A True Melding Together of Hearts

A True Melding Together of Hearts Nothing tells the story of camp like the view on Friday morning during the slide show. Early in the week, campers and counselors sat together in the chapel, but they are distinct when looking over the crowd. However, on Friday...

Not Just a Name

Not Just a Name Counselors and staff gathered in the chapel, and Darren picked up the mic. It’s his job to get camp started. He went over the rules, the expectations, the what-not-to-dos and introduced support staff. Then he started his talk. As he spoke, “not just a...

What Difference Does It Make?

What Difference Does It Make? What difference can one week make in the life of a kid? Is all this work and planning really worth it? You get to know the kids for a few days, grow to love and understand them a little, and then you say good-bye. A few years ago, I...

Courage

Courage On her first attempt at the zip line, Becky only made it halfway up the steps when her fear took over and forced her to turn around, cautiously making her way back down to the ground. From there, as she watched her fellow campers, one after another, take the...

Dear Randall

Dear Randall A great story from a counselor who attended an Onward & Upward retreat years ago. Randal Senter was the leader of the praise & worship band that weekend. Enjoy! Dear Randal, Let me tell you a story. 2011 was my camper’s first year at the Onward...

Thank you to my counselor

Thank you to my counselor “If I could say thank you, I would. Thank you for not making judgments about me. Thank you for my picture book. Thank you for listening to me try to explain things. Thank you for doing things with me and acting like you really had fun....