That was the theme of this year’s Crosswalk youth camp, which we have felt privileged to be part of for 7 years now. To kick off the camp, Allyson, the director, arranged for the entire staff to go for a “three hour tour” on a beautiful schooner sailboat! (Probably not the correct terminology…you sailors can correct me!) We left from Gloucester, MA harbor and sailed out into the bay. It was quite windy (17 knots), and there was a lot of concern about seasickness, but most of our “crew” did just fine. Kayla had the most difficult time. Not really sick, but very scared – she kept her head buried in my lap for almost the entire 3 hours. Not sure if the later tummy ache was from being hunched for that long, or true seasickness!

Kory was one a a few who volunteered, at different times, to raise the sails. I think everyone was surprised to discover how incredibly difficult that can be!

Then it was back to the Gordon College campus where camp is held every year. The campers (there were over 500 this year!) stay in dorms and eat in the cafeteria. This is a highlight for our kids, who love the endless and daily supply of french fries available at nearly every meal! The chapel is used each morning for “Morning Celebration” and then every evening for worship.

In line with the theme, Captain Crosswalk Chris and First Mate Tommy greeted campers each morning with much comedy!

Robert gave the daily verses for “quiet time” each morning, and then the youth dispersed to meet alone with God and then with their individual Bible study groups. Robert was also responsible for leading all of the chaperones in a morning Bible study, and leading them in the rec time immediately following. After lunch, he had a few hours to himself to finalize and talk through the sermon for evening worship. 6 Bible studies, 6 sermons and lots of silly games….whew! The sea and sailing theme lent itself well to the sermons which were mostly from the book of John. And Robert was able to use some footage from Zac Sunderland’s solo circumnavigation of the globe. Zac is the youngest person to ever do this – and happens to be a Chirstian – and a homeschooler!

And even Kayla, who isn’t old enough to be a camper yet, got in on the action when, on the last day of camp, they sang the beloved “Moose Song.” This was a camp favorite last year!

There was a moose…he liked to drink a lot of juice
The moose’s name was Fred….he liked to drink his juice in bed
He drank his juice with care….but he got it in his hair
Now he’s a sticky moose….he’s a moose-a-full-of-juice

Hidden deep spiritual meaning, of course. 😉

“Mega Relay” is always on the Friday afternoon of camp. Cooper’s Bible study actually won in the junior high category – not only the actual relay, but also the spirit stick! (This is Coop’s first year to be a camper.) Here he is in the “chariot race.” He wasn’t so happy about being the smallest in his group and kept trying to convince me that there were kids older than 12 and 13 in his group. Turns out he was wrong – they were just incredibly BIG 12 and 13 year olds. Even Celio, his adult male leader said, “They are even bigger than me!”

Here’s Kory and teammate Ashley doing the 3-legged race portion of the relay. I loved watching Kory work with his team. He wore a huge smile the entire time, was TOTALLY “in” to the competition aspect, and was helping and encouraging his teammates the entire time – pure joy shining from his face!

And then we had to say goodbye. While Robert, Kayla, and I packed the van, these guys all threw the football in the parking lot. My boys are so blessed to have guys like Ben, Mike, and Tommy – older and godly guys, to laugh with, play with, talk with and learn from.

What a great week of fun and fellowship! I didn’t want to come home! While the Krumrey men stayed very busy, Kayla and I had the difficult job of lounging at the beautiful nearby beach, hanging out on campus, going to see an afternoon movie, drinking iced coffee, shopping, and resting in our dorm. (Did I mention that our “dorm” was actually a 4 bedroom apartment with a living room and full kitchen?!) OK…I did actually stay pretty busy with making gluten free goodies and meal substitutions when we couldn’t eat what the cafeteria served, as well as training for a new homeschool program we’re starting in the fall, but it was still vacation-like being away from home and with lots of fun people!