The Runner's Camp

This was the first year I have participated in our church's annual summer outreach camp:

I loved it!! Our outreach/missions pastor is a runner himself, so he began this 15ish years ago as a unique summer ministry for kids around here. It has grown steadily ever since Rob started it, and this year was the biggest group yet over the two different weeks: roughly 700 kids attended! The kids are divided by age and gender and are introduced to all the different track and field events during the week. They get to learn how to throw the javelin and the discus, how to run hurdles, how to do long jump and high jump, and distance and sprints. Sprinkled throughout the week are some fun water games to keep everyone cool, and the kids also get to have snack, music time, and Bible study each day. Music time is with our worship pastor, Daniel, who makes it a fun and interactive way to end the day. He usually writes a song based on the theme of the week that all the kids sing on Sunday during church. The Bible study time is done each morning before the track activities start, led by the age group leaders. I had the privilege of being an 8-year-old age group leader, and I really enjoyed teaching them each morning and taking them to their various stations. The week culminates with a real track meet for the kids at a local high school, where they get to carry different flags in to the Olympic theme music (which they love!).
I had such a good time during the first camp week that I asked if I could help during the second week too, ha!

I plan to be back next year, and Charlie will get to move up to "mini runner's camp"!!