Junior High #2

Let me begin by saying, this past summer was just what the Healer ordered.

The continued theme was “Detox,” and each age group was able to see that there are toxins tainting our hearts, and they are meant to be extracted. Throughout the eight camps King Solomon Christian Camp hosted during the summer of 2013, God placed an opportunity for students and staff to lay aside their sin and engage in the detox experience.

Check out this fine group!

The plane flew right over the camp bringing written challenges and candy.

The last camp for the summer was the second Junior High group. Their energy, their smiles, and their hearts were inspirational to say the least. They jumped right in to the routine of camp as they arrived on Monday morning. One of the most unique events of the summer occurred on Monday: a special plane delivery! Students gathered at the edge of the field and waited for their written challenges, which were dropped from the plane. After they gathered their team’s challenge, they rotated through stations as family groups. Later that afternoon, they played kickball where they were sprayed with water at each based and had to slide on a wet tarp to make it home. In chapel that evening the speaker presented two “Big Truths,” which included: 1) Our culture is full of moral filth and 2) God’s Word is the good we need. The reality is if you choose to follow Christ, you choose to go against the flow. The students were challenged to read the book of James for the week.

 

Tuesday ushered in more camp excitement. As a part of missions, students were able to watch a video exploring the beginnings of a church plant in Kansas City. After lunch they had a special session in the chapel on purity. Following the special session, campers embarked on the journey of “examination.” The day’s theme was “examine” and in order to solidify it, students rotated through “examine” stations. Those stations included having students’ faces painted with the words, “God loves me.” The letters were written backwards so when they looked in the mirror they could read the message themselves. Another station challenged family groups to get over a rope tied between two trees without touching the rope. This encouraged teams to work together and lift one another up. There was a blindfolded challenge as well as a creativity station for students. To cool off, a water slide was set up for recreation. When campers returned from swimming, they had supper and headed to chapel for the main session. The message focused on James 1:2, pressing students to consider their trials as opportunities to grow. Trials make us stronger because they create perseverance, our enemy is the one who tempts us, and anger is bad news were the three “Big Truths.”

 

On Wednesday morning during quiet time, we read James 3, which targeted taming the tongue. Our words represent Christ, and they will always be part of life. The Junior High students already know the impact words can have, and they focused on how to use their words to edify others. Our family group connected with the phrase “attitude of gratitude.” The day also emphasized James 2:14, which says, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” In order to apply that verse, students dedicated part of their afternoon to give back to the camp. Service projects included painting benches near the campfire, cleaning up limbs from the tree that fell, and organizing supplies in the activity center. That evening’s message directed campers towards the “Big Truths” of: 1) God’s love for us is unchanging, 2) Faith without actions can’t save us, and 3) Actions alone can’t save us.

During the last full day of camp, the campers presented the long-awaited choreographed performances. Each family group was assigned a song, and they performed in the chapel on Thursday. It was definitely a highlight of the entire week as each camper danced to uplifting music. Later that afternoon, kids and staff joined together for a water balloon fight. At the conclusion of rec time, students went to the pool, ate supper, and got settled in for one last evening session. The theme for the day was “steer.” The “Big Truths” presented were: 1) Our tongue is our steering wheel; our words direct what we do with the rest of our lives, 2) Our tongue is meant for worshiping God, and 3) Our tongue is not meant to harm others.

 

 When the main session ended, family groups met and adjourned to a special session around the burn barrel. Throughout the week, campers had the opportunity to write on a piece of paper things they were holding back. They placed the pieces of paper in a barrel and the paper was burned to symbolize the new creation we become when we accept God’s gift. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we read, ^“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here.” To end our day, we headed to the field as the sun went down. Off in the distance, we heard a plane overhead. Against the night sky glow sticks were dropped, and each family group proceeded to gather their team’s color. It was a beautiful scene with these glowing objects spread across the campground.

