Kids Small Groups

Short & to the point...the busses are loading up and set to be back in the Bridge Lot @ 12:30 pm. Can't wait for the stories to begin to be told!

This one is a LONG one because it was a LONG and super impactful day...here we go:

* Free time activites ROCKED with more pool time, ziplining, duct ball and MORE.  Some of the counselors even took the challenge of the "leap of faith".  It truly was a leap of faith on the 40 foot high ropes course.  Counselors, way to accept the challenge modeling what it means to take a leap of faith not only through this ropes course challenge but all week long.  We love our counselors!!!

* Final chapel brought the week home.  The night's challenge was how do we truly clothe ourselves in Christ as we strive to be more like Him every day.  How will your child be clothed in Christ coming home tomorrow afternoon?  Ask him/her first thing.  Also, ask them about Matthew 7:12, their scripture that Pastor Phil challenged them to take down the mountain with them as a reflection of this week of camp.  Cannot wait to see God transform their lives as they come home.

* NEXT STEPS:  There is so much more beyond this inspiring week that the kids should do.  First, weekend service attendance.  God calls us to worship together as the body of Christ every week, so we hope your kids will join us at Saddleback Kids in the Edge this weekend and for the rest of the year.  Second, Baptism Class as we mentioned in an earlier post.  No better way to take the next step in our faith by proclaiming to the world our commitment to follow Jesus through baptism.  Finally, Kids Small Groups.  Your kids are now all ready to be disciples of Saddleback Church so get your kid registered THIS week at http://saddleback.com/ksg.

* Passionate worship like we have never seen before.  Hands were raised and voices shouted out as all of our 4th, 5th and 6th graders praised God.  Gives me chills just thinking about how they glorified God this evening.  Powerful!

* Nighttime FUN with more s'mores, fireside cabin time and a night swim.  Cannot end camp without more ooey gooey deliciousness and swimming (who needs the 20 minute rule anyway, right?).

And the best part(s) you parents have been waiting for:

It is hard to believe, but SK 2013 Summer Camp is gearing up for its final day up at Alpine.  But rest assured the kids are ending it with a bang.  Great stories from last night's cabin times.  Kids accepted Christ for the very first time, questions galore about God, salvation and more and commitments to really follow the ABCs in a whole new way once they get down the mountain.  PRAISE GOD for moving in the hearts and lives of these kids in incredible ways. 

Many kids asked about their next step of faith - BAPTISM.  Here are the next upcoming Baptism Class dates so you and your camper can attend:

Just another BEAUTIFUL Alpine day!  Everyone got a good night's sleep (especially comparing Sunday night's away-from-home energy to Monday night's heads hitting the pillows zonked).  They had another filling breakfast then headed to chapel to review the night before.  Do YOU remember who/what Pastor Phil talked about with the kids?

After chapel laughter echoed throughout camp.  Pool rec was in a single word - HILARIOUS.  Again we hope to post some pics but wi-fi just is not our friends as it is relating to the photos.  After the wet and wild silliness everyone grubbed for lunch to then currently have FREE TIME.  As we speak, your kids are zip lining, water sliding, ping ponging, playing cards (not gambling, don't worry), rock wall climbing, hiking, exploring and having fun, Fun, FUN times!  Makes me tired thinking of all the options and fun all around Alpine Camp.

We apologize for the delay as the Internet connection to upload photos is sort of terrible up in the mountains.  Nonetheless, here are some snapshots of what's been going on so far...

Your kids had a FULL day of action.  First, the team colors were brightly shining during rec time.  The teams proudly represented in some friendly competition before lunch.  It sure helped them build up an appetite for lunch.  And then a free-for-all afternoon with options galore...pool time, sports, crafts, cafe snacks, zip lining, climbing wall and more.  I am sure you can already guess which free time activities your child immediately selected.  They sure had a blast making new friends, bonding with their cabins and just having fun this afternoon.  And to top it all off, the weather has been great.  Not too hot and no more rainy clouds.  Thank you, Lord, for such amazing conditions!

Another heaping and delicious camp meal to refuel the campers and counselors for chapel.Tonight's message focused on Jacob and Moses.  These heroes of the Bible modeled how we need to rely upon God.  Specifically, Pastor Phil challenged the kids to rely on God for patience, endurance and strength.  Sure sounds like a message that not only the campers but the counselors and even us here at home could greatly benefit from.  Excited for the conversations you will have with your kids on these key character traits we can gain from God.

And that's not even all.  After a powerful message, there was still plenty of energy to get out.  Kids donned their camo and black attire to engage in a crazy night game.  Let's just say it involved lots of hunting for counselors, flashing lights and laughter galore.  Best of all, it wore your kids OUT!

Currently, Alpine Camp is slowly but surely shutting down for the evening.  Cabin talks are underway and campers (& counselors) eyes are starting to get heavy.  What an action-packed day with fun, faith, friendships and fellowship.  God is continuing to work in mighty ways in the hearts of your kids...and there are still 3 more days to go!  Until tomorrow...

The campers and counselors awoke to a mountain thunderstorm to kick-off their first full day of Saddleback Kids Summer Camp.  They stayed dry and safe and enjoyed the dramatic shift in weather.  And they also enjoyed a DELICIOUS Alpine breakfast.  Who knew camp food was actually so yummy?!?! 

Afterwards they all headed to chapel where they reviewed what Pastor Phil spoke about the evening prior.  Anyone remember (without looking at the blog post below)?  Make sure you are tracking so you can ask your kids lots of great follow-up questions when they get home.

Next up - REC TIME.  Let the team "battles" begin as each cabin proudly represents their colors.  Should be tons of FUN and healthy competition during rec today!  More fun on Monday to come...

Each cabin is settling in now for some cabin time.  This will be an extra special time for each cabin to meet with God, debrief on the chapel message and get to know each other.  Pray for each of the counselors right now as they lead your kids in some great discussion.  Some will have silly jokes, some will be quiet wallflowers and some will share some tough stuff.  No matter what, pray that God speaks through each of our incredible counselors in this first night of SK Summer Camp 2013.  And, of course, in turn that your kids will draw closer to their close & newfound friends and most importantly God this week.

Our 200+ Saddleback Kids arrived at camp around 5:45 pm.  Thank you for your prayers as the busses departed Saddleback Church for Alpine.  All are safe and sound and HUNGRY for dinner.  Everyone got settled in quickly and headed just as quickly to the dining hall for dinner.  Then they'll kick off the night with the first chapel message from Pastor Phil.  Pray for the kids life-changing experiences to begin.  Let Saddleback Kids 2013 Summer Camp BEGIN!!!