayla who is really sweet. She told me that she had been saved when she was younger, but she didn't remember when and she didn't seem to really grasp what being saved meant.
Last night at dinner with the cabin, Kayla asked me, totally out of the blue, about heaven and whether animals go there or not. That started a very long, winding discussion about heaven, God, Jesus and salvation. A lot of the girls jumped in with more questions and a lot of good answers, and I was so amazed at how much they knew and believed about God. As dinner ended, Kayla and I kept talking...then we went to chapel.
Pastor Doug, the speaker this week, closed chapel with a call for anyone who wanted to talk to their counselor about salvation or living for God. Kayla looked up at me and very cutely said, "Do I have to do it at chapel?" I told her that we could talk afterwards if she wanted, so while the other girls got ready for bed, Kayla and I talked about how she wanted to make her salvation real; she wanted to make sure that it "meant something." She prayed to God, and it was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen or heard.
Praise the Lord for what He has done in the hearts of campers this week and this summer!
Ali Williams
Counselor - Cabin #2
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
what makes a camp counselor smile?
Welcome back!
It was another HOT day today...not quite like yesterday, but we still kept the kids drinking from the water fountain, filling their water bottles and lathering up with sunscreen!
Today was the Camper Carnival - so we attempted to have as many "water events" as we possibly could! The campers all got tickets that enabled them to visit each booth at least one time. From my vantage point - it appeared that all were having a great time.
We ate lunch outside and then headed back to the cabins for an extra long R&R ... much to the counselor's excitement! Our counselors are working hard...in the hot sun...trying to keep campers spirits high and energy levels up. They all spend 23 hours a day with 9 - 12 campers...sometimes even through the night they are working tirelessly for the goal of glorifying the Lord Jesus through their actions and attitude. If you are a parent of a camper here this week and would like to thank your child's camp counselor in a tangible way...show up on Saturday with a note of thanks, words of encouragement or maybe even a Starbucks! I'm sure that the pleasure of seeing their face would be impressed on your heart for many days to come!
Campers enjoyed yet another "pool mail call" and many had to walk the plank! We even had a "pirate counselor" that encouraged the campers to ... walk the plank! I am impressed at the amount of packages that come through Camp Gilead. We even had a huge "Camp Cookie" delivered yesterday from Mrs. Field's Cookies! It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen!
Aw...camp. There is just nothing like it. These hot summer days were MADE for camp. And these campers are living it up here. Thank you for the privilege of serving your kids. We look forward to another day with them tomorrow!
See you tomorrow around the campfire, here at Victory Circle.
Kimberly Mallory
Camp Gilead Program Director
www.campgilead.org
It was another HOT day today...not quite like yesterday, but we still kept the kids drinking from the water fountain, filling their water bottles and lathering up with sunscreen!
Today was the Camper Carnival - so we attempted to have as many "water events" as we possibly could! The campers all got tickets that enabled them to visit each booth at least one time. From my vantage point - it appeared that all were having a great time.
We ate lunch outside and then headed back to the cabins for an extra long R&R ... much to the counselor's excitement! Our counselors are working hard...in the hot sun...trying to keep campers spirits high and energy levels up. They all spend 23 hours a day with 9 - 12 campers...sometimes even through the night they are working tirelessly for the goal of glorifying the Lord Jesus through their actions and attitude. If you are a parent of a camper here this week and would like to thank your child's camp counselor in a tangible way...show up on Saturday with a note of thanks, words of encouragement or maybe even a Starbucks! I'm sure that the pleasure of seeing their face would be impressed on your heart for many days to come!
Campers enjoyed yet another "pool mail call" and many had to walk the plank! We even had a "pirate counselor" that encouraged the campers to ... walk the plank! I am impressed at the amount of packages that come through Camp Gilead. We even had a huge "Camp Cookie" delivered yesterday from Mrs. Field's Cookies! It was one of the coolest things I've ever seen!
Aw...camp. There is just nothing like it. These hot summer days were MADE for camp. And these campers are living it up here. Thank you for the privilege of serving your kids. We look forward to another day with them tomorrow!
See you tomorrow around the campfire, here at Victory Circle.