As Friday rolled around, campers concluded their time at King Solomon. The last morning show encompassed the “Interlude Dance” and a final message from our speaker. He asked us the question, “what do I do now?” The three steps we are called to take are 1) Submit yourselves to God, 2) Come near to God, and lastly 3) Stand firm and rise up.

For each person that passes through King Solomon Christian Camp, it is our hope that they submit their lives to God, draw near to His heart, stand firm in the faith, and rise up. This summer allowed so many of us to partake in the detox experience, myself included. God quietly steered me towards healing and into a deeper relationship with Him. It is my desire that He will do the same for you.

May you be quietly led by the Lover of your soul.

Leah Hill

KSCC Communications Liaison

3rd & 4th Grade: Take Two!

Camp fire always has been a highlight of the King Solomon experience, and the 3^rd and 4^th graders this past week were scheduled to surround its warmth Monday evening. As we made our way out to the peaceful place in God’s creation, sounds of an acoustic guitar and bongo drum filled the cool evening air. Serenity.  Just as we were settling down for worship, a tender little girl came up to me and said she felt sick. As we made our way to find the nurse, we chatted about her time at camp. Upon finding the nurse, soothing words and Tums were administered, and we soon headed back to the campfire. When we got closer, we heard something pure, something genuine, something words truly can’t describe. The melodies rising to our majestic God from those children was one of the most precious sounds known to man. In the midst of God’s handiwork, His people praised Him.

The lesson I learned from the little girl is one I won’t soon forget. Although her timing might have at first seemed like an interruption, I believe that it was more of an appointment divinely set up by God. She had such a pure perspective on faith, and her heart inspired me. Do you remember a time when you were “inconvenienced,” and God used it to teach you?

Maybe that’s the way we should view all of our trials—as divine appointments designed by God. James 1:2 tells us to consider trials “pure joy.” It’s a lesson I think He will continue to teach us, and we must continue to learn. The 3^rd and 4^th graders this past week were able to learn from the book of James as well. On Sunday evening, the main session in the chapel targeted the tongue. The students were asked how do we make sure that we say words bring healing and do not hurt like a sword? A timely question for all of us.

Monday’s lesson directed campers to think about their faith along with their deeds. What are some ways that we can show God’s love in our actions at home? At school? With our friends? With strangers? James talks about showing your faith through your actions. How do those actions show your faith/belief in/love for God? That evening students engaged in the message based on James 4:4-10. They were asked can we have a friendship with the world and friendship with God? The answer was no. It’s a choice we have to make. If we choose to have a lasting friendship with God, we can be saved from eternal separation from Him. When we choose to be a friend of God and turn our back on the world, we receive the gift of eternal life with God.

Not only were the campers able to listen to meaningful messages, they were also able to participate in fun activities during their time at camp. They crafted beaded bracelets, played Bible games, swam at the Solomon pool, sang songs, and had the opportunity to listen to Mr. and Mrs. Phil McAfee, missionaries from Brazil.

Although 3^rd and 4^th grade camp lasted only three days, its memories will leave a lasting impact on the campers and staff, too. No matter how long you spend at KSCC, God always seems to reach and to teach.

 For His Glory,

 

Leah Hill

KSCC Communications Liaison

 

 

 

 

5th & 6th Grade Camp

Our summer days are full of sunshine, swimming, and, most importantly, spiritual growth. This week 5^th and 6^th graders who traveled to King Solomon Christian camp were had the opportunity to experience all three.


Sand volleyball enthusiasts

 As I reflect the four days the campers were here, I remember the numerous activities students were able to enjoy. It was such a blessing! For example, dodgeball, kickball, knock out, volleyball, swimming (twice in one day even!), capture the flag, water tag, and water relays were all activities for the kids to participate and have fun with. Chapel times were filled with energized songs accompanied by acoustic guitars and drums plus applicable messages for students to hear. The detailed planning and scheduled rotations contributed to a fantastic camp! Campers rarely became bored as they traveled to new stations every 15-20 minutes. With over 120 campers, KSCC was packed, but thanks to such dedicated planning and supportive staff, the week was absolutely a success.

