Camp! And other things

The Fall is upon us! We are looking forward to the change of season with excitement while also reflecting on the last couple of weeks. Here are the highlights:

Camp:

Like last year, we helped out with our region's Wyldlife camp. This camp is generally designed for German-speaking middle schoolers (meaning it is a camp we serve at but don't bring our international students); however, just a few weeks before camp, it was decided that 60 Ukrainian campers and leaders would join us. This doubled the camp size! Because we were in charge of all the organized games, there were a lot of last-minute runs to the hardware store to make sure we had enough shaving cream, pool noodles, balloons, and all those random camp supplies. We also worked on writing out descriptions for every activity that could be printed out in German and Ukrainian–it was a wild, multi-lingual, cross-cultural experience!

We were able to use the Silent Disco for Ukrainian and English translation!

Our level of responsibility increased from last year as we took ownership of all activities from planning to implementation, we also added a number of things like a snack bar, escape room, and craft shack! We were sure grateful for all those camps we went to during our time in Issaquah/Sammamish. We borrowed a lot of ideas as we dreamed up a 16-part parkour course (ending in a dance party in a disco room), cabin unity games (14 individual game stations), all camp games (including an ice block relay and mud fight all done in the pouring rain), an Olympics themed red carpet event, a carnival, and a more serious, reflective event called the Walk of Lights. Whew! Good thing we had an awesome team of 14 Summer Staffers (volunteers in their early-mid 20s) and their two German leaders to help us run it (shout out to Paul and Caro for dealing with us and translating). We also got asked to lead the music during two nights of Club (they eventually turned Chase’s mic off because he was too loud and/or needs voice lessons). All of this in German and/or Ukrainian or English with a lot of hand gestures, either way - everyone had fun.

Young Life camping is different from other types of camps because instead of the volunteer leaders remaining behind as campers leave for home, cabin leaders go home with the campers and live life together throughout the year. That is why we would say sending off the Ukrainian campers (most of whom are orphans who have been displaced from their orphanage in Ukraine and now live in Salzburg) was the saddest Young Life goodbye we've been a part of. There were tears all around. These kids did not know what to expect upon arrival but as the week went on, they warmed up and often sported convivial grins. We got to provide a space where they got to be kids, eat waffles and slushies, climb mountains, be the hero on stage, make new friends, and ultimately get to hear a life-changing message about a God who cares for them. It was a sacred chance to interact and hear stories from people who are literally war refugees. It was an honor to share space with them.

We hope you’ll join us in prayer for these young people and for all those who have been displaced or living in the midst of war in Ukraine. Lord have mercy.

We have learned that after having such a vigorous week, it can be hard to know how to rest and to come down from such intensity. Going from 100 to 0 is tough! We were thankful we had good friends come to visit us post camp. The first visit was by one of Chase’s oldest friends, Kevin, followed by Bill and Jody Duppenthaler. Bill and Jody were Chase’s Young Life leaders in Gig Harbor and even served in France with Young Life! It was a joy to share experiences and compare and contrast the differences between France and Germany. We love sharing our new home with friends and family.

New Partnership

While our ability to step on campus remains elusive, we have been in contact with some folks from the US military base in Garmisch (a ski village 50 minutes from our house). On Wednesday we went to the youth group gathering of the base chapel and got to hang with the kids! And enjoy some American snacks–what a treat! There are about 30-40 kids that live on the military base and go to MIS. We’ve met a few of them and are excited to see how we can connect with them and their parents!

What’s next?

We are making a quick trip back to the States (just a week) at the end of the month to celebrate Meg’s brother’s wedding! Most of our time will be spent in the beautiful Palm Springs of Washington, Yakima, enjoying all the festivities for Matt and Laura’s wedding. After the wedding, we look forward to getting into a consistent Fall rhythm.

Thank you so much for your partnership! We appreciate your encouragement and prayers.