Day Sixteen: 6/15

On the first full day of Camp Gailor Maxon, we spend time introducing the chapel program and getting into the first stage of "Exodus: Journey of a Lifetime," by talking about strangerhood. We also try to make sure that the kids are getting to know each other and get along with each other by doing a night activity that involves teamwork.

Today was the first full day of Camp II. Camp II, for those who don't know, is the rising 7th-9th grade age group, so they're either in middle school or just come out of it. This group is very differnt from Camp I, just as Pre-Camp was different than Camp I and Camp III will be different from Camp II. This group focuses a lot on socializing and seem to deeply care about forming relationships with each other. They still seperate into boys and girls in large groups and have the kid inside them still that loves to play and have fun. They are inhibited about certain things because they don't want to be judged. The biggest difference I have seen goes along with that - Camp I kids were comfortable in their own skin while Camp II kids haven't found how to do that yet. It is my hope that camp helps these kids embrace their own personalities and find out who they are.

The highlights of today were the creek clean-up at Fiery Gizzard and the Octathalon (that really has 9 events but we don't think the word Nontalon is nearly as fun). The creek cleanup was optional and kids could sign up during afternoon activity signups. We wanted to keep it optional so that we could foster voluntary community service in these kids. We had a substantial group sign up and they really enjoyed learning about the organisms in the water and see the difference they could make by taking the time to clean up.

After dinner, we proceeded to the CGM Octathalon. The cabins were encouraged to have team spirit and two teams really embraced this - Cabin 6 and Cabin 1. Cabin 6 was decked out in pink and black, with their hair piled on top of their head and black war paint on their faces. They coordinated cheers and made sure to support each other as they did each of the events. Cabin 1 dressed in all blue and came up with a team name - the Blue Devils. They rallyed behind each other and supported each other very well.

The competition was stiff and every cabin won at least one of the events. Of particular note were the stylin' dance moves of Maddi Taylor and Rylee Hilliard, who sealed the win for the dance off for Cabin 5. They were absolutely adorable as they did the snake and the moonwalk for everyone.

Included in this post are:

1) Cabin 1 and 2 racing to the center for the start of dodgeball

2) Robert, a member of the Cabin 1 Blue Devils, showing off his pride

3) Cabin 6 playing in the balloon toss

4) the creek clean up group posing after a successful trip

5) listening to the park ranger at the creek clean up