Happy Independence Day!

Good morning everyone!

Sorry I haven’t updated in a while; the second week of staff training was very eventful and attention-needing, to say the least!  I trained staff in all areas: High Static, Zip Line, spoke on equipment use and stewardship, Rock Climbing refresher, as well as Belay School and Belay Refresher!  Belaying is part of climbing skills training: it is the technique of bringing in the slack of the rope as the climber gains height, while simultaneously locking it down so as to keep the climber safe in the event of their slipping.  You use this handy little device:

The friction created by simple pulling down on the rope is what locks it.  Belay devices or “ATCs”, are relatively easy to use, but do require training to get good and safe technique down to where it becomes muscle memory.

At the beginning of the week I was feeling rather inadequate to teach; I knew I had the soft skills experience, but I was second-guessing and doubting my experience with the actual hard skills.  I mean, what if I taught something wrong and because of me someone was hurt, or worse?  Looking back I see how the enemy was trying to bring me down, and give me a spirit of fear right before my first “official” teaching opportunity!  After a session of deep searching prayer, I was blessed with a spirit of peace to continue with my training the next day, and I did great!  It was rewarding to spend the morning teaching, and then experience my students putting the lesson into practice as they led the new staff through the same event in the afternoon.  I taught, they understood.  Very reassuring, and it gave me the confidence I needed for the rest of my lessons that week.

Speaking on stewardship also went really well.  Camp Bighorn has a lot of nice gear, both for campers and the staff, there for them to use!  My purpose was communicating that if they use proper channels to check gear out (getting permission, using the clipboards, etc.), and are responsible with the care of it, they will have that privilege all summer.  But, also communicating if gear is returned late, broken, or misused, what the consequences would be. (Privilege loss for a week, or until they demonstrate renewed responsibility.)  I talked about how everything is the Lord’s:

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”  -Psalm 24:1

And by taking care of the gear entrusted to them, they are honoring the following person to use it, Camp Bighorn, and ultimately God.  It was sweet to feel receptive hearts and ears to my speaking.

The rest of the week included good conversation, deepened friendships, Thai food (my favourite CBH meal!), time for me to rock climb myself, filler teaching here and there, and the reminder that God loves me.  Not for how well I can perform, the extent of my vocabulary, or my shortcomings, but me, my heart, my soul. 

Day Camp for preschool and kindergarteners is currently in process, so look for an update this weekend about their adventures!  If there is one thing that is always consistent about Day Camp, it is the counselors (Facilitators, as we call them!) that put immense energy into these kids.  Pouring their focus, creativity, and love 110% for seven hours straight for five days!  Prayers for rest for these staff as well as renewed strength would be greatly appreciated. 

Today is July 4^th, and I am thankful for all who have gone before me and sacrificed so that I may have freedom; especially my Lord and Saviour.  I am free to live out of the fullness of who He made me, without the fear of failure or shortcomings, for:

“Who the Son has set free, shall be free indeed!”  --John 8:36

“For freedom Christ has made us free; stand fast therefore, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” 

--Galatians 5:1

Happy Independence Day!