Day One: 5/31

Today was the first day of Camp Gailor Maxon 2009. The staff showed up at 3pm, rolling in with tons of luggage, huge smiles, and a lot of expectations. We are starting the week-long process of preparing for campers to arrive Friday. Our staff development week is packed - they'll be trained in first aid and CPR, they'll hike, they'll learn about leading small groups, about developmental stages in children, and more. We'll grow as a team. Tonight we made a mission statement for CGM 2009 that I'd love to share with you:

"As staff members of CGM, we pledge to serve the Lord, campers, and each other. We strive to contribute back to the camp community that shaped our lives. We aim to accomplish this by enriching the lives of those around us; fellowship with campers, staff, and clergy; passing on traditions kept close to our hearts; and praising God through song and worship. We pray for guidance to model healthy relationships, aid in spiritual growth and create a space for campers to freely and openly discuss views, beliefs, and values while feeling safe- emotionally and physically. "

The staff wrote this and pledged to constantly be working towards furthering the mission they set forth as a team on this day. I can definitely say this is going to be an amazing staff.

Pictured below:
1) the "Leadership Team" meets and plans a great day of staff development
2) the staff sets their rules and expectations for themselves