Hello Campers!

Days are passing quickly and I have not been online in awhile - just a busy season for me. But the camp deadline date for deposits in coming soon (Jan. 31) and we want to make sure everyone who wants to be a part of camp is there!

If you are planning to come to camp next summer we need to have your deposit by January 31, 2008! Each camper is required to put down $50 to reserve their spot...but don't worry you don't have to have your balance paid until June 2008!

However, not everyone will be eligible to come to camp. Here are the requirements:

Returning AWANA Campers - must finish their current book for the year
Non-AWANA Campers - must get referrals from three sources plus do a short essay on what you expect to gain from camp.

This year's camp as well as future camps will be structured only for those serious teens who are not ashamed of their testimony, and want to learn about our Lord more and will become active living disciples in their neighborhoods, churches, schools, work places, etc.

Each year's camp is designed to take the student to another level till they finally complete their senior year to become Young Warriors In Christ. We are in a battle for the salvation of our teens, adults and frankly our society. It is time that Christians no longer stand on the sidelines, but get in the "battle" and win souls for the Kingdom. But how can we do this if we don't train our Youth so that they become effective - passionate soldiers for Christ.

This camp is structured to deliver this and more especially year after year as we build on the tools/techniques from the previous summer. Don't shy away from this challenge - step up to the plate and become a player in this game called life...but if you want a camp that is not going to challenge you spiritually then this camp is not for you.

We will have a powerful program for you this summer with a national band, speakers, scripture memorization, Bible study time and yes, some free time to burn off some of that fun energy. Next summer will be here before we know it - so sign up now!

Nina

Camp 2008 - Timberline!!!!

Hello Campers!

I have not blogged in awhile since life has gotten real busy in August/September. But I wanted to communicate that camp is happening.

Where: Timberline Baptist Camp in East Texas (specifically Lindale, TX)
When: Sunday - August 3rd - Saturday - August 9th , 2008
Cost: $315/person
Ages: JV Camp - kids going into the 6th grade - 8th grade
Varsity Camp - teens going into the 9th grade - 12 grade

We need your help in getting the word out to all prospective campers!

We have a great location, will have a national speaker and band, and lots of fun things to do this week. Most camps in this area are charging $700 or more dollars for less time. We heard you last summer wanting more time, so we extended the week and only increased the cost slightly.

Basically for $45 per day you will experience:

• 7 days - 6 nights (all meals included starting with Sunday night dinner through Saturday morning breakfast)
• great program consisting of a national speaker and band
• structured activities that challenge you physically as well as mentally
• traditional AWANA standard of scripture memorization
• fun & fellowship through outdoor activities such as skeet ball, canoeing, riflery, ropes course, horseback riding, paintball, and more!
• Individual Bible studies for JV and Varsity

Remember for those campers returning from last year's camp - you can have a free week on us! If you sign up 5 of your friends, you will get your camp experience for FREE! Don't miss out on this opportunity.

However, this year's camp is not for everyone, but for those teens who are serious about being a disciple of Christ and are not afraid of a challenge. Each camper will be expected to reach a certain level in their AWANA books or if you do not go to AWANA to complete the self-studies that will be available to those teens.

While at camp you will be consistently challenged and taught to be a no nonsense witness for our Savior. In the next few weeks, we will be unveiling the different levels that you can achieve at camp to the ultimate experience of learning how to lead a Bible Study (Varsity level). As you return summer after summer, you will gain principles and insights that allow you to build on what you learn and practiced the previous year.

It's time to get serious folks! The world has turned its back on the Lord and we need warriors - soldiers for Christ who are not ashamed to take the stand and say - Jesus Christ is the only way! Are you that person? Will you take a stand for Christ and not be ashamed and not waiver in your belief or testimony? If so, this is the camp for you. Here you will learn how to be an effective witness whether you are at school, home, work, or church.

This camp is not for the faint at heart...Is that you?

Nina

Hello everyone!

Well, it appears from the responses about camp - that we will be doing 2008 in August...

However, our goal is to reach 200 campers in 2008 to prove to them that we can handle a week in June or July.

So - we are going to call them to ask for the week in August with the stipulation that if we have 200 that in 2009 we can have one of their prime weeks in June or July.

Prayer:

1. That when we contact the facility we can get the week in August - that no one else has reserved this week yet.
2. That we can get 200 campers in 2008
3. That in 2009 - we can move camp back to June or some week in July

Thanks!

Russell, Ruth and I just got back from visiting two camp sites - TWO POTENTIAL SITES! Yea! Both sites are in East Texas about 2 - 2 1/2 hour drives from Dallas.

