Camp Deer Run Alumni

Camp Deer Run Deer

2011-10-09T18:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I took my 3 year old son Riley to the zoo. We go to the zoo fairly often, and we always have a great time. For some reason on this trip, when Riley would see a deer he would say, "Look dad, it's a Camp Deer Run deer!". I have no idea why he would say this, but all I could do was smile. I know he has never seen a deer at Camp, for I have only seen deer a couple of times at Camp myself. Tonight after it rained, my wife Sarah said that the smell made her think of Camp. I had to agree. I always like when random moments during the day make me think about Camp, and makes me remember a good memory from my time out there. This week allow yourself to to be reminded about Camp and there wonderful things that God has done for you through Camp Deer Run.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Bacon and Eggs

2011-10-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

Here lately I've found myself eating bacon and eggs for breakfast just about every morning. Of course in doing this, I have been reminded of my favorite out camping meal...breakfast in a bag. Of course, my turkey bacon and scrabbled eggs are not exactly the same as what I remember eating at out camping, they still provide me with a a good memory. If you are unaware of what breakfast in a bag is, let me educate you.

First you take a brown paper lunch bag, and poke some holes in it so that you can hold the bad up with a stick over a fire. Then you tear a strip bacon in half, and lay the two halves beside each other in the bottom of the bag. You then hold the bag over the fire for a while and let the bacon cook. I don't really understand how it works, but the grease from the bacon form some sort of barrier on the bottom of the bag, so that you can then pour your egg into the bag without it dripping out. You then put the bag back over the fire and cook it until the eggs are done. Then its time to eat up.

I don't know if it is because I was always hungry or what, but I loved this meal. I always thought it was so tasty. I never was a big snake bread kind of guy, but many people preferred eating it to the breakfast in a bag. Either way, it was a good meal, as long as you didn't catch your bag on fire.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,
Sparky

2011-09-27T18:22:00.000-07:00

I know that many of you have been wondering about when this year's Men's and Women's retreats would be so that you can start planning on attending them. As of right now I don't have any concrete dates for either retreat, but I know that planning for both is ongoing. Pray for the planning of these retreats, and that they will be a blessing to those who attend. Last year the Men's Retreat was canceled because of a random East Texas blizzard. Hopefully this year the weather will work out better and we will be able to get all of the CDR men together for a good ol' time. The Women's Retreat went off without a hitch, and I know that all the ladies who attended had very blessed time. As soon as I have dates for the retreats, and anything else planned for Camp, I will make sure to get on the blog and let you know.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,
Sparky

Camp Weather

2011-09-20T19:39:00.000-07:00

Unless you have been somewhere on the other side of the world for 4 months, and had no idea what was going on in Texas, then you are aware of how hot it was this summer in East Texas. Only one of the hottest summers every, there have been many problems around East Texas caused by this summer's heat. Coupled with the extreme heat, a long drought has made all of East Texas very dry and vulnerable for fires. I know that for the first time since I can remember, campers did not get to see fireworks on the 4th of July because of a burn ban. For the past few weeks there have been hundreds of fires burning in East Texas, but thankfully I don't think any of them have threatened Camp. Pray that God can bring East Texas a whole lot of rain, because without more rain, the fire threat will continue to linger.

The dry summer has caused other problems besides fires. There are numerous dead trees in the woods of Camp right now and this can cause problems as well. Last spring, I was out at Camp visiting with Ty Ford, and we were walking around in the woods, and I remember seeing dead limbs and trees everywhere. There had been a bad storm or two that had blown a lot of them down. There is a pavilion out in the woods that large tree had fallen right beside. Another 2 feet and it would have fallen directly on the pavilion and would have demolished it. Falling trees and limbs are going to be a problem at Camp for a while, so pray that God can make sure he protects the Camp Deer Run in the physical sense. Hopefully no damage will be done to anything structurally at Camp.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,
Sparky

Camp Donuts

2011-09-15T19:27:00.000-07:00

So a couple of saturday's ago, my wife Sarah sent me this picture. She decided she wanted to make Camp donuts that morning. I was a little upset because she decided to do this on a day when I wasn't home. I love Camp donuts, and was pretty jealous about her getting to eat them.

Donuts are always the breakfast served for the Cheuks and Wenaches during their morning for outcamping. I thought that other people may want to try cooking some Camp donuts at home, so here is how you do it.

Step 1...heat up some cooking oil, keep it under a boil.
Step 2...open up a can of biscuits.
Step 3...poke a hole in each of the biscuits to form your donuts.
Step 4...put the biscuits in the oil until the donut starts browning, then flip.
Step 5...take the donut and dip in a mixture of 2 cups sugar and a quarter of a cup of cinnamon.
Step 6...Eat the donuts while thinking about Camp.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,
Sparky

The Hermit

2011-09-10T19:35:00.000-07:00

I few days ago I had somebody ask me if the Hermit was alive and well at Camp Deer Run. I can report that he is. The Hermit has been a very mysterious inhabitant of Camp, and one that all of the campers seemed very intrigued to and curious about.

The Hermit has been a fixture at Camp for many, many years. He lives out in the woods all by himself, and is a man of many different faces. Sometimes he can be lonely man needing some nice cards written by the PeeWees to cheer him up. Other times, when the Chueks or Nashamies need a little bit of a scare, he can be a grumpy kind of mean man. They are told that sometimes he will sneak into Camp and get some clothes when he needs it, and will even grab some food out of the Mess Hall when needed. But for the most part, he is content to live in the woods by himself and not cause any problems.

