RMCNews with John Boone – Ward, Colorado … Glacier View Ranch, for one final week this summer, is buzzing with the excitement and noise of children and those who are still children at heart at Family Connect Camp.
The popularity of this camp was evident on July 18 when 100 campers arrived at GVR with an eager outlook for a week of new friendships and the rekindling of old connections while becoming Fully Alive in Jesus, the theme for the camp.
Attendees began their venturesome week with a program designed to entice them with what the week ahead held. It began with a staff video followed by everyone’s favorite camp songs. The first of many skits entertained the crowd and the evening concluded with a message from Bob McAlpine, Alamosa district pastor and GVR pastor for the week.
The reactions overheard from the Phillips family after attending the initial gathering included “They are geared for the young; they are fun with high energy; and they are inspirational. The pastor’s part has been applicable to all ages, wherever you are in life.”
Another camper, Emily Albertson eagerly shared her reaction to the opening event. “My favorite part was the play.”
As campers retired to their cabins, they were filled with anticipation for what was to come when activities began in the morning.
The choices were many for the campers to decide on Monday morning. Would they be adventurous, and choose mountain biking, rock climbing, or horseback riding. Or would they choose something more relaxed as a morning by the poolside or crafts, archery, survival skills, exploring the nature center or maybe lake-front activities. One thing was evident regardless of the activity that was chosen–fun was in the offering for all ages.
“Survival class is really fun because we got to try different edible plants! And we got to learn about basic living out in nature,” camper Ruben Rivera, commented.
The week also provided opportunities for family units to grow closer together while expanding their family circle. This was evident when one large extended family celebrated a birthday.
“This is possibly my best birthday ever because I was surrounded by the people that I love most on this planet. It’s even more special because we live far apart from each other. It’s special that we could meet here,” Paul Rivera, family camper exclaimed.
While family camp unfortunately has to come to an end soon, campers will be taking with them memories of a week with the opportunity to enhance their walk with Jesus and enjoy summertime together as an extended family.
The adventure of summer camp doesn’t end yet as next week, Mills Spring Ranch on top of Casper Mountain comes alive with Engage Base Camp. If you are interested in registering, please visit https://www.millsspringranch.com/summercamp or email [email protected] or just show up on July 25.
–RMCNews with John Boone; photos supplied
