A Day of Healing and Hope

Thursday was yet another incredible day at camp. As you may have read, we are on a "Road Trip with Jesus" this week, as we journey to our destination of hope. So far our "road trip" has taken us many exciting places together. On Monday we talked about how the Church- the Body of Christ- is the "car" we travel together in. We all have our own part to play as part of the car: As the bumper, the lights, the stereo, the engine, the horn, or the wheels.

On Tuesday learned that Jesus is the road we travel on- he is the "Way", the Truth and the Life (see John 14.6-7). We learned that Jesus has traveled the path we travel, because in him God became human and journeyed through life just like we do. On Wednesday, we learned about the fuel that fills our tank: The Love of God. It is only God's Love that can give us the power to walk with Jesus through life. And last night, Thursday, we learned about how God uses sacraments to fill our tank with Love, and the fix our lives when we "break down" on the journey.

To top off the night, we had our big talent show and bonfire. At the talent show, our kids really showed off the unique gifts and talents that God has blessed them with. They sang, they danced, they played music, they cracked jokes, and above all they had a blast. Not only were the performances very entertaining, but also the campers really supported each other. They listened and clapped, hooted and hollered, all to encourage each other.

Finally, we closed camp last night with a very moving service of outdoor worship in the majesty of God's creation, with a canopy of stars overhead. We sang to our creator, and offered our prayers up to God as the flames from the campfire reached up to the heavens. We offered the sacrament of unction and prayer for any of our campers or staff who desired God's healing or a deeper experience of Christ's love. Nearly the entire camp came up for prayer. It was an overwhelming experience of the power of God's Love.

I look forward to another incredible say with these kids and counselors. It is an incredible blessing and honor to be the dean at this week's camp.

May Christ fill your life,
Fr. Nate Bostian

Another Full Day

Wednesday was a huge success. We fueled up for the day with a hearty breakfast of waffles and sausage and sleepily trudged across the road to chapel. Danny filled the camp with energy and upbeat songs and the campers jumped up and down with excitement as they shook off their tiredness. They all screamed when John announced that we would be playing "Nuke 'Em" on the centrum and some even got out of their seats with excitement. We were busy all morning with teaching, acting out some scenes from the Bible of times when people strayed from God, all-the-while being loved by him. The kids' humor shined as they wittily interpreted the scenes and molded them and made them their own. Jonah, Thomas, Adam & Eve, Peter, and Saul all made appearances at Camp Capers' theatre. Lunch was great, King Ranch Chicken with rice and beans on the side, and the kids were feeling full and drowsy as we headed back to the cabins for a much needed rest period. In the heat of the afternoon, the water coolers were refilled again and again while the campers shuffled between Arts and Crafts and the pool or river. Fishing, kayaking and tubing were a huge hit at the river and the catfish stories kept growing in size and frequency. At the pool, some new water features added a little extra splash and frisbees and balls were all flying across the water. The kids made stamps from styrofoam plates in Arts and Crafts and made friendship bracelets with beads and string while some added finishing touches to their nametags. After a dinner of pork chops and potatoes, we transitioned into a game of "Human Clue", based on the board game. The counselors all dressed up as different fictional characters and allowed each cabin group one question at a time while the kids tried to piece together the Who, What, and Where of a theft. They had a blast, enthusiastically completing tasks in order to ask their questions. After "Human Clue", we had canteen and headed to chapel. The wind cooled off the open stone building and we sang and worshipped and reinforced what was taught in the morning. Tired and weary, we stumbled back across the chapel road and made our way to our cabins for the night, exhausted and satisfied, but excited for the day to come.

Love to all,
Matt Sanborn

A Great Beginning

          What a great start to a great week. I loved seeing the kids become especially excited for camp when they saw their old counselors and friends at registration. After everyone got moved into their cabins and changed into their swimsuits, we headed to the pool for a much-needed swim; the temperature was already hitting the hundreds and everyone could use a dip. Water is a crucial part of camp. Not only is it a physical necessity, but also the pool plays such a great part in camp life. Week after week I read the evaluations from campers and every time I get a batch that say their favorite part of camp was swimming. It is such a great interaction time between campers, and campers with their counselors. There is something about unplanned playtime that sparks the inner personality of some campers.

            After we gobbled up our delicious spaghetti and meatballs (my favorite), we went into the activities building to play a few games before canteen. When John (our activities director) announced that we would be playing Ships and Sailors, an eruption of yells bounced off the walls of the building that had a tone of joy and excitement. Needless to say, it was a great game to play the first day.

            As the sun set, and so did the temperature (barely), we had a soothing chapel service filled with songs and calming embraces as we swayed back and forth to the music. In chapel, it is just so natural for us to stand up and put our hands around each other when we stand up to sing a song. To some, the idea of swaying to the music side by side might be a strange one, but I feel it shows others about how much we care about one another. As soon as we stand up we embrace shoulders, whether we have known you for ten years, or ten hours. The difference doesn’t matter, all that matters is that we hope you feel at home and welcome here at camp and that we would do anything for you. That’s it for now! I’ll be back tonight!

Love to all,

     Lena B.

Until Next Time

I cannot explain to you what a great group of kids we had for this Junior High session. Todays closing was an emotional one. Many counselors teared up as they saw their campers leave and vice versa. We have one more week until our mid-summer break so many of us are tired, and sometimes a bit groggy. As our Dean talked to us about this past week and and great work, he said something that really hit home:


"God doesn't give you anything you can't handle." - Patrick Soule (Dean)


Even though this next week will be like waiting for Christmas Break during the school year, you have to finish strong, just as strong as you started in the beginning. I'm not saying our staff isn't excited or optimistic about the week to come, but our young bodies need some rest. I had deja vu the other day, feeling as if I had just pulled four all nighters in a row studying for finals. Needless to say, right when I get home I will be cuddling up in my bed with my puppy and sleeping until Sunday morning. God has given me the power to achieve all that I wish to achieve; this week I hope to achieve the love and trust of others, while forming relationships with not only the campers, but with God as well. I have a really good feeling about this next week, and I can't wait. 

Love to all,
     Lena B.

Catching Up

We have been busy, busy, busy having so much fun this week. You can really tell that the campers are enjoying themselves. I have compiled a video that contains video clips from throughout the week so that you all can experience what the campers are doing, seeing, and experiencing. You will see video clips from the ropes course, our night swim, and a special staff flash mob that took place during canteen and much more! This is my first attempt at making a mini-movie so tell me what you all think. Enjoy!

Junior High Camp A

Love to all,
     Lena B.

Making Some Changes

Let me just start this off by saying that tonight we had the BEST game of Human Clue ever played. We usually have two night activities but instead we just had one really long game of Human Clue. The theme was famous couples and duos. For instance, my friend Lukas and I were the couple from Footloose while others were Beauty and The Beast, Adam and Eve, Prince William and Kate Middleton and many more. The costumes were great, the campers loved it, and we all had a great time. Besides playing Human Clue, I got to facilitate the Low Ropes this afternoon. The low ropes elements incorporate values such as teamwork, trust, perseverance and commitment. It is great to see the campers go through challenges like these because it is a great way for them to grow through different obstacles. Another thing that we did differently today was that we had open seating dinner, where the campers could choose where they wanted to sit instead of sitting with their cabin. You could tell they really enjoyed eating with their other quad mates. The counselors loved it too; they chanted with the kids and laughed and made memories that the kids will remember forever. All of the summer staff has off tonight and we are all excited becaue tomorrow is our Staff Diretor's birthday, and we all love her dearly. She is a great friend and inspiration to us all and we don't know what we would do if she wasn't up here this summer. Anyways, her birthday is tomorrow and we are celebrating tonight with fondue and cake. When the clock strikes midnight, we will sing happy birthday and hopefully, if we all haven't fallen asleep on the kitchen tables, we will dance and laugh and celebrate our great friend's birthday. We love you Emily! Happy birthday! Besos! I need to get back to the kitchen, that fondue is going fast! Goodnight! Love to all, Lena B.

