Project 365, Week 32

Time...what a gift. At the office, sitting on the back porch, watching a soccer game, traveling with a group of teenagers. I'm grateful for it all.

August 7

For weeks, this particular Axis & Allies game has been set up. I will never understand, but I'm glad my boys can connect over the board game. Also, Aiden came dangerously close to beating his dad.

August 8

On our morning walk, Ginger and I stopped in to see Avery and the kids she was babysitting, just a mile from our house. They have lots of fun together.

August 9

Summer league.

August 10

A faithful companion.

August 11

Before the sun, we were up and out. Five adults and this crew of kids headed to Bible Quiz Camp, designed to help new to seasoned quizzers and their leaders learn new skills...memorizing techniques, buzzing in strategies for meets, etc. They also just enjoy being with each other and there was much fun to be had, both on the road trip and at the camp.

We just happened to stop at this Chick-fil-A on the one day a year, of the one hour of the year when they were running a special in hopes of breaking their drive-thru record. We were happy to get free milkshakes out of the deal and it was fun to be a part of the employees' obvious enthusiasm. I checked in later...they served 241 cars in one hour, breaking their previous record. Just kind of a fun thing that we got to be included in.

We arrived with time to spare, so the kids got right to playing before things officially kicked off at 3 PM. Our group got split up, and placed on a team with kids from other churches largely based on experience. While they practiced and trained with leaders, other volunteers held workshops for the parents/coaches. 

The grounds were perfect for our event and we all had some envy of the beautiful, functioning accommodations in comparison to the lacking facilities we use for church camp. 

August 12

I began the morning alone and quiet and walked some of the grounds.  I realize now that I only have pictures of playtime, but we all really did get some useful training.

(I was asleep when this late-night dodgeball game/dance party happened). The kids deepened some friendships and made new friends with people from other states...it was special to watch.

August 13

Katie and I shared a room with the three girls of the group. What a blessing to see Romans and James strewn around our room and the camp.

One last gathering to share our takeaways and think about some team and personal goals.

Three vehicles and 17 people...we made many stops and it was uncanny how terrible they were. One stop, specifically for a restroom, had one restroom on the side of the building. At least there was seating (and rocks to throw) while we waited. :)

Post Bible Quiz Camp, our first challenge to them was to memorize five verses on the PA to CT ride home, with ice cream promised to those who were successful. They ALL did it!! And then...we gave them back to their parents. :)