a few years ago, Corrie Boyle (the.element lead pastor) and i began talking about trying to put together a summer camp for our students to go to. we started looking around and found a number of great camps; but the majority charged 400+ for a week of camp. we couldn't justify that with the economy the way it was; so we continued looking for an alternative site to host a camp.
we looked at heading to chicago or detroit, we looked into renting out a camp or even heading off to a college campus; but nothing seemed to be the right fit. then one day, i was talking with a friend of mine who suggested looking into the Michigan state parks because many of them have what they call an "org site" for non profit large groups. so we called them and found an unbelievable campground that is less than a 1/4 mile from lake michigan. they charge only 3 bucks a night per student which is just a steal.
we spend 4 days, 3 nights not showering, playing in the water, eating amazing food over the fire, eating smores, going to the bathroom in outhouses, sleeping in tents, spending one day at Michigan's adventure - an amusement and water park, spending time in God's creation, playing a ton of games, getting to learn together about the best kind of life and building some incredible relationships that can only get stronger as the year goes on for under 120 bucks. it was a great week, i'm so grateful to Corrie (who led the whole thing), Moose (who was a master of the games and who every students just adores), Tim (one of the greatest new leaders...), Nicole (the girls just love you) and Jill (welcome to the.element, your energy was amazing!) and Matt (who taught and just loved our students so well) for all the ways they poured into, helped, led and showed our students what it means to live the life God created you to live.
with the economy the way it is, what are some ways that you've been able to stretch the dollar and it still be a success in the students eyes?
We just got back from a megacamp (Hume) at $525 a piece. Why are you so much smarter than me Carter?
Posted by: ryan guard | July 27, 2008 at 06:52 PM