Count Down to Family Camp ‘11

Every year families from the St. James Town community are able to enjoy 4 days together in the beautiful Muskoka region.   This year is no exception!  We are expecting approximately 70 people to climb on a school bus and head to Deer Lake Camp and Conference Centre on June 30th for four fun filled days of swimming, activities, good food and great fellowship.  Please pray for the staff and interns as they prepare and pray for the families, that it would be a time or rest and rejuvenation.  The following is a reflection by 2010 Summer Intern Kathleen Slofstra.

“This is more fun than watching television!”

I greatly enjoyed seeing growth in the children at family camp this past year. One person in particular who has grown immensely over the past year was Alison*.  During the first small group time she made some smart remarks, which distracted the other children. I think that the other kids, especially at family camp, look up to her so she has a tremendous impact on the group dynamics.  At first, I was a bit worried about doing my small group time.

However, the second day, I was surprised to find that Alison listened very attentively. She was interested in the activity I did and even asked some questions. I spent some time making a sandcastle with her and it was neat to see her so engaged. I also enjoyed seeing her working positively with the other kids. As we worked together to build a wall around the sandcastle she said to the group, “This is more fun than watching television!” I was touched by the comment since so many of the kids and teenagers seemed so preoccupied by technology at family camp even when there were so many other activities they could do. 

Although Alison may still act up some times, I think she’s shown major improvement over the past year. She is very influential and if she continues to improve in her behaviour she has a potential to become a positive leader in future years.

*name has been changed