Never A Dull Moment: Summer Camps

As we wrap up our summer I have been thinking back to all that was done (and not done, but we'll focus on the "done" for now ;) We are very blessed to have many treasures all about our city. One of these treasures is Roper Mountain Science Center. Last year was the first time we experienced summer camp at Roper Mountain and we were sold! The catalog of camps arrived in our mailbox in early spring. We combed through all the options for the ages of the two who would attend. After some gentle steering as the girls honed in on their picks, we penciled in the dates we hoped to fill with camps and registered.

Haleigh picked "Jungle Tales" where she learned so much about the Jungle animals and their habitats. She loved every day of camp and couldn't wait to tell us all about the animals they got to hold or see each day. The last day of camp she got to be a tour guide for her sisters and me. Haleigh did a great job telling us detailed facts of the animals and then the rain forest. It was a blast to watch the excitement of learning in her eyes.

Haleigh and the giant toad.

the rain forest

Tour Guide Haleigh in the misty rain forest.

The following week Sophie had anticipated since she saw the camp options, Marine Biology camp. Amazing! I was blown away by all the cool things this camp offered. They had hands on tank time everyday where sting rays, sea urchins and star fish, were fed and studied. They made shark tooth necklaces, dissected squids, and kept a neat journal with facts of all they learned. The last day of Sophie's camp she had the pleasure of being a tour guide to Mrs. Megan, a special friend whose family had just arrived for a few days visit. (In all the excitement of our special guests I forgot my camera :( for the tour.) Sophie did a great job showing us how to handle the creatures and teaching us much of what she learned.

Finally, perhaps the most exciting, was Sophie's four day overnight camp at Look Up Lodge. Such an incredible opportunity for the third through fifth graders from our church to really dig in and learn about a personal relationship with Christ. I was surprised how tough it was on me to have Sophie away without the ability to chat with her throughout the days. I was glued to face book and twitter for any glimpse of her sweet face in a posted pic, or just a word of what was happening at camp. It was a funny feeling but good for both us. I can't say enough about the sweet folks that led the kiddos throughout the week. Sophie was so sad when it was time for camp to end. She has treasured memories and friends from the week that will last forever!