Camps Visited:
Timberline Camp
Pine Springs Baptist Camp

On the way back to Dallas, Russell, Ruth and I discussed the pros/cons of each camp. We ask that you pray with us for the Lord's leading on which camp to go to in 2008.

Major prayer decision rests with the date of camp. Right now - no camp facilities are available the week we promoted of June 8th - June 14th. So two available dates are June 1st - 7th or August 3rd - 9th. The major reason for the availability is the end of school dates. So Ruth is going to research school districts to see when school is out in 2008 and then we can decide if the first week of June is best for us OR if we should move it to the first week of August.

PLEASE send us your comments on the dates - let us know from you whether these dates work or not - and give us insight to your school district and the end date.

Will blog soon....

Evening everyone!

Camp Pictures
Well I have heard from a few of you in regards to camp and one person mentioned the camp pictures. THANKS FOR THE REMINDER! Since camp was over, it slipped my mind since we are already working on Camp 2008! So know that I have been in contact with Russell & Ruth (who took the photos) and they will be getting those downloaded soon and off to me. I hope that we can post them on the website - I will keep you updated on our progress.

Pastor Jeremy-
Has made it safely to Russia with his luggage as well! For those of you who don't know but his luggage got separated from him as he arrived to camp, and there was one trip to Russia that he was without his luggage for a couple of days. But this trip went very smoothly for him. Please keep him in prayer - he has sent word that he is exhausted and needs some rest. I don't know if there is a jet lag to deal with - but when you think of him - lift up a prayer for his rest.

Camp 2008 Facility -
Please keep Russell, Ruth and I in your prayers as we visit a couple of camp sites this upcoming Saturday. We hope to determine this soon so that we can let you know and we can begin promoting Camp 2008!

Peace...

Neen

Good morning everyone! Russell, Ruth and I met a couple of weeks ago to go over camp and what we liked, did not like, go over the surveys, and see what changes need to be made.

Over the next several months as we prepare for Camp 2008 - we will be sending out communication on some "tweaks" that we will be doing in the future. Currently we have discussed doing some different exciting things with the Varsity Camp.

As I was sitting there this year following the old Awana pattern of the Camp Bank - I kept thinking to myself that if I was in Varsity Camp I don't know if I would be doing this or not. So one thing that we thought about changing was making the Camp Bank optional for Varsity. The Camp Bank is a good idea especially since our JV'rs can be so young, and it helps those to keep their money instead of losing it at camp. But if you are in Varsity you should be given the option to keep your money in the Camp Bank or to hold onto it yourself. Of course, in the Camp Bank you can be assured that you won't lose it or whatever, but maybe we should give you that freedom to determine that. Send me your thoughts on that idea...

I won't let everything out of the bag right now - but we were at Celebration Freedom last weekend and ran into someone who had been to Awana camp in the past. She mentioned that she wanted to come to our camp next summer and be on the rec team. We did like the idea of the rec team being young adults 20+ to keep it fresh and exciting. She brought up an idea of night games for Varsity...something that we will do after the last evening session...hmmmm

In addition, we want to continue the tradition started with this camp of our camp bonfire on the last night - followed by a pizza party for Varsity. We are still discussing some ideas, and in future months those ideas may or may not be revealed. We do want to leave some type of "unknown" factors for camp!

We have approached some leaders in ministry to be our camp pastors for next summer but no word on that yet, so when something solidifies - I will let you know. I will also find out about our band for next summer probably in September.

Don't stop sending suggestions or feedback on camp through the blog or just email me. We really do look at everything!

Hello Campers!

Be in prayer for Russell, Ruth and I as we visit a couple of potential campsites in July. We hope to have the location decided upon this month, but I know a couple of you gave me ideas at camp. Can you send me an email or comment on the blog on those ideas? I want to make sure we look at every available option.

Also - be in prayer for the band and speaker that we are trying to secure for next summer. Hopefully that will be nailed down soon as well.

Talk to you later.

Nina

Hello Campers!

Just wanted everyone to know that our Camp Pastor - Jeremy - lost his grandmother this morning. He stated that the family was at peace and she went peacefully to the Lord. The memorial is two days before Jeremy leaves for Russia and he feels blessed that the Lord allowed him to be here during this time.

Thanks everyone!

Hello all!

Do you remember Pastor Jeremy mentioning to us that Britt & Cadle were praying for adopting a baby? Well - it happened! The Lord has blessed them with a boy - 8 months old that they were able to adopt this last weekend! Let's rejoice together with Britt & Cadle as they have been blessed with one of the best gifts from the Lord!

Neen

Hello XT4 Crew Campers!

Camp was a great time and this blog is just for you! Use it to keep in touch, challenge each other on our decisions for the week - or just talk! Keep it honoring to Christ though - but have a great time!