Banquet and Awards

Don't let the fancy name fool you, Camper Banquet is an evening of laughter, fun.... and no silverware. Led by counselors dressed as pirates (and Captain Craigbeard), the campers enjoy a dinner sans forks, knives, or spoons. Below is a picture of the most recent Banquet (12 day residential camp, session 1). 

Another fun event occurred near the end of Family Day. Cabinmates, counselors, and families all gathered in Cathedral Pines to celebrate the achivements of residential and Advance campers. 

It's been reaaallly hot up here in the Northwoods. Down in Wheaton, they've been having trouble with big storms, but up here it's nothing but sun. Sun, and absurdly high humidity. Fortunately for the campers, facilities manager Don Kerns came to the rescue and constructed a magnificent slip n slide using yards of plastic and the hose from a fire truck. Pictures below of campers having fun cooling off in the sun! 

Solid Rock at HoneyRock

If you haven't heard of it before, get ready now. Solid Rock began with the first session of 12-day camp, giving campers, counselors, and staff alike a chance to test their endurance, discipline, and servant hearts. Solid Rock is a club of sorts at HoneyRock that meets every morning at 6am for a mile run and several laps around the swimming area. In order to earn the awesome t-shirt (and bragging rights), a Solid Rocker must also memorize a portion of Scripture and volunteer in some area around camp. The kitchen is a popular volunteering space - there are always dishes to be done around here. 

If your camper is coming up for a later session and is interested in Solid Rock, it might be a good idea to do some preparation, especially if they don't have much practice running. That said, I've heard at least one staff member tell stories about his days in Solid Rock where when he couldn't run, his counselor ran alongside and encouraged him. Sometimes it's not so much about the t-shirt or the glory, but the community and relationships that come from doing something difficult together. 

Solid Rock 2012! 

Care Package Tips

Letters and packages are pretty popular around here. Who doesn't like to get mail, after all? But there are a few things to keep in mind when you're putting together your camper's next box of goodies. 

First, we ask that you do not include food in your camper's care packages. It encourages animals to come into the cabins (and sometimes refuse to leave), it can encourage the consumption of junk food right before dinner or extra active activities, and could even result in someone feeling left out because the snacks weren't shared with them. For snacks, tell your camper to visit the Beehive, where a variety of treats and drinks are available during certain periods during the day. 

For similar reasons, please do not send cash. Beehive accounts are entirely electronic and there really aren't any other opportunities on-camp to spend cash money. There are too many chances for money to be misplaced. If you'd like to add to your camper's Beehive account, that can be done online or by calling the office. 

All of that said, one of the best parts about camp (in my opinion, at least) is getting mail. So if you get a chance, we encourage you to write a letter to your camper and ask how their time here is going. It's an opportunity for you to connect with your child, and for them to tell you what they're learning here at camp. 

PS - When addressing your letter, remember to put your camper's program after their name! 

Today we welcomed the first session of 12-day res camp and 2:22! After some quick cabin activities and the swim test (decides who gets to waterski!) it'll be dinner with the rest of camp and more activities tonight. 

Additionally, the Advance Camp girls will be leaving for their wilderness expedition tomorrow. They're hard at work down at the trip locker tonight receiving their gear and learning about how to use it. Please pray for safety and good weather for them as they set out into the great northwoods for a week! 

Family Day 2012, Part 1!

After a fantastic week of building new friendships, Bible studies, and awesome activities, the 6-day res campers and we are excited to welcome families! Today, beginning with a rodeo at 2 and ending with a camp-wide meal at 5, campers' parents, siblings, and other family members from all over the country will be spending time getting to know their child's counselors and experiencing HoneyRock for themselves. The Beehive will be open this afternoon and there will be opportunities for parents to spend one-on-one time with the counselors and unit leaders. 

It's been a great week of perfect weather and we're sorry to see the first session go, but as they reunite with their families today, we hope that they have had a wonderful time at HoneyRock. See you all next summer!