Island Adventure Camp 2014 : Impacting Lives

Twas the night before IAC , when all through the building

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

The decorations were hung in every room with care,

In hopes that over 100 children soon would be there;

Island Adventure Camp is one of the highlight of my calendar year (both personally and professionally).   IAC has impacted me personally over the last three years.  

 Growing up a camp girl (can you spot me in the picture?) - camp runs in my veins. In my opinion, summer isn’t summer without camp.  However, as all of us camp people come to realize (eventually) - perhaps never accept- that as we get older, one has to ‘grow up’ and commit to a job that often will not allow an entire summer off to volunteer at summer camp.  Some of you can relate to this painful journey.  It stinks.  

What awoke and excited me 3 years ago when I began to think of the possibilities of an ‘empty’ summer calendar is that, camp isn’t always an option for families to send their children to.  Camp isn’t always an option for youth and adults to volunteer at either.  However, the things that can be learned from being in community and in an environment that is out of the ordinary are extraordinary.  I had an AHA moment - when I realized that we had an opportunity to create something great for God's kingdom. We could serve the children and families of Campbell River by having a week long evening camp, where we create the space for people (of all ages) to meet God.

Nothing brings me greater joy than watching someone grow and learn.  My ‘job’ allows me the privilege of creating environments to which growth can happen. At Island Adventure Camp, I get a birds eye view of the growth of adults, youth and children and it brings me great delight.

July 21st, 4:30pm - I nervously stood before the 40+ volunteers on the first night. Wondering how they would grow, wondering if they’d run away when they heard how this week was going to stretch us all, wondering how God was going to move this week in each of our lives.  I started off talking about how God is faithful and that we can “Count on Him” (our theme for this year).  I recounted how God gave us a real life example as to how God is our provider, by visibly  providing all that we needed for our week together through the generous gifts of His people.   The 40+ volunteers stare back at me and I continue in my nervousness to explain the events on the evening, giving details of housekeeping type stuff. Throughout the week, I watched as a group of volunteers bonded and grew together as a unit through our nightly volunteer meetings. I was witness to God at work in their lives and it was amazing.  Wacthing the volunteers grow, was a major highlight for me.

We closed our first volunteer time together with prayer and went out to meet the 250+ people waiting to be fed chilli.

As wandered outside into the sunshine and greeted families from the community of Campbell River, our cook for the week (Natasha Teufel) motions for me to come to look at the pot of chili. There is about ¼ left of what we had made, and the line is still long.  We both say a quick prayer - “God please stretch our food to feed every person here.”  God our provider, stretched our food. We had enough, plus a tiny bit leftover.  God is our PROVIDER! I can count on Him!

This year it rained, but God used it to draw us together in a unique way.  

This year we had a few volunteers who were unable to make it every night, others stood in the gap.

This year we had over 100 children EVERY NIGHT, and God gave us what we needed to share his love with each one.

This year we saw youth step up and take on larger roles, growing in their faith and gifts.

This year we invited the churches of Campbell River to partner with us, and they did - starting partnership that I’m excited to watch grow.

This year our church family came together and bought the food needed to feed over 200 people every night and provide the materials needed for the crafts.

This year children, youth and adult engaged in the theme: God is our Creator; Provider; Protector; Savior and King! I can Count on Him!

There is more I could write about.  I had front row seats to God at work in the lives of over 160 people and it was an amazing view.

I'll end with this: IAC is impacting lives.  The words of the songs learned will be sung throughout the year by young and old, the stories of how God worked will be told by the volunteers, the friendships that began will continue.  We created the space - and God moved in and through us.  

Thanks to all who partnered with us this year to make IAC happen.  

I am so excited for IAC 2015! Who's in?