Increasing Energy Levels Keeps the Staff on Their Toes

The day began with some delicious eggs, bacon, and hash browns for breakfast, which provided the campers with the energy they needed to tackle the day. The morning activity was Q-Ball, a game founded on these very grounds that incorporates soccer, ultimate Frisbee, and dodge ball. I can say with full confidence that the campers thoroughly enjoyed the game, as it was the first time that not a single camper sat on the side or stood in one place during the entire game. Their energy for the game carried on into teaching where we discussed the topic of joy and how everyone interprets and expresses joy in different ways. We also read the collect for today and the campers were given the opportunity to come up with their own collect, which they could read at the end of evening chapel. After some delicious chicken nuggets for lunch and a quick nap, the campers enjoyed the beautiful day in the pool and made some “shrink-a-dinks” in arts and crafts. The day ended with an extreme game of capture the flag played all throughout camp. While this game is usually reserved for the younger sessions such as Intermediate and Primary, this group of Junior High campers requested that we play it numerous times. So, as Activities Director, their wish is my command. This magnificent day ended with a night swim. If I may say so myself, that night swim was the best night swim I have ever been a part of… and I was lifeguarding. The kids screamed, danced, and played the entire time! It is amazing to me how much the energy level has changed since the first night. The first couple of hours into this session, it seemed that this group of junior high campers was extraordinarily laid back and reserved. This is no longer a concern, as it appears that they are finally crawling out of their shell in full force. While the energy level may have been a concern at first, the campers increasing liveliness has diminished that worry completely.

Until next time.

God Bless,

John Michael Murphy

Junior High

         As I sat at breakfast this morning, I looked around at all of the campers calmly eating their pancakes and sausage when I had a sudden realization; out of all the age groups, I have seen these kids grow up the most. Taking pictures at registration, I don't really get a chance to actually see the next kid in line until they are put in front of my lens. Then, after looking through the peep hole, I see some of my old campers and friendly faces. Some have gotten their braces removed, while others had received the lovely grace of braces. Either way, some of them don't even look the same! It just blow my mind that I am able to watch these kids grow up and mature in and with Christ. I can't wait to spend the rest of the week with them and be able to get to know everyone better. I'm also especially excited because my brother is up at camp this week, and it's always fun to have Hondo around.
          Love to all,
              Lena B.

The Screamer

          Today, we were all a little tired; but that didn’t stop us. Today was a normal scheduled day, but a GREAT day at the least. I think that we all especially enjoyed the extended rest period. It definitely gave us an extra boost for an exciting afternoon. Like always, the pool was great and enjoyed by all, same goes for the river. I think the highlight of my day was going and hanging out by the Screamer. I stayed down there a little extra longer today and I’m glad I did. A lot of the kids went all the way up to the top with no problem at all, while others needed a little pep talk to get barely past half way up. The most memorable image that sticks in my head is the moment when they counted down 3-2-1 and let go. The sheer image of fear mixed with joy spread across their face with a grin that reached from ear to ear. With clutched fingertips around the cable and eyes wide open, they let go. They did it. They committed. And they were proud! We were proud.

            Day by day these kids change my life and teach me a lesson. Today, that lesson was to challenge myself; to face my fears. Let me tell you, when I went on the Screamer a couple of weeks ago, I didn’t want to go to the top. Lucky for me, I have great friends who don’t tend to listen to me at all and took me all the way to the top anyways. I couldn’t even count to three because I was crying so hard. I mean, was I really serious!? I am an 18-year-old woman who wouldn’t even verbally commit herself to a task that primary campers would do in a heartbeat. That is what amazes me. I need to live a life where I can overcome a challenge faced before me, even if it is as silly as being pulled up 60 feet in the air and swinging on a giant wire. Tomorrow is our last full day and I am determined to make it the best. With a talent show and bonfire in store, there is no doubt that tomorrow is looking great.

            Love to all,

                 Lena B. 

Wow.

          WOW. WOW WOW WOW! Once again, I must apologize for my lack of blogging but yesterday was our all day, fun filled, non-stop, day of fun. By the end of the day I was extremely exhausted, as were all of the campers, and the staff. Basically we were all walking zombies this morning at breakfast. We started off yesterday with an energetic chapel session and then surprised the campers with another game of capture-the-flag. Needless to say, it was epic; probably the longest game of capture-the-flag in Capers history. After running around in the hot morning sun, we decided to have an all-camp morning swim. As soon as it was announced, the entire camp went crazy. It was only noon and we were all ready for a nap.

