Hello staff and campers,

Another year of S.E.P. behind us…don’t worry, camp 2009 is only eleven months, three weeks, and one day away!

Silver Meadows welcomed us this year with a first night storm…a little rain to soften things up and help turn our soccer pitch green. But it takes more than a little rain to keep our campers down! The week proceeded to be filled with soccer, volleyball, softball, all terrain biking, wall climbing, waterskiing, white water canoeing, archery, arts and crafts, drama, and much more. As per our 12 year old tradition, we descended upon the Barrhead swimming pool twice during the week; one night being the scene for a cannon ball competition between B1 and B2. We always leave the lifeguards asking where do they all come from, why are they all so happy, and how do they manage to squeeze 32 people into the hot tub at one time? 

This year saw an upgrading of our volley ball court and a new colour on the climbing wall. Electricity was also wired to the dorms and to the new RV loop. During our camp improvement time, upgrades were made to two of the outhouse steps and decks and of course tansy weed was pulled. The fountain was once again up and running; the perfect place to enjoy the serene sound of the fountain during our daily reflection time.

Our connection to the S.E.P. camp in South Africa was evident this year as our camp song was borrowed from them and several thank-you notes written by the teens sponsored for camp by Canadians were available to be read. Kirsten Schultz spent a weekend with us and helped us learn the actions that accompanied our camp song. Kristen also had the opportunity to speak about her experience as a participant in South African S.E.P.

From worms and dirt, to capture the flag-the-flag, to camp wide tug-of-wars, camp this year was once again filled with memorable moments. The last night evening dinner and dance was fantastic, with the decorations enhancing the theme of “Putting on the Ritz”. Mathew lost his hair (again), Ryan scaled the climbing wall with style, and our apprentices lent a hand wherever a hand was needed. Many games of cards were played, hundred of fantastic meals were eaten, and most important of all, three of our beloved campers were baptized in Lake Nakimum!

As we look towards the year ahead, let’s think back on these good times and remember that our love of God and our love of each other can be expressed and experienced year round. We are each unique to our Lord and Savior and he will never leave us nor forsake us. I miss you all. Please e-mail me (salttoday@yahoo.co.uk) anytime you want, I’m always up for a chit chat.

Have a peaceful day,