Middle School Fun at Camp of the Hills
A group of 9 middle schoolers from the College Heights and North Park Friendship Houses got to spend a week in Marble Falls enjoying a Christian Camp specifically for inner city kids and teens.
As we were loading the cars to head to Camp of the Hills Monday morning I was wondering what it would be like, what would Mya and I do for a week with 8 boy and 1 girl middle school campers. I knew I had no responsibilities to the camp other than to get the kids there, be around in case of an emergency and get the kids home, so I wasn't sure what I was going to do to fill my time. What I discovered was an incredible place to get to just "hang out", encourage, and learn more about some of our neighborhood teens. 
The teens got to participate in special classes in everything from canoeing, fishing, basketball, kickball and crafts, to having worship time, getting homemade meals three times a day, swimming in the swimming hole and seeing the story of Jesus retold through drama. The teens loved on me and Mya, stopping to wave at us, just sit and chat and tell us about what they were doing that day, give Mya a smile and a hug, and smile for some great photos. I discovered that I had more opportunity to get to know the kids on a personal basis than I have even at the Friendship House because often I could talk to them one on one, and I was a familiar face in a new place that seemed to just feel comfortable for them: for a week they felt like "my" kids. I was so proud of how well they behaved, made new friends, participated, 4 of our kids were volunteers for praying before meals, and the Camp Director even told us what a great job we are doing with them, he could truly tell a difference. Though we had a few rocky moments toward the end with some tired teens and some pestering taken too far the kids had a great time, were able to get away from all technology, enjoy the great outdoors, be loved on by some great counselors and all of them received awards at the end of the week. CJ, one of our campers even received the top honor: The Servant Award, I was so proud! I learned of some new talents the kids have such as Taz's ability to sing and Devantes ability to do all kinds of flips. I can't wait to have the kids perform at our NorthPark Friendship House dedication and I can't wait to see what God does in their lives as he continues to reveal His Story in and through their lives. I also can't wait to go back with them next year for another GREAT time a
t Camp of the Hills. 
