This year we reached a new summer milestone in our family. All 3 of our kids went to Miracle Camp. And to make things extra fun and convenient, they all went on different weeks as Adelie attended the Jr. High camp the week before Pentwater, Staley attended the Sr. High camp the week after Pentwater, and Briggs attended the half-week Grade School camp in the middle of July.
Thankfully all 3 kids had friends that they went with for their week of camp. With enough friends and other kids from our church going each of the 3 weeks, we were able to figure out carpools so that every family only had to make one trip up to camp and back.
Adelie went with her friends Bristol and Stella.
Staley joined Olivia, Kelsey, and Kaitlyn again this year.
Briggs went with his friend, Freddie, but rode up with Micah, Melanie, and Ember from church as well.
Although Staley and Adelie are well-versed in Miracle Camp and what it entails, this was Briggs' first time going. Although he was old enough to go to the Jr. High camp, we felt like starting off with the half week grade school camp was probably a better fit for Briggs' first year, as both girls also started off with the half-week option their first time. The kids all really liked their cabin leaders.
The kids all enjoy a lot of things that camp has to offer. The zip line and tubing and the water activities are always a hit. The kids enjoy the coffee shop and mini golf and archery and the group games and chapel. Briggs said he got a little homesick the second night and all three kids were ready to come home at the end of their time, but it's always a good week full of great memories. Staley said that the biggest difference between the Jr. High and Sr. High camp was how late they stayed up every night. She was exhausted after her week of camp!
Although the kids always go with friends, they still spend the week in a cabin with other kids and get to know the other kids at camp throughout the week. Staley got to see kids that she has met through Quizzing as well as kids she ran against from other schools in cross country and track. It's a good week to get to know other Christians and just enjoy being together with others.
I love that Miracle Camp is something my kids look forward to every year. I love that Briggs got to experience (and truly enjoy) it for his first time. I love that my kids get a taste of freedom, a chance to meet new people, the opportunity to try new things, and a place where they are pushed and encouraged to ask questions, think deeply, and grow in their faith.
Hooray for Miracle Camp!!
