What a great weekend at Camp Travis.  It was a time of sharing lives, renewing friendships, and making new friends.  You could find folks flying through the air on a zip-line, swinging to the rafters on a barn swing, attempting a high dive in the pool, and showing a proficiency on how to walk on Land Skis’.  There was something for everyone. 

Adults and kids alike were testing their nerves by climbing a telephone pole, wearing a tiny harness and zipping across the Grand Canyon at 178 mph…..okay, maybe not that fast and maybe not the Grand Canyon but it still caused a thrill.   Screams of delight and few from fear (talk to Stan K.), could be heard echoing through the ravine.  The pool swing and slides gave all observers a good show.  Whether it was racing down the water slide and making a big splash or grabbing the high wire swing and doing a flip into the water (talk to Elijah and Randall), or a face plant into the pool from the high wire (talk to Jason W.), the pool offered mighty fine entertainment.   The barn swing was not too popular in the beginning but it proved to be a big hit……especially with the adults.  Little ones were jumping off the wall and swinging to the rafters in the barn.   When they came back to earth they just ran up the stairs to try it again.  The same goes for the adults.  Toni, Robin, and Staci represented the adults well in both form and repetition.

The Family Olympics gave us the opportunity to see teamwork in action.  Who will ever forget John S. and John M. gliding gracefully across the grass on the land ski’s?  The little tikes led the way on showing the old folks how to carry a water snake around the cone.  They also proved their mettle by charging into the shoe pile, grabbing their shoes and racing back.  The “Lions” team proved to be too much for everyone else as they captured the trophy for the Family Olympics.

We would be doing a disservice if we didn’t mention the food at the retreat.  Ken and Alyssa made us all feel as if we were on a cruise ship and offered a buffet for most of the day.  The dinner at night served family style gave us an opportunity to share with one another and the cinnamon rolls and breakfast tacos the next morning gave us the opportunity to put on a few pounds.  Great Stuff.  Let’s not forget the prize winning desserts also.  The grand prize was taken home by Kristie V .  .   I’m sure she will share her recipe…..after some prodding.

Let’s not forget the Family Feud which gave us the new catchphrase…….”SPIKE”.  Might want to talk to Mitch E. about that one.   The McCoy’s took the trophy home.  The game gave us an opportunity to know what Nancy is really thinking about during the Sunday morning sermons…..”I think about how handsome Dwaine really is”.  It was  great answer but didn’t garner any points. 

The Sunday worship service offered an opportunity to praise God while being surrounded by his beauty in nature.   The seats were a bit hard but with the lake in the background and the worship service led by the youth group, you forgot all about the seat.

We would like to thank all those who participated in the retreat that made it such a success.  We appreciate how everyone jumped in and helped out on everything.  The weather cooperated and the facilities were fantastic.  The staff at Camp Travis, Katie & Co, were awesome to work with and we wish them well on their camp ministries.

 Mark

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