Look here for information on 2012 Camp.

We had a GREAT week at “the beach” sharing the Word with the kids, learning new songs, playing very fun games, and digging into beachy crafts! There was one word spoken that we think sums up the week beautifully --- JOY!

We went through 10 dozen donuts (probably those teens!?!), collected $110 at the ice cream social, ate almost 10 gallons of ice cream, and ate many MANY cookies! We had an average attendance of 40 kids, and changed countless lives---that one is hard to put a number on, but the responses from both the kids and adults was very hearwarming and inspiring.

Our week was met with many “firsts”…it was the first year we had to play games indoors (for only one day, thank goodness—since when does it rain during VBC week?) Since we were short-staffed this year, it was the first time we had all age groups together for the daily lessons (that’s right, ages 3 to 12 all in one room---yikes!!), first time we had three 3-year olds (yes, you read right!…and it was quite a challenge, too!). It was the first time in all the years we’ve been doing this that the program dress rehearsal was soooooo bad, but the program was sooooo good! (Thank goodness we have such talented kids to work with!). It was also the first time we actually had an extra “quiet” room because we combined classes. Another first was the use of store-bought name tags --- (sounds weird, but all of you past art teachers will understand!)

We had 19 most-excellent teens helping us out this year, many of whom stepped up in a BIG way! Very VERY special thanks to Pastors Keith and Kimi Richardson for spending their vacation with us!! They led this great group of kids in devotions and also taught them a skit each day to perform for the kids….2 of them invited God into their hearts! Now that’s what the week is all about!

We had an awesome group of volunteers that stayed with us as we were trying to find our way through the week. Thank you so much!-----

Our teaching team did a superb job! Thanks to Leah Gregoire (PreK/K), Martha Mandel (1/2), Debi Reischman and Carol Jones (3/4), and JoAnn Peterson and Pastor Berry (5/6). We much appreciated the support of assistants Katie Wolff, Tommie Kirkendall, Myke Jagow, Gail Walker, Crystal Coulter, Jean Sabel, Alice Hewitt and Diane Stanton. Music was led by Dee Tholen and Mary O’Dea. Dee taught the kids the songs and motions to the songs, Mary played guitar and Sue Matson played piano for one of the songs. Crafts were taught by Christina Saldivar, Katie Bradley, and Sarla Stout --- (all former VBC kids themselves!) Drama for 5/6 was coached by Debi Reischman, our Funtime Game Guy was Jon Michael Gregoire, our Snack Ladies were Judy Scruggs (head snack lady) assisted by Muriel Bartz. On the registration desk was Naomi Quick and Ann Strebig. Our ice cream social sponsors and hosts were Del and Pauline Wright (thanks for the yummy ice cream you two!). They were assisted by Rose Gates, Renee Knapp, Jim and Diane Stanton. Steve Hampton and Sue Matson were busy taking pictures for Randy Reischman to use in preparing a PowerPoint presentation, Patrick McGraw was our program videographer-extraordinaire, Linda Bell did all of the ironing for the tee-shirt transfers, and Sue Matson was our ‘gal around camp’ (doing whatever needed doing!). So much gratitude to Steve and JoAnn Peterson for once again donating all the tee-shirts for the kids…they looked so great on the kids, and the kids loved getting a brand new t-shirt to wear, with a logo that will always remind them of their special week. Special thanks to all those who did behind-the-scenes craft projects for us: Jeri Gallagher, Christina Olson, Renee Knapp, Rose Gates, Judy Edelman, Naomi Quick, Del and Pauline Wright and Linda Bell.

Special thanks to Clarence Edelman and His Band of Merry Men who put up our sign and helped with setting up and then tearing down our “beach bash!”

If we missed thanking someone, we regret the oversight, but please know that we appreciated EVERY effort by EVERYONE! We couldn’t do this ministry without the faithful support of our Hoodland Lutheran Church family. You are a truly generous and thoughtful congregation.