Happy New Year

Well, I hope that your 2011 is off to a wonderful start. If you have ever been on staff at Camp Deer Run, then you probably know the tradition of spending New Year's Eve at Camp. Last night was no different. There were around 30-40 young people at Camp and it was a good time just like always. I am not sure when the tradition of the summer staff coming to Camp for a New Year's celebration began, but I know that it has been happening for many, many years. It is a time for the previous summer's staff to come together and see each other, many for the first time since the past summer. It is also a night that people interested in working at Camp for the next summer to come out and find out a little about Camp and be around the people they may be working with at Camp.

The festivities of the night are always pretty laid back. People show up whenever they want, anywhere from 8:00-10:00. Everyone hangs out in the Mess Hall, eating, playing games, and just fellowshipping with good friends.

Last night had a new wrinkle added to it. When someone was going out for a walk around Camp, they saw a beaver right behind the Mess Hall. Not really sure what he was doing so far away from the swap, but his presence was one of the highlights of the night.
While everyone looked in amazement at this strange creature, someone decided it would be a great idea to put a leash on the beaver, much like a dog, and have him be our pet for the night. Here is a picture of Camp Director Ty Ford with said beaver on leash, with his hound dog that help him wrangle the beaver.
Just before midnight, everyone headed out to Hoche Ballfield to watch the annual Camp Deer Run New Year's Ever Fireworks Extravaganza.
After the fireworks are shot off, and everyone celebrates the new year, a night devo is led on Hoche Ballfield, much like Night Devo during the summer. I have spent probably 10 New Year's at Camp, and I can think of no better way to start off a new year than by singing praises to God underneath the stars surrounded by fellow believers. It really is a powerful time.

Like I said, hopefully your new year is off to a blessed start. I know God has many great things planned for 2011, and it is up to us to let him lead our lives how he sees best.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky