The Family Center - Before Baseball/Softball Camp
The Family Center - After Baseball/Softball Camp got ahold of it. Big thanks to everyone who helped in the transformation of this building.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose
Hey all, Chad Wingert coming to you after the first night of camp. I know that most of you who would be reading this blog are at camp right now. But, I'm also hoping that those who ARE on staff can look back on the blog after camp is over, to help them rekindle a few memories. Also, for those of you keeping tabs at home...this is where you'll want to check in the most :)
Anyways, what an amazing, open, honest, sobering and just all-around REAL sermon that was delivered by baseball dean Tyler Bader tonight. It definitely opened the hearts and minds of our entire staff, letting them know that each and everyone of them, no matter what paths the Lord has led them down, has something to "Let Go" of this week.
It honestly set the tone for this week, and being that it's only Monday, I think we are in store for a very, very memorable week.
Also, just to sum up the day, we held our annual Staff Slowpitch Softball Game, where the East defeated the West (unsure of the score). Also, for those of you keeping score at home, that now makes me 6-0 in Staff games after six summers of camp. I mean, not to toot my own horn but....beep beep, ya know?
Also, the male and female MVP's of the game are yet to be determined. I'll report those tomorrow after they are voted on.
One last note....big, HUGE shoutout to Brett Baranic for designing this year's T-shirts. I think I speak for everyone when I say, they are down right filthy.
Anyways, it's getting late. Night all. Big day tomorrow.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as the campers arrive tomorrow afternoon.
SEEYA!
Anyways, what an amazing, open, honest, sobering and just all-around REAL sermon that was delivered by baseball dean Tyler Bader tonight. It definitely opened the hearts and minds of our entire staff, letting them know that each and everyone of them, no matter what paths the Lord has led them down, has something to "Let Go" of this week.
It honestly set the tone for this week, and being that it's only Monday, I think we are in store for a very, very memorable week.
Also, just to sum up the day, we held our annual Staff Slowpitch Softball Game, where the East defeated the West (unsure of the score). Also, for those of you keeping score at home, that now makes me 6-0 in Staff games after six summers of camp. I mean, not to toot my own horn but....beep beep, ya know?
Also, the male and female MVP's of the game are yet to be determined. I'll report those tomorrow after they are voted on.
One last note....big, HUGE shoutout to Brett Baranic for designing this year's T-shirts. I think I speak for everyone when I say, they are down right filthy.
Anyways, it's getting late. Night all. Big day tomorrow.
Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as the campers arrive tomorrow afternoon.
SEEYA!
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
The Last Push...
Hello all. Sorry for the delay on this week's post. I hope that most of you are getting as excited for camp as we are. We've spent the past few weeks bouncing new ideas off of each other and tweaking some old ones, with goals of making this camp the best one yet.
As most of you know, we spend a lot of our first day at camp (Saturday) in prayer. We pray for the camp's staff, your fellow counselors, the deans, the volunteers, the weather and of course, the campers...both ones we know and don't know.
We think it's important that you, as staff, be prepared for what "baggage" the kids may bring to camp. And no, I'm not talking about their luggage.
Kids come to camp from every background, every walk of life and there are always a select few that come to camp seeking help more than others.
However, we have also been encouraging you, as counselors, to use this week at camp for yourselves. Yes, the kids are priority No. 1. But it's ok to be a little bit selfish during this week too. This is also a great time for a personal gut check. So, don't be afraid to take some time to yourself next week as well. This is also where a new member of our staff, Marco Salzar, will come in. We are very excited about what Marco is bringing to camp. You will learn more about Marco on Saturday :)
With all of that being said, I want to encourage each and every one of you to spend a little extra time in prayer this week. Focus on us, as a staff, for these next four days and pray for every aspect of camp that comes to mind. Then, on Saturday, after touching on a few of our own personal struggles, we can begin to focus on the kids who are coming to camp that next day.
I also want to encourage everyone to cut themselves off from life outside of Bay Shore next week. I'm not saying this to drive home Bay Shore's "no cell phones" rule, that rule is there for obvious reasons. I'm saying this because I think, in a time where we are SO dependent on having our phones by our side, every minute of every day, you will be surprised as to how refreshing it can be to go "off the grid" for a few days.
Below in the comments section, I'm asking that you post a few personal goals you have for camp next week. Whether it be for yourself, your cabin, a few kids, or us as a staff...share them. Also, if you'd like to throw out prayer requests or suggested prayer topics for these next few days leading up to camp, feel free.
