Camp has a brilliant beginning!

Camp is underway and we're off to a good start this year. On Saturday, the JCs and SCs loaded up a caravan of vehicles and ventured out from Excelsior UMC to Decision Hills Camp. We kept pace with each other pretty well, for the most part. We did (ahem) run a little late, most likely because of yours truly, but we more or less arrived when we wanted to.

At that point, it was preparing for some of our duties at camp, as well as letting small group counselors connect and a staff made up of nine churches meet each other and learn to work with one another. Kristen almost broke the Frosted Flakes cereal dispenser.

On Sunday, a few campers trickled in from Faribault, the NE Metro, Jordan, and even South Dakota. Eventually, the Beast (the unofficial name for the big green bus from Excelsior UMC) lumbered into camp and unloaded a plethora of campers at our doorstep. After getting everyone registered and playing a few pick-up volleyball games, it was time to dive into camp.

Last night the Junior Counselors and Senior Counselors introduced themselves to the camp and everyone broke out into their small groups who they'll be meeting with for the rest of the week. Afterward, I led a brief worship service and we headed up to Meditation Hill. One campfire later, we were all definitely ready for some sleep.

Today has seen some water temperature issues - namely, making sure there's enough hot water for everyone's showers. This is partially our responsibility and partially new heating unit parts coming in this week. Despite this, spirits are high and I walked around camp observing great small group discussion on today's topic, Community.

Well, I'm off to enjoy "horizontal time," the so-called afternoon post-lunch siesta. The campers will do crafts and take the swim test today, then play some great volleyball and get some swimming in this afternoon.

I'll continue to keep you posted. I didn't advertise this blog as much as I should have, so help me spread the word.

In faith,
Nate Melcher
LYFE Camp Week I Dean