Saturday afternoon I arrived at Camp T for the CILTs of 2012's Spring Reunion (the last CILT reunion of the year). Each time we gather their is a different vibe to the group. This time around we were small but mighty-- about 30 kids showed up but they were very enthusiastic to be together again.
We did some silent team building by constructing giant newspaper tepee structures, some were a bit more stable then others. I loved when late arrivals came in and their friends silently greeted them and then got them to help roll and tape the newspaper without verbal explanation.
In the late afternoon we suited up in our favorite costumes to go make a Harlem Shake all over Tecumseh. Usually they only take place in one location but we wanted to showcase several of our favorite camp spots. It might have been raining but that didn't damper our spirits as we ran all over River Village. Check out our Harlem Shake CILT Version.
Jamie had to head out after our filming but I was glad she was able to spend the afternoon with us. This was also my first occasion to rock my new purple overalls-- I feel great about the experience. We were joined by Ricky and Eric for the filming, an old and new friend. They were both excited to check Harlem Shake off of their bucket list.
Later in the night we split into groups to choreograph dance routines. These kids are hilarious--full of sass, talent and enthusiasm. It's interesting to see which role the kids take on when the sessions are mashed together like this.
Our groups may have been smaller than they were in December but they were definitely excited to be back together. Session 1: Martha, Rachel, Ross, Rachel, Lucy, Jes, Angie, Micaela and Emily.
Session 2: Shelby, Naomi, Kristen, Holly, Matt, Aaron, Luke and Isaac.
Session 3: Michael, Monica, Stephanie, Melissa, Cody, Tim, Elaine, Kristen, Tera, Jack, Megan and Colleen.
We ate dinner with Girl Scouts, played Camp T trivia games and ate ice-cream. Session 3 won the game to see which group knows each other the best and the Facebook stalking test.
Mostly it was just fun to all be together. At each reunion there are always a few kids that I get to know so much better than I had during their two weeks at camp.
We played Gargoyle, Arielle and I's favorite childhood game, in the dark and had so much more fun than they did during the first part of RFAJWD.
We watched Kid President's pep talk at the beginning of devotions and talked about our dreams, being on the same team and finding the path to awesome. We read Ephesians 2:1-10 and discussed how that connects to what Kid President and all of us had been talking about.
I always love hearing what these kids have to say. I think they're already being awesome and I hope this conversation spurred them on to think of more ways to do that. If you've listened to Kid President, read Bob Goff or followed Christ I think you might agree that these three are all pointing us back to God. This faith thing is exciting, contagious and oh so awesome.
We woke up early because of the time change and filled our plates with camp french toast and hash browns. Somehow the boys missed the memo about breakfast or the time change or both, so most of the girls ran over to wake them all up by yelling into their cabin. They showed up late but we saved them some food.
Mel came over to help with chapel and Josiah led us all in singing. They are both such talented people and we're lucky they could help out. We talked again about how people around us can play the role of Christ in our lives with their words and actions but ultimately it's our choice to connect with God. We spent some time writing love tank notes and again I'm so glad we did it with the girls and guys together.
Ben came to do two projects with us. He interviewed everyone in small groups to find out how camp had made a difference in their life and to see if camp is still impacting them now. Then in small groups they brainstormed and came up with a plan of how they could make a difference in their area. Ideas included a day at camp for underprivileged kids, taking baked goods to a homeless shelter, building a bridge for a school, making a micro-chapel and planting three trees in a park. After they presented their projects they voted for one that we're going to try to make happen this year. After a tie and re-vote, the micro-chapel idea won. Hopefully there will soon be a mini Green Cathedral.
We got to play one more game of Gargoyle before it was time to head out and say our good-byes. Miraculously it was over 60 degrees outside so we hung out on the CILT porch for awhile taking pictures and saying bye. Sophie even ran by with her family and friends!
Even when things don't work out according to plan, I'm always thankful for time back at camp with these people that are a part of my story and history here.
I'm so glad that I have gotten to counsel with Arielle for the past two years and that we get to work with kids like Shelby, Elaine, Megan, Tera and Emily. I'm pretty positive this is the best job in the world.
Almost all of the kids that were here are not working this summer which made it even more great to see them because I don't know when it will happen again. The ones who are working this summer are going to be fantastic and I can't wait to see them walking across Main Field with their trail group.
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