Home from summer camp

Last Friday we picked up Older Daughter from summer camp.  She was (and remains!) happily exhausted after a week of early morning "polar bear" swims, treetop adventures, and other summer camp activities.

This is an old established Bible-based camp that has been wildly popular literally through generations.

Spectacular views of Lake Coeur d'Alene:

A charming little vegetable patch called God's Garden:

An outdoor amphitheater where skits and plays are acted out:

This year Older Daughter's group camped in tents in a clearing near the lake.

There was this nifty gizmo that looked like an underground oven, but O.D. said they never used it.

The path leading up to the main part of the camp was beautiful.

Now that O.D. is older, her group got to experience some of the more adventurous activities, such as the climbing tower:

And, best of all, the "high ropes" - treetop climbing activities that thrilled the teens and would have scared the moms (had we been there).  Older Daughter has been talking about little else but the thrill of the high ropes.  Not to worry, all the kids were suitable harnessed before going up.  Phew!

This gives you some idea of the scale of these gizmos.  Both daughters are at the base of the tree.

All in all, a wonderfully fun week for Older Daughter - though she says she's glad to be home!

Home from summer camp

Yesterday we picked up Younger Daughter from a week at Summer Camp courtesy of our church, which banded together to send five children to a regional church camp (thanks everyone!).

The camp is very old and established, with literally generations of children attending since its inception sixty years ago. It boasts some spectacular views of Lake Coeur d'Alene.


Lots of excitement as Campers are reunited with their parents. In my case it was especially joyful because I hadn't seen Younger Daughter for 10 days, as she left for camp while I was in Portland.



Younger Daughter's cabin, called "The Cougar Cabin."


She took one of the upper bunks.


Children and parents line up for ice cream.


Someone's well-thumbed Bibles on the ground. I thought it made for an artful tableau.


The final program was held inside the beautiful newly-finished chapel. Are these front doors (copper) gorgeous or what?



Chapel empty...


Chaptel full...of joyous music.




Older Daughter's week at camp comes in early August, and already she's climbing the walls in excitement!