The continuing theme for this summer has been Detox/Purified. Jason Kohler gave the message during the main sessions. He began his messages solemnly telling the audience he had some bad news. He titled the bad news the “dirty truth.” He said that we all fall short of the glory of God, and the wages of sin is death. In order to demonstrate this concept to 5^th and 6^th graders, he used the visual aid of a stain accumulated from the culprits ketchup, mayonnaise, and coke piled on top of each other. (The mayo and coke were actually used in an effort to try to minimize the initial ketchup stain Kohler had encountered when he was a teen). In an effort to purify our own stains (sin), we realize we can’t do it alone. We need to admit that we are sinners and accept the gift of eternal life that God has presented us. But as Jason mentioned, it is up to us to make the choice. When we accept the gift we become righteous before God.

Whether it was the first time some of the students have ever heard the gospel message or if they have been part of the church scene since birth, this week’s theme and principles were timely and true. One key verse throughout the week was 1 Timothy 4:12, which says, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.” It was another great week filled with sunshine, swimming, and spiritual growth. Praise our Almighty Father for blessing us with so many campers and a time to become purified.

In closing, every camp establishes its own ambiance, and as I interacted with this age group, I found them to be quite loveable. Some chose to chat, others wanted hugs. Really they just wanted someone to listen and someone to care. So wherever you are, please extend the love Christ has showed to us, and invest in those around you.

“And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love.” 2 John 1:6

Blessings,

Leah Hill

KSCC Communications Liaison

Junior High 1

Students playing a new game called "Tonga Tonga."

Want to know one of my favorite things about camp?

For me, it’s the excitement that comes with each group’s arrival. Each camper and each staff member that pass through King Solomon Christian Camp have been covered by prayer. Each person that comes to this oasis nestled peacefully in the country has been joyfully anticipated. Each person that I engage with throughout their time at KSCC, I look at and know God has brought them to this place for His purposes. That is humbling and produces incredible joy.

I remember the first camp of the summer when five and six-year-olds teemed the campgrounds. I said to my friend, Alicia, “I’m so excited that campers are coming today!” I believe it was the Holy Spirit stirring my heart and fulfilling Isaiah 11:2-3 which says, “The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD—and he will delight in the fear of the LORD.” Looking back, I am able to see glimpses of God’s hand at work.

Junior High Camp was no exception.

On Monday morning 85 campers began the “Detox” journey. These adolescents were ready for fun, for fellowship, and for some time away from home. They came with excited spirits and trust me when I say they were full of energy. The highlights of the day included an introduction to the missions for the week, which will benefit a married missionary couple who live and serve in Japan. Students joined in prayer for their ministry and were able to video-chat with the couple later in the week. Another activity that encouraged campers to get involved was the Geocaching challenge. Each family group spread across the campgrounds and searched for hidden cylinders which held special tasks for teams to do. Following the “hunt,” recreation consisted of a newly revised dodgeball game as well as another ball game on the baseball field.

Students enjoyed some leisure time as they played basketball, crafted in the Activity Center, or participated in a few rounds of hand golf. The main session for that evening featured the band aka “The Dannefer Experience,” and speaker Travis Long. If you know any Junior High student who attended camp this week, ask them about the sermon illustration for the first night. (Warning: horses, arenas, and various forms of, shall we say, dirt.)  James 1:21 was the theme verse, and Travis presented the reality that all of us need to be cleansed, we all need to get rid of all moral filth, and we need to ask ourselves what are we holding onto. God wants to deal with our dirt problem; we just have to admit that it exists.