            The afternoon arrived in the blink of an eye and our normal routine was back on track. At arts and crafts the kids did tie-dye while also either going to the pool or river. Last night at dinner we were surprised with a treat getting served orange chicken, rice, and broccoli. It was scrumptious! Little did the campers know, but all day program staff and counselors had been planning activities for a COUNTY FAIR!!! We were all so excited and all a little nervous and stressed. We only had about thirty minutes to set up all thirteen stations while at the same time trying to be secretive about it and trying to avoid the campers seeing us set up. The stations were bobbing for apples, wrestling for Crisco covered watermelons, sack races, arm wrestling, water balloon tosses, water balloon shaving with a butter knife, tug o’ war, face painting, a photo booth, and a cold sponge throw. And to top it all off, for night canteen we had cotton candy. Geez Louise! That’s a lot! The kids had a great time and I had a great time taking pictures of all the events going on.

            As we wound down the day, chapel was a special one; filled with campers dressed in their pajamas with stuffed animals in tow. I’ll admit it, I brought along my stuffed animal as well. It was the end of a great day. Many say it might have been the best day of their lives; little do they know that at Camp Capers, plenty of these days are soon to follow.

            Love to all,

                 Lena B. 

A Chat with our Chaplain and Dean

          Today, I sat down with our Chaplain, Scott Brown, and our Dean, Ripp Hardaway, as we discussed some of the things that the kids have been learning at camp this past week. Stern and serious, our DCT thoroughly explains their lesson plans as well as their experience while being here at camp.

A Chat with the Chaplain and Dean

And by a chat I mean a nonchalant conversation between two best friends that makes absolutely no sense. Needless to say, our DCT this week is a very humorous one. Goodnight! I cannot wait to share the surprises that are in store for tomorrow!

     Love to all,
        Lena B.

A Campers Point of View

         Today, I decided to have the campers blog for me. Only the kids can truly tell you how their day went. Below is the YouTube link to a short video from a few campers and staff. I hope you enjoy!

What Was Your Favorite Part About Today?


    Love to all,
         Lena B.

The Best Week of Your Life

            This summer’s theme is “Abound in Hope”, but this week’s motto is “The Best Week of Your Life”. Our DCT (Dean, Chaplin, and Teacher) this week is embracing the fact that many of these children have never been to camp before. Many of these children have never been exposed to this type of living, while some of their parents have yet to experience dropping off their babies to a summer camp for a week. Let me reassure you, your babies are doing great and by the looks on everyone’s faces they are having a great time too. I forgot what it was like to be a primary camper; being so alive and youthful is such a beautiful thing. The things I learn from these kids! I have only been surrounded by these beautiful souls for less than 8 hours and I have already forgotten that I do not need to be so stressed over things in my life that should not be being stressed over! For example, this weekend I worried and worried about the blog. “Does anybody read it?” I asked myself. “If they do read it, are they satisfied?” Due to me being a worrywart, I was unable to sleep, tossing and turning on my cozy tempur-pedic. What was I thinking!? I needed to CALM DOWN. At registration today I had a mother approached me and she asked if my name was Lena. Of course, I answered yes. And then she went on and on about how much she loved the blog. The details, the pictures, the variety, everything! She was definitely one happy customer. It was also really great that my boss happened to be standing right next to us and heard all of the positive compliments erupting between our conversation.

 Needless to say, I need to stop being a worrywart. I need to HAVE FUN! Yes, this week is all about the campers, and I am more than dedicated to making them realize that a part of their life has been missing and that they have finally found it. But, I need to remind myself that I should be having the best time of my life as well. If I’m not having a great time, God knows the campers won’t be. My job is not just set in stone as Lena Bozzo-Photographer and full time blogger; I also serve as a role model and inspiration. I need to remember that these kids look up to me like I looked up to the staff when I was ten years old. I will forever be installed in these campers’ brains, and it is my decision on whether that preservation will be good or bad.

Tonight, I leave you with a quote that I feel represents my perspectives­­ on the rest of the week:

“Be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead!" - I Peter 1:6

Yes, yes there is.

        Love to all,

              Lena B.