Pine Cove Base Camp

Earlier this summer, Connor had the privilege of attending his very first Pine Cove Base Camp, which sponsors Christian youth camps all over the country. Pine Cove is actually based out of Tyler, TX, which surprised me because I had never heard of it before despite growing up in East Texas. But when I read the description for the camp, it sounded like such a neat experience for kids. Julie and I signed up Connor and Benjamin to be in the same "cabin" for the week.

This particular base camp was sponsored by a church we've been visiting this summer, Grace United Methodist. They have an AMAZING children's and youth program, and the kids have really enjoyed attending church there. When we pulled up to the church parking lot, we couldn't believe all of the fun activities that were in store for the kids.

So many fun activities!

Waterslides, euro-bungies, rockwalls, and all kinds of other amazing activities awaited these kiddos, they couldn't contain their excitement! When I saw all of this, I was thinking to myself, Why have I never heard of this camp before and how soon can I sign up again?!

Julie and I were carpooling the kids to/from camp that week, so I had all 5 of these cuties before camp on the first day.

First day of camp (not sure why Connor is yawning, ha!)

Welcome to Pine Cove!

Because I knew nothing about Pine Cove, I honestly didn't know what to expect from the week. Each day the parents were given a newsletter that described what the kids experienced and learned on that day and how parents could continue the discussions at home. The focus of the week was King David and how he had a heart for God, and everyday Connor would come home talking about how David was a man after God's heart. They had daily Bible study and prayer time, and Connor began learning how to look up scripture in his Bible, reading the stories there that had been taught at camp. I was so overwhelmed by his growth as a child of God, it touched me more than I can say!

A sight that warms my heart: Connor reading his Bible.

One of the best things about Pine Cove is their AMAZING group of college-age camp counselors. They spend their summers traveling from city to city, hosting camps for these kids while sharing and spreading their love for Christ through awesome outdoor fun, upbeat and spiritual songs and dancing, and reflective prayer time and Bible lessons. Each counselor has a silly name -- Connor's counselor was called Double Decker Bus -- and they dedicate their week to helping grow the spirituality of the kids in their group.

Connor and Benjamin with their camp counselor, Double Decker Bus.

At the end of the camp week, the counselors and kids all wore their "crazy" socks and hosted a concert for the parents and share some of the songs and lessons that they have learned that week.

Connor and Benjamin with their crazy socks on the last day of camp.

After the concert, the camp counselors present each camper with an individual certificate of Character Qualities, which are outstanding characteristics unique to each child that were displayed during camp. Connor's certificate read, "Connor is loyal, faithful to those around him. He is courteous, taking the needs of others into account. Connor is consistent."

Connor with his counselor after receiving his Character Qualities certificate.

Connor is still talking about what an awesome time he had at Pine Cove in June, and we are already planning to attend camp again next year. I am so grateful to the church and camp folks for hosting such an uplifting and encouraging week for these kids. It was an experience we won't soon forget!