Journey of the Cross | Ox Lake

Year after year, the thing my boys look forward to each summer is Camp Wapo.

Oliver, Tommy & Emily

throwback to 2009

Camp Wapo 2014

Every year, toward the end of summer, the boys head off to Camp Wapo (on Lake Wapogasset) in Amery, Wisconsin.  Anticipation drips from their faces and the discussion takes a hurried pace as they pack the weekend before camp.  "Mom, we don't have enough bug spray!  Mom, I don't want to bring a sleeping bag this year, I get too hot.  Can I just bring sheets?"

Each day has a theme to go along with the week of camp as well.  This year is no different!  There are servant days, high ropes courses, horseback riding.  I would encourage anyone who has children in the area to consider sending their kids to Camp Wapo. You don't even have to be part of a given church to attend, just the greater desire to be part of something bigger than you.  Bring a friend, join the fun.

The games, the canteen (filled with money from Mom & Dad), the swimming, the food, the friends, Agape, Bible study, and campfires, worship & music!  I think they'd be hard pressed to tell you what they love most about their week at camp.

playing 9 square

Henry is taking part in TIM Team this year.  He is joined by other senior high youth and will hopefully find a way to continue being a part of this wonderful experience next year.  Henry will be confirmed on October 26 after three years of confirmation studies.

TIM Team is a leadership development opportunity for Senior High youth. TIM teamers commit to one year of service as leaders in their home congregations working primarily with younger youth. TIM Teamers will spend time at both Ox Lake and Wapo during the 6 day experience. TIM Teamers will have lodging at Ox Lake, as well as experiencing the Low / High Ropes Challenge Course. During the week, much of each day is spent at Wapo interfacing and participating as leaders amongst the younger youth from their congregation.

It does a Mother's heart good to see the social media updates posted by both the camp staff and Calvary youth staff.  Don't get me wrong, we are enjoying the peace and quiet around 3513, but JP actually said that the house was too quiet this week.  Yes, we miss the boys, but wouldn't let them miss this experience for anything!  The boys have been going every year since third grade.

Oliver is headed into 8th grade next month and his second year of confirmation.  He has grown to love WNL and Bible study with a small peer group.  Joining together with his friends above, I am sure that not much slumber has happened in their little cabins in the woods!

Selfie with Youth Director Tim

waiting in line to take the "swim test" that gets you a band for the deep water (Henry, far left)

staying hydrated & happy smiles for these TIM Teamers

Cannot wait to hear their stories of camp when they get home tomorrow!  I'm sure they will both be exhausted, full of bug bites, but with happy smiles of another successful year at camp.

A circle of Calvary youth, gathered in a field, bonding...

#teamJesus

This is what camp memories are made of! 

2013 Wapo  

youth in confirmation

A little behind on blogging, so bear with me if it seems scattered in the coming weeks.

Henry is in his final year of confirmation classes, Oliver has just begun.  They attend confirmation on Wednesday evenings, give back to church with their time every Sunday (Henry: Grace Place assistant; Oliver: usher at early service), in addition to other education received and stewardship projects throughout the year.  Every fall they kick-off with both parents and kids in attendance.  This year was no different, except for the fact that it was...  in that there is a whole "changing of the guard" at Calvary.  The staff has almost completely turned over recently or changed roles, including the youth directors.  I was a little hesitant and anxious when we sat in the pew last month.  The first talk, however, went well and I took a few notes to keep us all reminded of some mini-goals in parenting and relating to one another. 

WNL 2013-2014  9/10/13

---

Students, Things your parents want you to know:

• See me as a grown up - treat me like an adult comes with expectations
• Honor your parents; Ephesians 6:1 "how you treat your mom is the best indicator to the one you will date in how you will treat a future relationship"
• They want to hear the words "I love you" (out of the overflow of our heart that our mouths speak)
• They want you to talk and use your words (have Grace for your parents)
• Let your parents do their jobs - look out for you.

Parents, Things your kids want you to know:

• Don't ever say again, "I know what it's like to be your age" (you don't in 2014)
• Talk on their schedule (not after school, sports, etc); it's probably right before you're going to bed and they're wired
• Listen more than talk (80/20); what if you surprise them with kindness {my words}; the consequence is never our relationship.
• Keep it confidential; pray about it (Ruth Graham's way of parenting).  Not everything your child does needs to be broadcast.
• Work on your poker face - they need to know they can tell you anything; you won't freak out.
• Admit when you're wrong.

Looking forward to another year of educating ma boys in faith, and allowing them to make the choice of confirmation at the end of these years.  If Henry chooses to be confirmed, it will happen a year from now, October 2014.