As most of you know, we spend a lot of our first day at camp (Saturday) in prayer. We pray for the camp's staff, your fellow counselors, the deans, the volunteers, the weather and of course, the campers...both ones we know and don't know.
We think it's important that you, as staff, be prepared for what "baggage" the kids may bring to camp. And no, I'm not talking about their luggage.
Kids come to camp from every background, every walk of life and there are always a select few that come to camp seeking help more than others.
However, we have also been encouraging you, as counselors, to use this week at camp for yourselves. Yes, the kids are priority No. 1. But it's ok to be a little bit selfish during this week too. This is also a great time for a personal gut check. So, don't be afraid to take some time to yourself next week as well. This is also where a new member of our staff, Marco Salzar, will come in. We are very excited about what Marco is bringing to camp. You will learn more about Marco on Saturday :)
With all of that being said, I want to encourage each and every one of you to spend a little extra time in prayer this week. Focus on us, as a staff, for these next four days and pray for every aspect of camp that comes to mind. Then, on Saturday, after touching on a few of our own personal struggles, we can begin to focus on the kids who are coming to camp that next day.
I also want to encourage everyone to cut themselves off from life outside of Bay Shore next week. I'm not saying this to drive home Bay Shore's "no cell phones" rule, that rule is there for obvious reasons. I'm saying this because I think, in a time where we are SO dependent on having our phones by our side, every minute of every day, you will be surprised as to how refreshing it can be to go "off the grid" for a few days.
Below in the comments section, I'm asking that you post a few personal goals you have for camp next week. Whether it be for yourself, your cabin, a few kids, or us as a staff...share them. Also, if you'd like to throw out prayer requests or suggested prayer topics for these next few days leading up to camp, feel free.
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Make An Impact
There is a saying in life about not caring what other people think of you. I hate this saying. When you think about it as Christians, shouldn't we care what other think of us? I think about all my years counseling at Bay Shore and all the different kids I have met and had personal relationships with, but what abut the kids that I didn't necessarily talk with or share with? Were these kids still influenced by my leadership at camp?
How about the way we live our life? Are the things we do and the way we live pleasing to God and the people who watch us? I think sometimes we forget that others watch us closely. I know when things in my life have happened people have told me later that how I handled something was a true testimate to my faith and I didn't even know it. As we approach camp, think about how we can impact even when we don't know we are. Kids may leave camp not even having a heart to heart with us, but are deeply impacted by who we are and how we acted. That's powerful, influential, and something we should strive for. I guess I am asking for stories about people who have impacted you. What did the person go through and how did they handle it? What about the situation changed your life?
Countdown........two weeks.
How about the way we live our life? Are the things we do and the way we live pleasing to God and the people who watch us? I think sometimes we forget that others watch us closely. I know when things in my life have happened people have told me later that how I handled something was a true testimate to my faith and I didn't even know it. As we approach camp, think about how we can impact even when we don't know we are. Kids may leave camp not even having a heart to heart with us, but are deeply impacted by who we are and how we acted. That's powerful, influential, and something we should strive for. I guess I am asking for stories about people who have impacted you. What did the person go through and how did they handle it? What about the situation changed your life?
Countdown........two weeks.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Forgive and Forget
Hey guys :)
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who has read and contributed to the blog. I can't tell you how great it is to get feedback from our staff and find out how they are doing more than a month before camp is even scheduled to start. Katie, Tyler, Dan and I were all a little unsure as to how everyone would react to a blog. But I think it's safe to say that you guys are enjoying it. I, myself, am addicted :)
Anyways, I come to you with this weeks scripture. Well, I couldn't really decide on just one. So there are a few verses for you to take in.
Everyone has had someone in their past who has done them wrong. Whether it be a friend, an ex girlfriend/boyfriend, relative, classmate, co-worker...etc. We've all been there.
In staying with our camp theme for this year "Let Go", I dug up some verses that relate to forgiveness.
First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who has read and contributed to the blog. I can't tell you how great it is to get feedback from our staff and find out how they are doing more than a month before camp is even scheduled to start. Katie, Tyler, Dan and I were all a little unsure as to how everyone would react to a blog. But I think it's safe to say that you guys are enjoying it. I, myself, am addicted :)
Anyways, I come to you with this weeks scripture. Well, I couldn't really decide on just one. So there are a few verses for you to take in.