Kimberly Mallory
Camp Gilead Program Director
www.campgilead.org
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
the pool is cool...
Wow! What a day it has been today!
I think I personally put my swimsuit on at least 5 times today! :)
Here's a little peek into how we managed to stay cool throughout the day here at Gilead while the thermometer hit record breaking temperatures!
We started off the morning after chapel with mail call at the pool. Campers and counselors sat around the edge of the pool with their feet dangling in the water while names were read and mail was passed out. When all the mail was distributed, we had just enough time to have campers jump into the pool just before it was lunch time! The campers cooled their bodies just enough to be refreshed.
If you've ever been to Gilead on hot summer days you know that one of the worst places when it's hot is the dining hall. So - campers and counselors ate their meal outside in the shade. It was hot outside ... but much cooler than the sweatbox ... also known as the dining hall.
After lunch, and R&R, campers went to their afternoon activities - which included at least one hour of swimming. Then came the Eastside Fire Department with their ladder truck and water truck. Campers were blasted (some literally!) with a steady stream of water for about 15 minutes! Campers LOVED IT! They screamed and hollered as the water flowed...creating a rainbow as the sun hit the stream. See pictures at http://www.campgilead.org/
Following afternoon activities and dinner (again...outside!) we took the campers back down to the pool for the Wheel of Misfortune where they could spin "Walk the Plank (diving board)" or "Staff in Pool." After all the campers had spun that received packages, we again had the campers cool their bodies before chapel by jumping in the pool. No one seemed to mind getting into the pool...again.
All afternoon the announcements on the PA system could be heard..."Remember to drink lots of water!" Counselors took their campers past the water fountain to fill up their Camp Gilead water bottles...keeping them hydrated and happy...and going to the restroom!
It's been a GOOD day...we are so thankful for the sun! We are blessed to live in such a beautiful area. We are learning a ton about God's creation - and his most unique creation...US!
Thanks for stopping in again today at the victory circle! Until next time...
Kimberly Mallory
Camp Gilead Program Director
http://www.campgilead.org/
I think I personally put my swimsuit on at least 5 times today! :)
Here's a little peek into how we managed to stay cool throughout the day here at Gilead while the thermometer hit record breaking temperatures!
We started off the morning after chapel with mail call at the pool. Campers and counselors sat around the edge of the pool with their feet dangling in the water while names were read and mail was passed out. When all the mail was distributed, we had just enough time to have campers jump into the pool just before it was lunch time! The campers cooled their bodies just enough to be refreshed.
If you've ever been to Gilead on hot summer days you know that one of the worst places when it's hot is the dining hall. So - campers and counselors ate their meal outside in the shade. It was hot outside ... but much cooler than the sweatbox ... also known as the dining hall.
After lunch, and R&R, campers went to their afternoon activities - which included at least one hour of swimming. Then came the Eastside Fire Department with their ladder truck and water truck. Campers were blasted (some literally!) with a steady stream of water for about 15 minutes! Campers LOVED IT! They screamed and hollered as the water flowed...creating a rainbow as the sun hit the stream. See pictures at http://www.campgilead.org/
Following afternoon activities and dinner (again...outside!) we took the campers back down to the pool for the Wheel of Misfortune where they could spin "Walk the Plank (diving board)" or "Staff in Pool." After all the campers had spun that received packages, we again had the campers cool their bodies before chapel by jumping in the pool. No one seemed to mind getting into the pool...again.
All afternoon the announcements on the PA system could be heard..."Remember to drink lots of water!" Counselors took their campers past the water fountain to fill up their Camp Gilead water bottles...keeping them hydrated and happy...and going to the restroom!
It's been a GOOD day...we are so thankful for the sun! We are blessed to live in such a beautiful area. We are learning a ton about God's creation - and his most unique creation...US!
Thanks for stopping in again today at the victory circle! Until next time...
Kimberly Mallory
Camp Gilead Program Director
http://www.campgilead.org/
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
fire...and water!
Welcome back to the campfire...although sitting around a fire in this heat is not a place I'd like to be for very long...!
But it is good to hang out with you this morning!
So - we said good bye to our "older campers" that we've had for the last few weeks - junior high and high school...and welcomed our youngest campers of the summer.
