4-6 inches of snow! 12 inches of ice!

We were surprised at the amount of snow we received! All of us had trouble making it up the hill from the front gate. Then once we made it up, we were almost stuck there! The ice held us at camp for a while with the heat turned way up and our winter layers on. Not the typical scene you think of when you remember Camp Ridgecrest! It’s quite a jump from playing 4-sqaure with our shirts off, or screaming across the lake on the zip line. But it was still a ton of fun. We’re lucky to get to come and play and work at camp every day! Enjoy the pictures, we have some more coming soon of some projects around camp!

So, 12 inches of ice?? Not 12 inches deep, but the ice cycles were 12 inches long! Check these out… I opted to not park under the ledge of ice spikes. That would be bad for the Subaru.

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Worthy of Worship

Worthy of Worship
Read This Passage: Revelation 4:1-11

Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created. —Revelation 4:11

A LOT OF MY FRIENDS  when I was younger collected baseball cards. They even looked in magazines to find the current value of their cards. They tried to get cards of rookie players who seemed to be doing well. They knew if the player continued to rise in his stats, the card would increase in value.

Perhaps you have something that you have collected or have put away because it is special to you. What gives value or worth to an object or a person? More specifically, what does it mean to say that God is worthy to receive glory and honor and power?

A good synonym for “worthy” is “deserving.” Stop and ask yourself, Why does God deserve my worship? You may have a long list of things that God has done both for you and in your life that cause you to want to praise Him. Our praise for God should not just be about what He has done, but who He is!

Many people in our world today receive awards and recognition for what they do, but could they receive an award for who they are? A lot of people who are recognized for having talent have no character. God is worthy of praise because His character is flawless.

In a world where our very best friends or family sometimes disappoint us, we can turn to a God who has never failed and never will! At the end of time, He will still be worthy of worship and honor because of who He is. Rather than focusing on what God has done that is worthy of praise, today focus on who God is.

Real Choices
Perhaps you have received awards or recognition for personal talents, grades, or accomplishments. Do you accept and receive all the glory, or can you find ways to give glory to God for the abilities and opportunities He has given you? Look for ways to turn personal awards and recognition back to giving God glory.

Digging Deeper
God has called believers to “walk worthy of the Lord.” Read Colossians 1:10-12 and list the ways that believers can do this.

Pray
Ask God to reveal to you all that He is. Praise God for His characteristics as they come to your mind.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Revelation, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

Worthy of Worship

Worthy of Worship
Read This Passage: Revelation 4:1-11

Our Lord and God, You are worthy to receive glory and honor and power, because You have created all things, and because of Your will they exist and were created. —Revelation 4:11

A LOT OF MY FRIENDS  when I was younger collected baseball cards. They even looked in magazines to find the current value of their cards. They tried to get cards of rookie players who seemed to be doing well. They knew if the player continued to rise in his stats, the card would increase in value.

Perhaps you have something that you have collected or have put away because it is special to you. What gives value or worth to an object or a person? More specifically, what does it mean to say that God is worthy to receive glory and honor and power?

A good synonym for “worthy” is “deserving.” Stop and ask yourself, Why does God deserve my worship? You may have a long list of things that God has done both for you and in your life that cause you to want to praise Him. Our praise for God should not just be about what He has done, but who He is!

Many people in our world today receive awards and recognition for what they do, but could they receive an award for who they are? A lot of people who are recognized for having talent have no character. God is worthy of praise because His character is flawless.

In a world where our very best friends or family sometimes disappoint us, we can turn to a God who has never failed and never will! At the end of time, He will still be worthy of worship and honor because of who He is. Rather than focusing on what God has done that is worthy of praise, today focus on who God is.

Real Choices
Perhaps you have received awards or recognition for personal talents, grades, or accomplishments. Do you accept and receive all the glory, or can you find ways to give glory to God for the abilities and opportunities He has given you? Look for ways to turn personal awards and recognition back to giving God glory.

Digging Deeper
God has called believers to “walk worthy of the Lord.” Read Colossians 1:10-12 and list the ways that believers can do this.

Pray
Ask God to reveal to you all that He is. Praise God for His characteristics as they come to your mind.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Revelation, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

Fun Times at Disney World

This past week, Ron, Phil, Caleb and I had the opportunity to attend the American Camp Association’s National Conference.  Camp professionals from all over the United States gathered to learn how to make their camps even better!  It was information overload, but we learned a lot!  This year’s conference was at Coronado Springs Resort in Disney World.

