The Fourth of July began with another early morning. While most campers and staff were asleep, a few cabins and counselors were up at 6:00 AM taking down tents and walking back to the camp grounds. One of the most exciting times for the girls at camp is Optional Activities. Optional Activities is a time when each girl can choose three activities they want to participate in during the evening time before chapel, such as making s’mores, fishing, swimming, archery, camping out, and more.

On Tuesday night nearly fifteen campers camped out at the lake on camp property. During the Optional Activity time, from 6:30 to 8:00 in the evening, the girls set up their tents, helped collect twigs and logs to begin the fire, and by the time they were done, it was time for chapel. After chapel, all girls camping out headed to the camp-site and begin with devotions around the campfire. Devotions were led by the counselors who also camped out. After devotions, the girls roasted marshmallows around the fire, created s’mores, and sang songs. By the time they were done eating, it was nearly time for bed. The girls knew they had to get up early to take down their tents and walk back from the camp-site. Wednesday morning came quickly for those who camped out, but once they arrived to camp grounds, a nice cool shower awaited them.

The girls quickly ate breakfast, sang some camp favorites, and began their time with their morning rotation.  Mosaics is a rotation in which the girls participate in various activities, many pertaining to nature. The first day of  Mosaics, Tuesday, the girls took some time to look at the camp property and hunt for and then draw examples of fossils. Today, the girls helped give something back to Camp CUMCITO. The girls chose three areas on the camp grounds where they could plant some flowers.

Today was the hard work, requiring them to pull weeds and clear out the soil.  Although some girls were very unfamiliar with this type of work, many pitched in and did a great job preparing the areas for flower planting on Thursday. The idea is meant to reinforce the idea of love and how we should give back to people or place which has given something to them. The girls also are able to leave that legacy of love for future camps.

Following the regular afternoon schedule that consisted of lunch, cabin time, and swim time, the girls were surprised by a pool party and a small fireworks display following chapel in the evening. While rain clouds threatened to ruin an exciting celebration of Independence Day, God chased the storms away and not an inch of water fell on the camp grounds. The girls were able to light some sparklers and watch a fireworks display given by staff.

Many girls had a night swim and those who were relaxing outside of the water enjoyed homemade fruit smoothies.

The night ended pretty peacefully after such a special celebration.   

Prayers are continually needed and are being felt camp-wide. The camper who was struggling to submit to authority has begun to listen and obey. This camper has also begun to show kindness to her counselor. Prayers are still needed in the situation involving bullying. We ask for prayers concerning discernment with truth from the bullies as well as the one being bullied.  Mid-week is a trying time due to physical, emotional, mental weariness. Please take time to pray that our counselors continue to show God’s love to each girl here and that God would show His face to the counselors.