Camp Ox {2013}

As in years past, the boys went off with friends from church and spent a week at Camp Ox this year.  We had a full truck on our 90 minute drive over to Amery, WI.  Four {ever-growing} teenagers, 2 adults, 3 bikes and a bunch of camping gear.  Oliver slept in cabins this year, and Henry in tents. They were kept busy and had a lot of fun! 

Oliver's camp focus: Our International and U.S. staff lead worship, Bible studies, ethnic meals, and activities that help provide a global perspective. Campers also experience campfires, swimming, tubing, bouldering wall, ropes challenge course, games, devotions, horseback riding, and arts & crafts.

Henry's camp focus: Journey of the Cross is a powerful high adventure camping experience. The challenge experiences are symbolic of the challenges we face in our personal faith journeys, and we embrace the life-long challenge to take up our cross and follow Jesus wherever He leads. Campers participate in our low and high ropes challenge course, bike on the Gandy Dancer Trail, rock climb at Interstate Park, canoe down the St. Croix River and horseback ride on the trails at Ox

Below is a post from the Youth Director after their first evening:

(Melanie here). I checked in with the Ox lake campers today. They are doing good! The spent the day horse back riding and doing low ropes, now they are hanging out and relaxing before dinner. The counselors tell me that they are great campers and that tomorrow they get to do high ropes which is new this year for the ox lake campers. I think it is great and that they will love it.

I didn't see ...the journey of the cross campers because they are biking today. Sounds like they got off to a great start this morning though and had a good night last night from the ox counselor I talked to. They will bike tomorrow as well (new again this year), canoe on Wednesday, do low and high ropes on Thursday and horse back ride on Friday.

Thanks for praying for all our campers and the wapo staff, keep the prayers coming! God is good and I know He is going to do great things in their lives this week!

Playing a game at the eco-camp.




Last year for these three at camp!
Next year they become TIM teamers* if they are interested.
They've gone to camp together since third grade.

 “…If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself
and take up his cross and follow me.” Matt. 16:24

 

 

Oliver's turn at the ropes course, with his friends by his side!

 

 

 

Some kind of shoe game. 

His new summer shoes came home filthy dirty!

Kids will be kids.

What Mom doesn't see won't hurt her, I guess {just the laundry}.

 

 

 

 

*TIM Team is a leadership development opportunity for Senior High youth. TIM teamers commit to one year of service as leaders in their home congregations working primarily with younger youth. TIM Teamers will spend time at both Ox Lake and Wapo during the 7 day experience. TIM Teamers will have lodging at Ox Lake, as well as experiencing the Low / High Ropes Challenge Course. During the week, much of each day is spent at Wapo interfacing and participating as leaders amongst the younger youth from their congregation.

a musical weekend

The Calvary Lutheran Church "Where Are You Christmas?" concert was a huge success!

I had a wonderful time being IN the music this year and not watching it from a pew.  Although, I must admit, I was just a little jealous of those sitting in the audience being surrounded by such passionate & fulfilling music.  It is truly a different perspective to experience from either location.  I am hopeful there are other video recordings available soon to view as well.

Until then, I took liberty and put together a "behind the scenes" look at this year's concert.  Yes, from my point of view, and as much as I tried to sing quietly and be inconspicuous, you will hear my voice. 

not letting life pass me by

It's been a very busy month, this November 2012.  I'm not sure where the time has gone, but December starts tomorrow! I've got lots of post catching up to do and pictures to upload!  If you follow me on Facebook, you've seen some of the fun we've had as a family.  I'll be back when time slows down (ha), I promise!

This weekend will be filled with music - rehearsals, singing at service and two concerts on Sunday!  If you live nearby and need a nudge to get into the holiday spirit, come by Calvary and see us after the football game!  This is a wonderful show, filled with talented local musicians, and sure to warm your heart!

I have joined the chorus this year and look forward to my first year on stage again in many, many years!  I only wish I knew who would be sitting in the audience, taking my place, video-taping so I can share it with those who do not live nearby.  If I find a link to a video or two, I will be sure to link back for you!

The boys also have concerts coming up in December!  Oliver tells me he has a choir solo too.  I will update the side-bar this weekend with dates for family & friends interested in attending.

I just LOVE all that December brings

and cannot wait to be an active part of it.

Community Meal

I've shared before that our church is hosting a FREE meal on Tuesday evenings from 5:30 - 6:30 pm.  We were finally able to partake last night. JP was excited in not having to plan a menu for the evening, and I was excited there was no clean-up.  We will definitely go back and also sign up to volunteer as a family.

The kids were pretty excited about the menu for the night.

Brats or hot dogs, and all the fixin's.  A little summer left in September.

If you're local,

will you join us next week?

No faith talk pressure.  Absolutely free.

Yummy goodness without the hassle.

Boundary Waters of Minnesota

The beautiful lake country of Minnesota...  as seen and experienced by JP, Henry and a group of explorers from Calvary!  Enjoy.