This is our first week of Tot Lot (camp for children ages 4-6) and we’re excited to get it started. We’re even more excited to be fully staffed this week. Of the churches that have adopted the volunteer needs of camp, representatives here this week include:

• Sharon Baptist Church from Olathe, KS
• 1st Baptist Church from Panhandle, TX
• 12th Ave Baptist Church from Emporia, KS
• Grace Christian Fellowship from Overland Park, KS

Between these three groups, more than 30 volunteers are working between Tot Lot and Big Camp.

The great thing about the first day of camp is that it is the day most of the mistakes are made, learned from, and moved out of the way. Monday was no different as methods learned in training were forgotten or dismissed, but then really driven home when the consequences of that type of error had to be dealt with. That’s a wonderful thing to see happen-the “light bulb” comes on at that point, and new volunteers realize there’s a method to our madness!

Not surprisingly, a few of the children at Tot Lot did not come to camp ready to listen and follow their Big Sister or Brother. It was good to see Galatians 5:23-24 lived out by the Big Siblings as they handled frustrating circumstances with love, patience, and self-control. The staff, many of whom did not know each other, quickly slipped into their dear roles of brothers and sisters in Christ working toward the common goal, as expressed in John 13:35.

The campers had a wonderful time in the pool, rode the pony and merry-go-round, played on the playground, had a tea party, learned about Heaven, and sat at the Bible teacher’s feet listening to bedtime stories during our Twilight Hour before they laid their sweet heads down after a full-day’s play.

Overall, day one was joyful. Please pray that our little campers are given an understanding from God of the loving gospel of Jesus Christ. Please pray that our staff continue to work together in the goal of bringing others into the kingdom of God. And please pray for awesome weather so the campers can play outside and enjoy the outdoors of camp.