FBCA Kids at PassportKids

“33, 34, 35! That’s everybody, let’s roll!”

            Early in the morning, Saturday, July 12: FBC’s 27 kids and 8 adults left for Crossville, Tennessee for three nights and four days of camping with a mission—PassportKids! We arrived at Clyde M. York 4-H Camp, welcomed by the Passport Staffers to our week of outrageous entertainment, faith-building fellowship and enlightening worship. The staffers delivered—and then some.

            Our 17 girls and 10 boys giggled and guffawed themselves to sleep in their cabins as they recounted feats of ridiculous proportion from the day’s events:  Gaga ball (just ask a camper to explain), recreation competitions, canoeing, silly skits, holy motion (hard to describe but includes mimicking both a crying baby and a mooing cow—but not at the same time), and more. In the morning, FBC campers rushed into the day with, “I signed up for crafts today; what about you?” or “I gotta run because I’m serving breakfast!” But, before too long we all settled down for personal devotions. During this time of quiet reflection, campers previewed the day’s Bible story and central message and spent time in prayer.

            By the time we said, “Amen,” we could hear the music spilling forth from Morning Celebrations, calling us together for the day’s official kick-off. All two hundred campers came together, starting the day by singing praise songs and silly songs, dancing, laughing, and playing group games. Then we split off into our small groups for Bible study and recreation.  In the afternoon, we rotated between activities; that’s when we got to go canoeing or crafting—Camper’s Choice—when our turn came. Campers also rotated through a missions portal—we met a CBF missionary from Afghanistan!—where one day kids made welcome kits for children who will come into the US from other countries.

            After dinner, we all cleaned up for worship. Worship at camp was a little like worship at our church—Bible reading, responsive readings, sermons—except it was all done with kids in mind. The campers loved it. Each night ended with a festival—Recreation Fest, International Market, Variety Show. The Variety Show—a talent show really—proved what we already knew: FBCA has the most talented kids anywhere.

            At the end of one day, one of our campers, Cameron Brown, embraced Beth Riddick and said, “What a great day, Ms. Beth!” Indeed. What a great camp. Thanks FBCA for giving your children such a great experience!

Aileen Mitchell Lawrimore, copyright 2008