On Thursday afternoon, the four of us ventured out to Hollywood Studios.  The first ride we went on was the Tower of Terror.  It is like an elevator ride that takes you up 13 stories but then drops suddenly!  It doesn’t do that once, but a few times.  I came off the ride with tears streaming down my face, not because I was crying but because I had never heard Ron scream before! We were all laughing so hard!  The rest of the afternoon included The Great Movie Ride, a Car Stunt Show, the Rock ‘n’ Roll roller coaster, and one more ride on the Tower of Terror.  I love roller coasters, but I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest on the Rock ‘n’ Roll roller coaster and the Tower of Terror.

We saved the best for last-another ride on the Tower of Terror.  We wanted all of you to experience the thrill with us.  The second video is for sound purposes only.  Listen closely and you can hear us laughing and screaming, but pay special attention to Ron!

We hope you enjoyed this special blog dedicated to our great director, Ron Springs!

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, Funny videos, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Camp Ridgecrest “Best of” Videos: Synchronized Swimming Part Deux

Last week I uploaded short video clips of two of the Arapho cabins showcasing their synchronized swimming talents.  Now it’s time to see the other two cabin entries!  Watch the videos below and catch just a glimpse of the fun that happens here at Ridgecrest during the summer.

What do you think…are they ready for the Olympics?

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest, Ridgecrest funny videos, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Ridgecrest synchronized swimming | Leave a reply

In a Little While

In a Little While
Read This Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

For we walk by faith, not by sight—yet we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord. —2 Corinthians 5:7-8

WHEN OUR BOYS were younger, we camped quite often. We had a tent and would pack up all we needed to enjoy the great outdoors. After a few days of chiggers, paper plates, and sleeping on the ground, home usually started to look pretty good.

After several years of camping, our tent began to show signs of wear. There were a few patches, a stuck zipper, a torn window flap, warping or broken poles, and a musty odor. Our tent was generally just worn out!
Tents are nice for camping and you probably got to experience one this past summer, but they are not intended to be a permanent home. Today’s Scripture begins by calling our bodies tents. Much like a camping tent, our bodies experience a lot of wear and tear, and as we age, they eventually get worn out. God’s plan for our lives is not for us to remain in these bodies. They are temporary “tents” until He takes us to our permanent home in heaven.

As I am writing this, a dear friend is attending the funeral of her 5-year-old granddaughter. For the past two years and nine months, many people have prayed that God would heal her, and a few days ago, He did!

Rather than just putting another patch on her worn-out tent, God let her move to her new home with Him.
Perhaps you’ve asked God for a miracle, and someone still died. It is a miracle when God gives us ways to patch our earthly tents so we will last a little longer. It is an even greater miracle, though, when we move to heaven and God gives us our eternal body that will never wear out.

Camping is fun but only temporary. Life is eternal.

Real Choices
Sometimes people are afraid to talk to others about death because they don’t know what to say. If you know someone who is hurting or mourning over a loss, go to them and simply listen and pray with them.

Digging Deeper
For more information about your new body, read 1 Corinthians 15:35-57.

Pray
Father, thank You that death is not final because You offer eternal life. Give me opportunities and courage to share Your hope with those who are experiencing grief and loss.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged 2 Corinthians, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

In a Little While

In a Little While
Read This Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:1-10

For we walk by faith, not by sight—yet we are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord. —2 Corinthians 5:7-8

WHEN OUR BOYS were younger, we camped quite often. We had a tent and would pack up all we needed to enjoy the great outdoors. After a few days of chiggers, paper plates, and sleeping on the ground, home usually started to look pretty good.

After several years of camping, our tent began to show signs of wear. There were a few patches, a stuck zipper, a torn window flap, warping or broken poles, and a musty odor. Our tent was generally just worn out!
Tents are nice for camping and you probably got to experience one this past summer, but they are not intended to be a permanent home. Today’s Scripture begins by calling our bodies tents. Much like a camping tent, our bodies experience a lot of wear and tear, and as we age, they eventually get worn out. God’s plan for our lives is not for us to remain in these bodies. They are temporary “tents” until He takes us to our permanent home in heaven.

As I am writing this, a dear friend is attending the funeral of her 5-year-old granddaughter. For the past two years and nine months, many people have prayed that God would heal her, and a few days ago, He did!