Yesterday morning 165 little 3rd - 5th graders as well as 40 day campers descended on Camp Gilead and so did the HEAT!
The theme of the day was "hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!" Every chance we could take them past the water fountain ... we did ... and as a result...visited the bathroom many times as well! :)
In chapel this week we welcome Pastor Doug Johnston from Redmond WA. He always comes to Gilead with a variety of tricks up his sleeve...and last nights chapel involved FIRE! Yes - he "blew something up!" Jack and the Gilead Fire Dept were on hand for any potential roaming sparks - but in the end - everything was left intact and campers were still awake at the end of chapel! That's always a plus!
More heat to come today we've heard...pray for our campers as they endure God's blessing of the sun! We will be doing our best to keep them cool, hydrated and protected...as well as keep their hearts tender towards the Lord and protected from the world's impact.
See you next time...here at the Victory Circle!
Kimberly Mallory
Camp Gilead Program Director
http://www.campgilead.org/
But it is good to hang out with you this morning!
So - we said good bye to our "older campers" that we've had for the last few weeks - junior high and high school...and welcomed our youngest campers of the summer.
Yesterday morning 165 little 3rd - 5th graders as well as 40 day campers descended on Camp Gilead and so did the HEAT!
The theme of the day was "hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!" Every chance we could take them past the water fountain ... we did ... and as a result...visited the bathroom many times as well! :)
In chapel this week we welcome Pastor Doug Johnston from Redmond WA. He always comes to Gilead with a variety of tricks up his sleeve...and last nights chapel involved FIRE! Yes - he "blew something up!" Jack and the Gilead Fire Dept were on hand for any potential roaming sparks - but in the end - everything was left intact and campers were still awake at the end of chapel! That's always a plus!
More heat to come today we've heard...pray for our campers as they endure God's blessing of the sun! We will be doing our best to keep them cool, hydrated and protected...as well as keep their hearts tender towards the Lord and protected from the world's impact.
See you next time...here at the Victory Circle!
Kimberly Mallory
Camp Gilead Program Director
http://www.campgilead.org/
Friday, July 24, 2009
sights & sounds from the Friday night fire...
Heard at tonight's campfire...
"Wednesday night I rededicated my life to Jesus"
"I want to go back to school and tell my friends about my faith"
"I don't want to be ashamed of my Christianity"
"I got saved on Wednesday night"
"I met a friend here at camp that is going to help keep me accountable"
"I want to tell my family about Jesus"
The flickering fire, the camper's testimonies, the glow of lightsticks, the sounds of voices and guitars ... it is a truly awesome experience. This experience we at Gilead call the Victory Circle.
All glory goes to our Heavenly Father for all of His mighty works.
HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!
Kimberly Mallory
Camp Gilead Program Director
"Wednesday night I rededicated my life to Jesus"
"I want to go back to school and tell my friends about my faith"
"I don't want to be ashamed of my Christianity"
"I got saved on Wednesday night"
"I met a friend here at camp that is going to help keep me accountable"
"I want to tell my family about Jesus"
The flickering fire, the camper's testimonies, the glow of lightsticks, the sounds of voices and guitars ... it is a truly awesome experience. This experience we at Gilead call the Victory Circle.
All glory goes to our Heavenly Father for all of His mighty works.
HE IS MIGHTY TO SAVE!
Kimberly Mallory
Camp Gilead Program Director
Thursday, July 23, 2009
from tyler pagel...counselor cabin 15
Our God is so awesome! I am reminded of that on a daily basis and yesterday God really continued to show how powerful and mighty He is.
I was able to do several 1 on 1's yesterday and connected with two of my campers. I learned more about their home life and more importantly that they were not born again believers, and those campers weren't ready to make a decision to give their life for Christ.
Shortly after that, I was able to pray with Craig Haskins about those campers and just give the situation to God and ask him to have His will be done. I was in prayer the rest of the day.
Later that night (last night), in chapel, I could feel the Lord working as soon as we started singing. My kids seemed very attentive and open to the message that Pastor Dennis Smith was sharing. At the end of the message Pastor Dennis shut off the lights and demonstrated God's awesome power when He spoke and light was created. He then challenged the campers to realize and accept Christ as their personal Savior. I knew God was about to do His work!
