The worn out old bull at the fence between Greenville and the Red River. Of course crossing the Red River...... Stopping at the same gas station every year for the 7 years I was a camper. The noise in the bus. The first time my "crush" held my hand. The Indian Nation Turnpike....the final 30 miles that always seem to take 2hrs to finish!!!! And finally, finally the little town of Clayton and that Big Beautiful Sign "Minnetonka Christian Camp".
Anyone who enters the winding road of camp for the first time might actually be disappointed at first glance. Its older and has less than some of the modern day camps........But not me. I've been going to this camp for 31 years give or take a few years off. I remember going as a non camper......going as a junior camper....attending as the hot shot Senior camper.....and finally the power ridden counsellor. There were "hook ups" and "breakups", sprained ankles, and sunburns, sore muscles, and best of all amazing calls to ministry.
I love the sight of the boys barn....the baseball and volleyball areas where I spent countless hours. There is the cafeteria where much was left to be desired, the creek I only remember getting in twice, the hill up to the girls cabins......The red clay dirt that sticks to everything!!! The musty smell of the cabin, the grossed out feeling as you dare to step into the shower but only with your flip flops on!!! And finally the chapel where literally thousands of lives have been changed.
If I close my eyes and think hard enough I can hear the voices of 350 campers singing "Open the Eyes of My Heart Lord" or "Beulah Land". I imagine that its a little taste of heaven here on earth and can't wait to sing with my fellow Christians in praise to Jesus face to face.
I'm so jealous it was only for a day....But so thankful that I can re-live the experience as well. And you know now my little ones are beginning to experience the "magic". Joshua is as I type eating breakfast and preparing for morning worship. Only today is a new day of worship for him as a Christian. During Monday nights services he accepted Christs gift and has given his live to Him. (And as if thats not enough so did his best little friend Brandon!!)
WOW! Another victory for Christ. All thanks to the power and experience that is Jesus and Summer Camp.
Josh Defeating Grandad in Sumo Wrestling
Brandon on the zip line
3 comments:
Yay! What a precious time for Joshua, and he'll always remember the special place he asked God into his heart. That must feel so good as a parent! And wonderful for Brandon and his family too!
Do you have any pictures of the boy's barn, creek, and any other areas of the camp. I last went to the camp 30 years ago and would like to show my kids.
my email is
dangrdocatyahoodotcom.
That's my home, that's where I grew up. I moved there when I was 6 and stayed until I married and moved away. No one can even begin to understand the feelings of nostalgia I get when I see pictures of the camp I called home for 12 years.
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