Rather than just putting another patch on her worn-out tent, God let her move to her new home with Him.
Perhaps you’ve asked God for a miracle, and someone still died. It is a miracle when God gives us ways to patch our earthly tents so we will last a little longer. It is an even greater miracle, though, when we move to heaven and God gives us our eternal body that will never wear out.

Camping is fun but only temporary. Life is eternal.

Real Choices
Sometimes people are afraid to talk to others about death because they don’t know what to say. If you know someone who is hurting or mourning over a loss, go to them and simply listen and pray with them.

Digging Deeper
For more information about your new body, read 1 Corinthians 15:35-57.

Pray
Father, thank You that death is not final because You offer eternal life. Give me opportunities and courage to share Your hope with those who are experiencing grief and loss.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 2 Corinthians, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

Reservations

Reservations
Read This Passage: Colossians 1:3-6

For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. —Colossians 1:4-5a

RESERVATIONS. That word probably makes you think of some fine dining experience. But there are many other reasons people make reservations, including vacations, concerts, and plays. Reservations are a guarantee that a place will be held for you at the event.

Someone had to make a reservation for you to attend camp last summer. The only way you can come next summer is if someone makes another reservation under your name.

Similarly, reservations have been made for believers in heaven in the name of Jesus who said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus also said that He knows His sheep (John 10:27), referring to those who believe in Him. No one will be allowed into heaven without the right reservations.

A final connection of this example is the banquet. in Revelation 19. Here, Jesus is compared to a groom returning to get his bride, which is the church. It was common in biblical times that a feast or banquet was prepared as part of the wedding celebration. When Jesus returns for His church, all believers will be allowed to attend the marriage feast.

On most wedding invitations that include a reception, there are four special letters at the bottom: R.S.V.P. The letters come from the French expression répondez s’il vous plaît, meaning “please respond.” Jesus has invited you to eternal life through a relationship with Him. Have you responded?

Real Choices
If you have not accepted Jesus’ invitation, will you please respond today? If you have already responded to Jesus’ invitation, share it with a friend today.

Digging Deeper
Another banquet story is found in Luke 14:15-24. What are some of the excuses people had for not attending the banquet? Are these similar to excuses people use today to reject God’s invitation?

Pray
Thank You, Lord, that as a believer my reservation is guaranteed! Help me to be courageous and bold to share Your invitation with others.

Posted in Boys, Devotions | Tagged Colossians, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

Reservations

Reservations
Read This Passage: Colossians 1:3-6

For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. —Colossians 1:4-5a

RESERVATIONS. That word probably makes you think of some fine dining experience. But there are many other reasons people make reservations, including vacations, concerts, and plays. Reservations are a guarantee that a place will be held for you at the event.

Someone had to make a reservation for you to attend camp last summer. The only way you can come next summer is if someone makes another reservation under your name.

Similarly, reservations have been made for believers in heaven in the name of Jesus who said, “No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Jesus also said that He knows His sheep (John 10:27), referring to those who believe in Him. No one will be allowed into heaven without the right reservations.

A final connection of this example is the banquet. in Revelation 19. Here, Jesus is compared to a groom returning to get his bride, which is the church. It was common in biblical times that a feast or banquet was prepared as part of the wedding celebration. When Jesus returns for His church, all believers will be allowed to attend the marriage feast.

On most wedding invitations that include a reception, there are four special letters at the bottom: R.S.V.P. The letters come from the French expression répondez s’il vous plaît, meaning “please respond.” Jesus has invited you to eternal life through a relationship with Him. Have you responded?

Real Choices
If you have not accepted Jesus’ invitation, will you please respond today? If you have already responded to Jesus’ invitation, share it with a friend today.

Digging Deeper
Another banquet story is found in Luke 14:15-24. What are some of the excuses people had for not attending the banquet? Are these similar to excuses people use today to reject God’s invitation?

Pray
Thank You, Lord, that as a believer my reservation is guaranteed! Help me to be courageous and bold to share Your invitation with others.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Colossians, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotion | Leave a reply

Camp Ridgecrest “Best of” Video Clips…You’re Gonna Want to Watch These

Think synchronized swimming is for girls?  Well, some of the Arapaho guys proved that theory wrong this past summer.  There really are no words to describe these two clips.  Here in the office, we certainly enjoyed watching these…hopefully y’all will enjoy them just as much.  So as requested, here are two cabins showing us all the finer points of synchronized swimming!

Check back next week to see the other two cabin performances!

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest, Ridgecrest funny videos, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Ridgecrest synchronized swimming | Leave a reply