9. The Games. Oh My! GaGa Ball, Steal the Bacon, 300 Yard Color Bomb Launcher, Inflatable Obstacle Course Competitions...and the lists goes on, but I'd hate to worry any parents.
8. Scorpions. Yes, an unusual item to appear on the week's list, but it seems that Lakeview has found a way to profit from the nasty little suckers. You'll find in the gift shop that the Scorpion has become somewhat of an unofficial mascot for camp. They have tshirts with the arachnid screen printed on them and you can buy a sucker with a scorpion IN IT. How many licks would it take me to get to the center of that?...umm...none thank you.
7. Everybody is somebody at Lakeview. Who knew that 365 days can pass and it only takes around 2 hours for friendships to be reunited, new friends to find their place in the group, and counselors to step into the lenient-yet-make-sure-you-don't-die at camp kind of parental roll.
6. Food. My BFF Cassie says that her son, Taylor looks forward to camp because he knows the food will be so good all week. Her hubby Chris claims that says a lot about her cooking, but I'm objecting to that. I think it really is the food here! I think...
5. Peace of Ice. Yes. I realize I sometimes walk the line drawn between appropriate and definitely not-so-appropriate, but the name of the snow cone stand is, "Peace of Ice". The snow cones are delightful.
4. The Fellowship. There is something about spending the night with old friends and new friends that can bring relationships to a whole new level. The senses seem to heighten the experience when you go to bed at midnight and rise before
7am without a Keurig. Who would have ever thought she moves her foot like that for the last 10 minutes of the day to put herself to sleep...hypothetically?
3. Wet Willie. I personally haven't experienced this Lakeview phenomenon, but I hear the kids love it. It is a classic summer camp kind of activity. Huge slide into shark infested waters...kidding...I'm sure it's safe, but you won't find me swimming in that lake.
2. Location. The grounds here at Lakeview are incredible. I live in the country on lots and lots of acreage, so for me to say the place is incredible says a lot. This camp is set apart for numerous churches and other organizations and individuals. The things God has done and is still doing here at Lakeview can never be counted or even estimated. He has worked here since 1947 and is still using the grounds for building his kingdom. Also, I' d like to commend all the churches who send vans, drivers, counselors and campers from hundreds of miles away. On the drive over here every year I give thanks to Him for choosing this land so close to our hometown to plant this sacred place. It's practically in our own backyard.
1. Worship. I can't say enough about it. I don't think I can articulate the work of the holy spirit in each worship service during our week here. There is something breathtaking about standing in a room full of kids praising our creator with hands raised and voices turned up. You will find it multiple times a day in every age group. We have lights, drums, guitars, awesome worship leaders and songs whose lyrics help us pour out our love for Christ through music. That's what we are here for...to meet God...in the woods...at camp...FROM THIS SIDE OF THIRTY.