Everyone has had someone in their past who has done them wrong. Whether it be a friend, an ex girlfriend/boyfriend, relative, classmate, co-worker...etc. We've all been there.
In staying with our camp theme for this year "Let Go", I dug up some verses that relate to forgiveness.
Luke 6:35
The Message (MSG)
35-36 I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You'll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we're at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.
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Ephesians 4:32
The Message (MSG)
31-32Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.
And, for those times when you are struggling to forgive those who have done you wrong, or you want to move past those "not-so-bright" moments in your life, know that He is there to give you strength and to guide you along the way.
He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.
I hate to keep going back to Morgan's post earlier, but think about the many ways he could have handled his situation. Instead, he chose to go his own route, forgive those who bad mouthed him behind his back and he remained focused on the bigger picture.
So, whether it be a current struggle, a conflict from the past that you have resolved, talk about ways that you were able to forgive and forget.
Or, if you are currently dealing with a difficult situation that has held you down, feel free to discus that as well.
As always....Read. Digest. Discus. :)
Have a great week everyone!
And, for those times when you are struggling to forgive those who have done you wrong, or you want to move past those "not-so-bright" moments in your life, know that He is there to give you strength and to guide you along the way.
Isaiah 40
The Message (MSG)
29-31 He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.
And he knows everything, inside and out.
He energizes those who get tired,
gives fresh strength to dropouts.
For even young people tire and drop out,
young folk in their prime stumble and fall.
But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.
They spread their wings and soar like eagles,
They run and don't get tired,
they walk and don't lag behind.
I hate to keep going back to Morgan's post earlier, but think about the many ways he could have handled his situation. Instead, he chose to go his own route, forgive those who bad mouthed him behind his back and he remained focused on the bigger picture.
So, whether it be a current struggle, a conflict from the past that you have resolved, talk about ways that you were able to forgive and forget.
Or, if you are currently dealing with a difficult situation that has held you down, feel free to discus that as well.
As always....Read. Digest. Discus. :)
Have a great week everyone!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Pride Punch
If you get a moment I would like to encourage you to read Morgan Erla's post on the lesson he has been learning over the last year in Character and Humility. It takes a lot of courage to face opposition and at times it doesn't make sense. Especially when you face those trials because you did the right thing. A major theme in Morgan's thoughts were how popularity and community have always been something that has come naturally to him, yet he felt that in one small moment all was taken away. Have you ever been there? Maybe you too have felt that everything was going great when suddenly Boom! Your'e reduced to a nobody. I know we have all had these moments, and sometimes we selfishly and cruelly wish those moments on our enemies. Consider this...
Romans 12:3-5 For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you.
Healthy self-esteem is important! It keep us happy, healthy, and most of all allows us to encourage others. However, some of us overestimate ourselves and our popularity's permanence. This can lead to incredible disappointment when it is suddenly gone. But worst of all can make us think we are better than others.
Now this is in no way a cut at Morgan. If anything its the opposite. He absolutely did the right thing in the situation and severely paid an unfair price for his humility. "Letting Go" of pride can sometimes lead to unfair consequences, yet our treasure isn't here in this world, its in Heaven! But while we are here we have an incredible God who wants us to give up ourselves in order too allow more of him to take over.
Have you ever / Would you ever "Let Go" of your popularity to allow more of God in your life? What if it meant losing all of your "so called friends?" Are they really friends if they disagree with your character? Have you ever thought more of yourself than you should? Do you think you need a "Pride Punch?"
Read, digest, discuss ...
Monday, June 11, 2012
Pressing on...
Hey guys,
One thing we will do weekly on this blog is post some scripture, food for thought if you will, to generate conversation or maybe even to help get your mind right for camp. The majority of our staff is made up of students (college kids), or hold a student-like schedule, so what better time than the summer to dive deeper into the word and grow closer to God? We also want to encourage you to dissect these verses and apply them to your everyday life as we approach the first day of camp (Saturday, July 14).
PHILIPPIANS 3:12-13
12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
In the comment section below, I want to encourage you to share with us ways that you have overcome tough times, adversity, etc...and continued to press on towards your goal. Also note that in verse 13, it talks about forgetting what is behind and focusing on what lies ahead. This could also mean forgiving someone who has done you wrong in the past, or letting go (2012 camp theme) of something/someone who is preventing you from having a better relationship with the Lord.
Anyways - Read. Digest. Share below.
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