Well, this was my first year at Camp Dakota and let me say it was great.  There were  a lot of very good things that happened this weekend.  Some highlights include, plenty of time for uninterrupted conversation, great meals, rest and relaxation, new friendships begun and old ones strengthened, Carrie and Cassie Broberg keeping the Horseshoe Championship in the family, a teen midnight hike and devotional and in a reversal of the past, Jim Boatner dousing Marshall Zoerner with a bucket of water at campfire!  Ah, revenge is sweet!

Our theme this year came from Joshua 1:9 “Be strong and courageous, don’t be afraid!” which leads me to my favorite part of the weekend,  the Swires!  On Saturday morning the Joneses and the Swires took on the new and improved zipline course at Camp Dakota.  We signed waivers, geared up (not the most flattering of outfits) and took to the trees.  Our first stop was a 25 foot ladder up to platform Number 1.  I have been on a lot of ladders and can attest this one was a steep one. The first few folks made it to the top with some hesitation and then it was time for little Andrew Swires to go up.  This ladder is about thirteen and a half Andrews high and the rungs were set pretty far apart.  But he started right up, got about half way, slowed a little bit, got some encouraging words from everyone else in the group, and kept right on going to the top.  What a trooper!  Like everyone else, he was a little nervous right before he took off on his first zip, but was all smiles the rest of the morning.  He was so brave, it even helped Kaye do the whole course.

Then Sunday morning during worship Greg delivered some very good thoughts from the scriptures for us to consider.  He was nervous too, but encouraged all of us to trust God and to face our fears with confidence in him.  He modeled a courage that is rooted in God’s trustworthiness.  It was an encouraging weekend and I am thankful I got to go.

And a big “Thank You” to Marshall Zoerner and Brandon Walker and their families for all the work they put in to make Church Camp-out come together.  Nice Job you all!    Oh, and 3 on 6 volleyball was pretty good too, eh?

See you all Sunday,  Hoj