Tuesday presented the theme “Examine.” The day was full of activities from the morning show, encounter time, classes, lunch, missions, and to top it all off, a slide and an epic dodgeball tournament. After canteen and swimming, everybody headed to the chapel for the main session. The message that evening really focused on each junior higher’s value and how we are all worth dying for. One of the most poignant lines of the evening said it best: “we’re either messed up and we know it, or we’re messed up and we don’t know it.” This truth speaks volumes across generations. It doesn’t matter if you are in 7^th grade or seventy, we all are guilty of sin, and we need to examine ourselves.

Wednesday continued to weave truth into the lives of the young teenagers. The theme was “Act,” and the day was packed with action indeed. Post-breakfast and encounter times, campers split into two groups for classes. The young ladies went to the chapel and the young men went to the upstairs of the dining hall. Although I didn’t attend the boys’ class, I did get a chance to be a part of the girls’ class. It was phenomenal, and the wisdom presented by the seasoned ladies was applicable and timely. I hope the students recognized the value of the insights presented.

In addition, Wednesday was also the hub for the course challenges. Each family group started at a station and rotated after they completed the task. For example, one station was a tight rope between two trees and teammates had to help one another without falling off. As always, the group activities allowed the members to work together, communicate, and learn the value of each teammate. Later in the day, the main session gave feet to the overall theme: Detox. In order to move away from something, you have to move towards something else. In 1 Timothy 6:11 the Bible says, “But you, man of God, flee from all this and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.” If all of us pursued righteousness, wordly rubbish becomes less and less appealing.

As we continued through the book of James, Thursday was center stage for Chapter 3. “Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire and is itself set on fire by hell” (James 3:5-6). The family group leaders were instructed to set an example in edifying one another. In order to display this, there was an orange fence set up on the north side of the chapel. Each family group leader wrote encouraging notes to their campers and posted them on this fence. It was humbling to see all those notes, knowing that words were used for good. The message Thursday night capitalized on the desperate need for our youth as well as adults to speak words that encourage and benefit those who listen.

Friday concluded the Junior High campers’ time at King Solomon. They had a full week that was designed for them to draw closer to God and apply His Truth in their lives. Speaking of conclusions, remember when I mentioned above that one of my favorite moments during camp was the arrival time? Although the arrival of precious people is one of my favorite things about camp, that’s not the best thing. The best thing about camp is the opportunity for students to seek God and leave with a fire in their hearts for Him. So as campers come and go, I know that God’s hand is upon them and that He will be there for them wherever they go.

May you, reader, have that same comfort from the Creator.

 

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified, do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Blessings,

Leah Hill

KSCC Communications Liaison

 

3rd & 4th Grade Plus... 1st & 2nd Grade!



In a girls against boys challenge, each team had to see who could filter dirty water the best using coffee filters.

Whoohooo!! I'm smiling right now as I write this latest blog. The LORD is good, and it has been such a blessing to be at King Solomon this summer. We've just finished up 3rd & 4th grade and 1st & 2nd camps, and let me tell you, it has been a great ride!

On Sunday afternoon, 65 youngsters teemed the campgrounds for three days of learning about God and fun-filled activities. The theme for this age group was "Purified." These campers were full of energy, and take my word for it, they were bundles of excitement. Yet aside from the bustling bodies, it was their honesty and their hearts that pulled me in, and I was so blessed to hang out with such great kids. One of my most treasured moments was spent on the ride home from the pool Sunday evening. We rode buses to Solomon for a late night swim, and on our way back, a little boy told me that he was trying really hard to get to heaven. He wanted to learn more about God, and his heart was precious.  Friends, it's these hearts that need seeds planted. It's these hearts that are eager for Truth. It's these hearts that belong to children that will some day lead. Let us not forget the value of time invested in them. It's a truth that I need to be reminded of regularly.

