Encounter Student Camp Out 2014 in Review

Showing off her temporary "home."

Imagine cardboard boxes dotting a one acre yard, setup as shelters for our teenagers.  It began as students arrived Friday evening and were informed that they were homeless for the weekend.  They had to find their shelter along the road.  A quarter mile down the road they found large appliance boxes which they then brought back and figured out how to make their structure livable for the night.

High School Team Work
Creating a firm foundation!

The weekend was filled with sessions comprised of team building activities, video episodes illustrating a student's faith journey, small group discussions, large group wrap up, and work on a personal mosaic picture of faith.  Students really got into the activities, videos, discussions, and no doubt, they loved breaking tile!

Creating a faith
mosaic keepsake

Students were challenged to think of others beside themselves as they slept in cardboard boxes on a cold, dewy night.  The process will continue as students prepare to serve both the homeless that stay at Life Bridge and our Life Bridge community this coming week.  (Worship Team practice & Food prep for homeless and Sunday coffee bar Thurs 8/28 6:30pm; Prep & Serve Breakfast Fri 8/29 5am; Student Sunday 8/31 9 & 11am)

New and old friendships -
Growing stronger through Christ

The goals of events like this is to help students reduce the distraction of everyday life so they can draw closer to God, build relationships with others who are striving to walk with God, and then more confidently shine for God in their homes, schools, workplaces, and friendships.  I love that as leaders we get to love on these students, and simply encourage, build them up, and speak truth into their lives.  I pray that these events will give them a taste of the kind of walk that God wants them to experience - one filled with love, joy, and peace.

Fun around the Campfire

Special thanks goes out to all the parents who helped their kids make this a priority in their busy schedules right before school starts, Robert Tylisz Appliance for large appliance boxes, Ron and Sue Renfro and Ron and Erin Buche for the use of their front yards, Nate Tucker for starting our bon fire, Student Leaders, Kent Hillman and Josh Kerseker, for the great example and commitment to creating a fun, God-centered weekend, and Pete Kersker for cleaning up messes and allowing us to continue on to the next activity!