Traveling!

We have left El Camino Pines in Frazier Park and are headed to Huntington Beach! We have beach camp training this afternoon and tomorrow and then we are going to Camp Yolijwa in Yucaipa! If you want to write me letters this week, my address will be:
Amanda Clarke
c/o Camp Yolijiwa
39136 Harris Rd.
Yucaipa, CA 92399

I will be here for the next week then in Temecula for a day camp and will be back at El Camino Pines the following week.
{Much love from a girl on the move!}

Moved to Tears

Last night for evening worship we did what was called Prayer Stations. One of the things we got to do was go outside and gaze up at the stars for a few minutes. When I walked outside the chapel and looked up I started bawling. I was AMAZED. I did not expect to see what I saw. I have never seen so many stars in my life! God is such a beautiful artist!  The sky seriously did not look real. I just lay on the ground and cried and prayed to God. Again, the God who created the stars, created me and that is a concept that is hard to wrap our minds around sometimes. I did not want that moment to end. I could have lay there for hours if it wasn't so cold outside. I am so in love with the One who created the stars and the trees, and the wonderful people that have been placed in my life. We are so blessed to be loved by a God who cares so deeply for us.
{Much love from a girl in awe of our Creator}

Sunset Hike

On Thursday night we did what is called Pack Out. We all went hiking and had a big campfire and ate dinner up in the woods and slept under the stars. It was FREEEEEZING but so cool! We went on a Sunset Hike and got to see so much nature! It was so so soooooo beautiful. I love hiking and I really enjoyed getting to the top of the mountain and looking out and just taking in the breathtaking scenery. Every time I stop to think about what I am surrounded by, I stand in awe of how beautiful God's creation really is. Sometimes it is hard for me to fathom that the God who created everything in sight is the God who created me and designed me and chose me to work as a camp counselor serving and loving His children this summer. Going hiking with our staff was such a rewarding experience for me and I can't wait to go hiking with campers!
{Much love from a girl who loves to hike}

Water

What does water mean to you? To some it means summertime, refreshment, sports and exercise, or even maybe loss and destruction. To Christians it means new birth and renewal. On Wednesday we had an evening worship candlelight service by the pool. It was really cool to sit by the pool and put our feet in the water as we sang and worshiped. I loved the reminder of our baptism. Water is something a lot of us take for granted but there are lots of people who have to walk miles to find running water or have never experienced the new life offered by Jesus through baptism. It was definitely an eye-opening experience for me. We need water to live and I love what a constant reminder it  can be to us of our baptism and new life in Christ.
{Much love from a girl with a new appreciation for water}

A Little Snack

Earlier this week when I was at Bible Study with my Family Group, I was yawning (because it was early) and much to my surprise a bug flew right in my mouth! It was delicious! haha NOT!!! My first instinct was to close my mouth but then I immediately opened my mouth and pulled the bug out. It was gross. I had a sip of water to rinse my mouth out a bit but I could still feel it. There are a lot of bugs up in the forest at El Camino Pines but I heard there are even more at Camp Yolijwa! I will be there for the next week starting tomorrow! Oh joy! I love me a surprising midmorning snack!
{Much love from a girl experiencing nature in a new way}

Dirty Butt Club aka D.B.C

Ok so I am only posting about this because it's called DBC :P When we have Morning Worship or Bible Studies at camp we sit on the ground in the dirt. The leader (or whoever is giving instructions) tells everyone to join the Dirty Butt Club and sit down in the dirt. I love the Dirty Butt Club! hahaha. However I am not a big fan of dirty feet and shoes but a little dirt don't hurt!
{Much love from a kid with a dirty butt)

Jesus Chooses Us

The theme for this summer is Jesus Chooses Us. The theme verse is John 15:16 that says "you did not choose me but I chose you". Although this is the message we will be sharing with hundreds of kids this summer, during training, this has been the perfect message for me to hear too. Because I've never been to camp, this is all completely new to me. The way everything runs, the songs, the people, the dirt, everything! The first day was sort of hard for me but I was constantly reminded through our training sessions and Bible Studies that God chose me to be here this summer. He has called me to serve Him in this very special way and I cannot wait to see what He has in store for the next 7 weeks.
{Much love from a child of God who has been CHOSEN to serve}

Getting Ready

I leave for camp very, very, very sooooooon! I have been running errands and getting ready all weekend. Today I had to semi-unpack from Biola and pack things up to get ready to go back to Biola when I get home from camp in August. There are boxes, clothes, and stuff everywhere! We have to keep all our stuff consolidated and that is a tad challenging for me at this point. I'm still trying to figure out  exactly what I need to take as well get little goodies ready for my campers and do last minute camp paperwork! I am very excited for this opportunity this summer! The theme verse for the summer is John 15:16 "God chose YOU". I feel beyond blessed to be chosen to work this summer. I know the Lord is going to do some fantastic things and I can't wait to see them unfold!
Tonight is the last night I have to sleep in my own bed before camp!! :D
{Much love from a very excited first-time camper!}