I could use this space to describe the inflatables, water slides, and other recreation activities, but I'm counting on the campers to convey those details . I know they enjoyed their experience here, but more importantly they were loved and valued during their short time at KSCC. I will, however, conclude the 3rd & 4th Grade camp with an illustration that targeted the heart of what it means to be purified. Picture this: 20 or so campers gathered in the chapel basement. Their attention was drawn to a pair of worn out, dirty jeans held up for all to see. There were holes in the knees and dirt nestled in the fibers of the denim. Dan, the speaker, explained that all of us have "pants" in life. We get them dirty, tear holes in them, and ultimately end up with a damaged pair of pants. Much like dirt becomes woven into our jeans, so does sin become woven into our lives.There is nothing we can do alone to make our jeans clean again, and God cannot accept us with our unclean jeans. But, Jesus steps in and takes our grungy jeans for us. In turn, He gives us clean ones instead. It's then that we can be near to God because Jesus has taken away our sin. Hopefully the kids will remember the illustration that was so fitting to the theme "purified." I know I will.

After the 3rd and 4th graders returned home, we had the next group of campers: 1st & 2nd graders. There was a plethora of adult sponsors, which was greatly appreciated as there were over 100 campers. The kids were divided into groups and were given colors to identify their group. They were able to play several water games, sing energized songs, and learn about the Bible. On the second day they acted out stories from the Bible, and they were able to use duct tape to create props. I was able to be a part of the "Green Grasshoppers" who performed a version of Noah's ark. It was wild.

Both camps this week were jam-packed, and I would like to thank all those who helped make these camps happen. As a former camper, I had no idea how much planning and work goes into camp. I would like to thank all deans, staff, and volunteers for serving with such selflessness. If you know anyone who filled any of those roles, please extend a thank-you to them. Praise God for enabling them to come and be a part of KSCC!

In summary, it has been an incredible blessing to be a small part of KSCC this summer. God has heard our prayers and continues to use this camp. I'll leave you with these verses, "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21

 

In Him,

 

Leah Hill

KSCC Communications Liaison 

Senior High 2013

Teenagers.

Beneath their swag and sunglasses lie untamed hearts that belong to adolescents with bright futures. Those hearts have experienced enough life to understand the sting of pain and the weight of this world’s burdens. But how are our youth supposed to deal with the trials they face? As scripture states in James 1 “with pure joy.”

High-schoolers met this week at King Solomon to “detoxify” and pursue a pure life. The theme was based on the book of James, which challenged students and staff to move towards living out their faith in a practical way.

On Monday, campers arrived and were soon divided into family groups. Represented by colored bracelets, each group sported their own color and later came up with team names. (Shout out to Neon Scurvy!) In addition to establishing team names, campers also learned about the Northwest Christian Mission in Haiti. A group from University Christian Church in Manhattan will be traveling to Haiti later this summer, and they will use the funds raised from this week to support an orphanage and other needs.

“Physical therapy,” a.k.a. recreation, was a time for students to play structured games whether it was kickball, volleyball, dodgeball, ultimate Frisbee, or the ever-popular “kill-ball.” (Ask a fellow camper about this one… Trust me, they’ll know.) The weather was great this week, and we didn’t experience any of the intense heat like we have in past summers. On Monday, a volleyball tournament was held and many students participated. Later that evening, the whole camp loaded onto buses and trekked to Solomon for a chilly late night swim. After swimming, we had campfire where Jose Heredia from OCC played guitar and sang. The evening concluded with MCC camp-teamers, Brandon Talley and Ethan Pope, sharing their testimonies.

Tuesday’s theme was “Examine.”  The day kicked off with breakfast and the morning show featuring “Not News” hosted by the camp team members. Students were able to have a designated slot titled “His Time” following the morning show. Here, they were able to have a special time of Bible reading and prayer. Students spread out on the campground, found a quiet spot away from others, and focused on their relationship with God. On Tuesday, they dove into James Chapter 1. The task set before them was to examine their hearts with honesty and see how their lives compared with the text James so practically provided. Within that particular chapter, trials and perseverance were two imperative topics covered. Trials produce joy and faith, and when we face trials we can have supernatural joy. We also learned the meaning of the word perseverance is to remain under. One of the concepts I took away from the day was to look at perseverance as an act of submission instead of oppression, which is how I often view trials. However, James 1:2-3 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