After the challenge from Pastor Dennis, I had FOUR guys come out!!! But I knew it wasn't over yet. I prayed and asked God to give me the words to say and that I could lead my campers to Him. I took three aside and sent another camper with another staff member, Craig.
I led them through the Romans Road of Salvation and told them if they believed in their hearts that Jesus died on the cross and rose again, that they will be saved and can be 100% confident that they will be in heaven for eternity. All three boys were very excited to start living the way God's Word tells us to.
I give all the praise and glory to God for what He did in those boy's lives last night and for reminding me once again, how awesome He truly is!
Tyler Pagel
Counselor - Cabin 15
I was able to do several 1 on 1's yesterday and connected with two of my campers. I learned more about their home life and more importantly that they were not born again believers, and those campers weren't ready to make a decision to give their life for Christ.
Shortly after that, I was able to pray with Craig Haskins about those campers and just give the situation to God and ask him to have His will be done. I was in prayer the rest of the day.
Later that night (last night), in chapel, I could feel the Lord working as soon as we started singing. My kids seemed very attentive and open to the message that Pastor Dennis Smith was sharing. At the end of the message Pastor Dennis shut off the lights and demonstrated God's awesome power when He spoke and light was created. He then challenged the campers to realize and accept Christ as their personal Savior. I knew God was about to do His work!
After the challenge from Pastor Dennis, I had FOUR guys come out!!! But I knew it wasn't over yet. I prayed and asked God to give me the words to say and that I could lead my campers to Him. I took three aside and sent another camper with another staff member, Craig.
I led them through the Romans Road of Salvation and told them if they believed in their hearts that Jesus died on the cross and rose again, that they will be saved and can be 100% confident that they will be in heaven for eternity. All three boys were very excited to start living the way God's Word tells us to.
I give all the praise and glory to God for what He did in those boy's lives last night and for reminding me once again, how awesome He truly is!
Tyler Pagel
Counselor - Cabin 15
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
...the call...
It happens almost weekly here at Gilead. Sometimes it almost becomes routine. But it is ANYTHING BUT routine.
It is the call of God in someone's life.
And we witnessed it tonight in chapel.
Our speaker - Dennis Smith - brought us through Creation and through history and the relevance of Jesus coming in the flesh. He then shared with campers that this Jesus wants to have a relationship with us so that we can glorify Him and live eternally in heaven...giving us a hope and a future.
As I speak, campers and counselors are huddled together...speaking quietly. Some are crying, some are not speaking. Some are talking a mile a minute. All have experienced a call of some sort ... a tugging on their heart. A tug so strong that they were able to stand up, walk through their row of their friends and cabin mates, down the aisle of the chapel and to the back of our chapel where they waited as their counselor followed them.
It is a humbling thing to witness God moving and directing in hearts and lives - changing them forever.
Tonight, Counselor Melissa Edwards shared how she rededicated her life to Jesus while at Camp Gilead as a young girl.
Tonight - the stories of many young girls and boys lives are being written and changed forever.
To God be the glory! Great things HE has done!
Kimberly Mallory
Program Director
www.campgilead.org
It is the call of God in someone's life.
And we witnessed it tonight in chapel.
Our speaker - Dennis Smith - brought us through Creation and through history and the relevance of Jesus coming in the flesh. He then shared with campers that this Jesus wants to have a relationship with us so that we can glorify Him and live eternally in heaven...giving us a hope and a future.
As I speak, campers and counselors are huddled together...speaking quietly. Some are crying, some are not speaking. Some are talking a mile a minute. All have experienced a call of some sort ... a tugging on their heart. A tug so strong that they were able to stand up, walk through their row of their friends and cabin mates, down the aisle of the chapel and to the back of our chapel where they waited as their counselor followed them.
It is a humbling thing to witness God moving and directing in hearts and lives - changing them forever.
Tonight, Counselor Melissa Edwards shared how she rededicated her life to Jesus while at Camp Gilead as a young girl.
Tonight - the stories of many young girls and boys lives are being written and changed forever.
To God be the glory! Great things HE has done!
Kimberly Mallory
Program Director
www.campgilead.org
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