Crazy Summer Lovin'

NeSoDak Summer

This was a summer I really loved, but didn't realize it until a year later.  I sometimes forget to live in the moment and take for granted the good things happening in my life. This was one of them.  

The 2007 summer started off a little weird.  I did a two week training with the NeSoDak staff, a Lutheran Outdoors Bible camp located on Enemy Swim Lake.  Then headed to be a New Orientation Leader at SDSU until June 25th.  My time away from camp resulted in me losing time making the initial friendships and having a complete summer of awesomeness.

• With the help of Darin, I was able to put a bug in Fose's ear to be a camp counselor.  She wasn't too sure at first, but at the end of summer she was hooked like a fish.  She had a blast and I loved having my bestie at camp with me.  Thanks Foseroo :)

• We hung out with children all day.  We were childish as well.  Like marking out faces to distinguish which side we were on for a dodge ball game.  How many 21 year olds get to draw on their faces with markers AND play dodgeball, soccer, and basketball?  

No coloring book?

• We put on skits.  It didn't matter what we looked like or sounded like.  As long as we were praising God and having fun.  

Here Rachel and I (another childhood friend) dance in prune outfits!

• We had the chance to travel to various towns for a week (Lake Preston, Arlington, Milbank) and pass along the Word.  It was completely awesome having the kids give their views on the Bible, and showing that it is fun to learn about God.  

• I learned soooo many games to play with kids.  Example, sleeping lion I LOVE.  All the kids lay down and cannot talk, giggle, or touch anyone. They have to guess when five minutes are up.  Once they think it is time they will stand up and can make goofy faces (no talking or touching) to the other kids.  The closest one to five minutes will get say a cookie or something.  It is absolutely fascinating watching 100 kids lay quietly after they had just been running around a soccer field.

• At the age of 24 I still carry colored string and beads for those moments that friendship bracelets could be made.  Camp taught me how to make killer jewelry.  Also I perfected my french braiding technique… especially since we were allow 2 minute showers and it was just easier not to wash the hair until the weekend.  Gross… yes.

• I learned the responsibility and greatness of having 12 girls living in a cabin for you.  Giggles, screams, and sneaking out to eat popcorn under the stars.  Reflections were insightful, teary-eyed, and heart-warming.  I also learned you cannot just tell a kid to sit outside because she is roasting…. that is not an adult thing to say!

• I had the chance to sing some of the best songs and learn the moves.  There have been times when Prince of Peace or Days of Elijah have played in church and I just want to bust out some dance moves…. I refrain for everyone's sake.

• Oreos have many functions.  Stick it on your forehead and try wiggling it down until you catch it in your mouth.  What an ice breaker :)

• If you ever want an amazing church service… try NeSoDak's on Sunday morning.  It is worth traveling from Brookings to Enemy Swim Lake to worship by the lake.

• I discovered some amazing people on this journey at NeSoDak.  Carrie, Kanga, Kels, Val, Dan, Skadsan, Mike and many many many more… Thanks amigos!

• I encourage anyone that has an available summer to go to camp… send your kids to camp… volunteer on a mission's trip… get involved with Luther League or whatever… because I can guarantee fond, amazing, wonderful memories and friendships will be made.  I am so thankful my mom and dad allowed me to go to NeSoDak and Klein Ranch growing up, and encouraged the church in my life.  It was be a glorious trip!!



Theme Nights were amazing because you get totally let loose.  I was the Trident Caveman.  Crazy looking, eh?!

• Above all I learned the Bible better.  It was a summer of getting back in touch with my spiritual side and finding friends that wanted to worship and teach about the Lord.  Uplifting.