The next day’s big idea was “Do,” which was fitting as Wednesday was filled with family group time, swimming, a dodgeball tournament, and a night on the town. Campers listened to the message that challenged them to live out James 2:14, which says, “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?” A course of action that the students were challenged with came from 1Timothy 6:11. “But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, and gentleness.” In addition to fleeing from evil and pursuing righteousness, we should create an environment of holiness. That can be through reading scripture, seeking the Holy Spirit, and engaging with the saints. At campfire, Brandon Marsheider from OCC delivered his testimony which included his time in Bible College as well as his encounter with the tornado that hit Joplin, Missouri.

Thursday made big waves as students read James 3. The theme was “Steer,” which went right along with the analogies presented in verses 3-6. We are to keep our whole bodies in check including the tongue. The tongue is like a ship’s rudder, a spark that ignites a forest fire, and it is full of deadly poison. During “His Time” we were all called to examine ourselves and ask God to steer us into His Truth.

Family groups teamed up and participated in the long-awaited Warrior Dash. Here groups ran the camp’s trails, crawled under benches, flipped tires, pulled a tractor with rope, and finally, dove in a massive mud pit. It was one of the muddiest events the camp has hosted in quite some time, and it was a huge hit. Through the Warrior Dash the lesson of perseverance became tangible for staff and students. In the main session that night, the speaker, Nick, identified that we all have “heart problems.” He used the illustration of a time when he didn’t like one of his teammates, and he tried to filter his words towards the other player. Then it was shown to Nick that instead of trying to filter his words, he should focus on his own heart problem instead. So he started praying for his teammate, and God answered that prayer. While Nick was praying for his teammate, God worked in his heart so he no longer needed to filter his words. The problem, not just the symptom, was fixed.

Friday was the last day of Senior High camp. “Rise” was the theme, and all of us were called to submit to God and resist the devil. It seems like a simple concept, but students were warned that sin will still be waiting for them when they get back home, fatigue will also bring its challenges as they return, and the need for accountability is vital in their walk of faith. There was a message that went along the lines of “The way we rise is to humble ourselves.” It was similar to James 4:10, which says, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Overall, Senior High camp went smoothly, and it was encouraging to see many youth seeking the Lord. There were lots of discussions throughout the week as well as impressionable messages. It is our hope that students would come away from camp with a sense of peace and move towards a closer relationship with our Almighty God.

“Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You, too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”

James 4:7-8

Leah Hill

KSCC Communications Liaison

 

Day Camp 2013

Take yourself back. For most of us being in kindergarten was a long time ago, but try to remember the days when a sense of awe was simply stepping into your backyard. Leaves, flowers, and bugs were full of wonder, and chasing bubbles was a normal part of summer. It's in this frame of mind where we experience open hearts and open minds paired with genuine curiosity. God calls us to have child-like faith, and the campers' exhibited just that.

On Saturday, we hosted Day Camp, which happened to be my very first experience with King Solomon's premiere one-day event. The theme for the day was "Purified," and it encouraged these youngsters to cultivate their faith. Little kids were able to engage in fun worship songs, listen to a Bible story lesson, play kickball, go a on a nature walk, and conduct a science experiment all while partaking in the excitement of the camp environment. They even were able to taste a bit of "dorm life" as they had rest time on the bunk beds.

Their giggles throughout the day gave me such joy and the tenderness of their hearts tugged at my own. God's Word acknowledges how precious children are and moves us to "become like little children."

 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”

² He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. ³ And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. ⁴ Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. ⁵ And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.

Matthew 18: 1-5

 

 

Day Camp went so smoothly and gave kids a fruitful time away from home, and--hopefully--a positive King Solomon Christian Camp experience.

 

Keep coming back for more updates as Senior High Camp begins Monday, June 3rd.

 

Until then,

 

Leah Hill

KSCC Communications Liaison