camping done well, camping done right

a couple posts ago, i mentioned that i loved woodleaf. it makes my heart breathe. it really does. as i drove closer to the camp, my hear started to beat fast... and that started when i was still two hours away! this camp saved my life, it changed my life and it forever changed my expectations in camps. they do it well. they do it right.

campers stay in air conditioned cabins with real sheets and blankets on them. they don't bring sleeping bags. they have showers in their cabins. nice showers. that don't run out of hot water. their food is worth writing about in magazines. they don't skimp. it's not chicken fingers and tater tots. on friday night, the last night of camp, it's filet mignon, broccoli with cheese, a baked potato and raspberry cheesecake for desert. or at least that's what it was when i was working there. it's probably better now. i'm not kidding.

i love young life camps because they don't sacrifice quality which is a relief to see in a ministry. i've heard a lot of ministries say, "well, we're a ministry so that's why we can't do things as well as other people." i hate that answer. i'm a firm believer that because it's a ministry they should do it better and not settle for less. i feel like young life does this.

i love that they are a relevant ministry that teaches in relevant ways to the high school aged camper. being at woodleaf and seeing again what they do during every week of the summer and every day of the year, it made my heart beat fast for ministry again. it was like one of those defibrillators right to the ministry part of my heart! here are a couple pictures of their grounds. if you are ever near a young life camp, go tour it. it's incredible, i promise


this is 'burning man' aka the ropes course (ps, james, i liked the old one better minus the video stand!)



the view across the lake to town hall where they have their nightly 'club' meetings - which are incredible!

across the lake to the cabins - again, a.c., sheets, towels, carpet, windows, showers

this is the dining hall

this is the view from my old office - which has since been remodeled and is quite nice WITH A SHOWER (ps. james you and i need to have some seriously harsh words!)

this is the deck behind the game room that has pool tables and ping pong, also the sugar barrel aka snack shop where you can get blizzards or 'whirleys'

ziplines across the lake

this is the whiffle ball court

this is the town hall where the club meetings meet. instead of chairs there are just big steps so you sit on the floor which is much more welcoming.



i know, i know i'm a little biased. i love this camp. i also love spring hill. they are also doing amazing things.

here is a video that my friend tim sent of a drama that the summer staff - who are college kids who volunteer for one month at a time - put on during one of the club meetings. it brings tears to my eyes every time. it's INCREDIBLE!