(Just in case you are unaware, I am not talking about a real hermit. A staff member dresses up and goes out to to where the Hermit "lives" and plays the part of the Hermit. He will stay hidden to where the campers cannot make out that he is a staff member that they see everyday, and sometimes he will let the campers ask questions about him. Many times the staff takes their campers to see the Hermit to let them try and encourage him and say good things to him...a good time to show how Christians are called to build people up with the things they say.)

So yes, the Hermit is still at Camp. He has become a fixture of Camp, and I am sure he will be for many more years.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,
Sparky

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-04T17:52:00.001-07:00

Every one always talks about Labor Day Weekend being the "official" end to the summer. Obviously this is not true for Camp Deer Run. The summer has been over at Camp for several weeks now. But just because summer is over, Camp Deer Run isn't over. I know that I often times think that Camp is just a 10 week experience that happens over the summer months. While it is true that this is the true "Camp Deer Run Experience", its important to remember that Camp Deer Run is a year round functional camp.

While things obviously slow down during the off-season, there are still many activities that are going on during this time. The first obvious example is how Camp serves as a place for retreats. Over most weekends during the year, groups from all over East Texas come out to Camp for their retreat. These can be youth groups, church classes, or family reunions. Camp is a good place for retreats because it offers plenty of activities, and also has several places to meet together as a group. It is also a pretty cheap facility compared to other camps around the area. I have spent several weekends out there for retreats and had a wonderful experience each time. If you are wanting to put together a retreat for a group of yours, call the Camp office at 903-629-7165.

Even though the summer of 2012 is still 9 months away, I know that preperations have already begun to make next summer the best Camp Deer Run has ever had. The Director, Ty Ford, has already started planning on when he is going to recruit the staff, what the theme of the summer will be, and what improvements need and can be made to Camp. Ty will also go around to churches during the year to speak about the work being done at Camp during the summer, and will also be working to raise funds. Scarecrow, The Maintenence Supervisor, is always working around Camp to fix whatever was broken during the summer. It really is a full-time, year-round job. If the small stuff wasn't worked on during the year, Camp wouldn't be able to function as well during the summer.

I want you to know about all of this so that you can start praying for next summer. Keep all of the work that will be done between now and then in your prayers, and ask God to give the decision makers wisdom and knowledge, so that they can make Camp Deer Run a place where God can do His work, and the campers can grow closer to Him. Great things have been done at Camp, and this will continue to happen for many more years.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Supporting Camp Deer Run

2011-08-24T18:11:00.000-07:00

I know that everyone who reads this blog has supported Camp in some way throughout the years. It may have been by sending your kids as campers, or spending time in prayer for the success of Camp. I want to encourage to think and pray about supporting Camp financially. One of my favorite things about Camp Deer Run is how affordable it is for one or two week sessions. Other camps around East Texas charge upwards of $1,000, whereas a week at Camp Deer Run costs $225 for one week sessions and $425 for 2 week sessions. Camp can be so affordable because of the people who support Camp with yearly or monthly donations. When I began working on the staff, we were paid $100 dollars a week. Fortunately the staff is paid more now. I never wanted to work at Camp for the money, but it was always nice to be able to get a pay check for working during the summer. I know that there are many other options for college kids to do during the summer, and for Camp to be able to hire the best staff possible, the the salaries have to continue to be competitive. The Board, as well as Ty Ford the Director, are always thinking of ways to improve Camp, and donations are needed for these improvements. 2 years ago the new pool was built, and it has been paid for by your donations. The next big project in mind is a new Mess Hall. The Mess Hall has been outdated for many years, and things have finally reached a point where a new one is looking like a reality in the not too distant future. But it is going to be a big project, and will need lots of support to be able to complete. On top of all of the things I have already mentioned, there are day-to-day expenses that Camp has to take care of. Camp is in good shape financially right now, but it can always be better. This summer Ty mentioned how there were about 25 people/families who contribute to Camp on a monthly basis with many more who contribute throughout the year. If you feel like you would start supporting Camp, I would suggest you do it monthly. It helps to know what amount of money is coming in each month, and allows for easier planning. I encourage you to spend time in prayer and think hard about supporting a place that has obviously had an impact on your life. You can go to www.campdeerrun.com to find out more about supporting Camp.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Back to School

2011-08-21T18:34:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow is a big day for most of this summer's campers, and I wanted to make everyone aware this. Its back to school for all. It is an exciting time, but also a very hard time for the campers. After spending time at Camp this summer, being reinforced with God's word, they now have to face the temptations of not only being in the "real world", but being at school where it can be so tough to be a follower of Christ. Pray for all the campers tomorrow, and ask God to put a protective shield around them, keeping Satan away. Pray that God can help the campers make smart choices, and that they can remember that examples set for them by the staff this summer. I know that God can do good things through the campers, and that our prayers for their help will be answered. The campers aren't the only ones going back to school. The staff will be heading back to their college campuses soon, and will face many of the same struggles and temptations, and will need God's protection to fight through. The staff of Camp Deer Run is looked upon to be leaders in all they do, and that includes their lives away from Camp. Pray that they can continue to grow their relationship with God. Finally, there are many former Deer Runners who are going back to school tomorrow as teachers and educators. I'm one of them. I know that teachers in schools have a huge responsibility in how the students' lives are shaped, and that there are many great Deer Run teachers who will work so hard to be a positive influence in the lives of the campers. Make sure to spend time during the day that God will be in the schools, and that He will work through the Deer Runners.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Old Pictures

2011-08-14T18:23:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago my father-in-law, Billy Ray Dean, gave me some pictures that he found that were of Camp Deer Run from the very early days. He thinks that these pictures were from the first couple of years that Camp existed. Its amazing to look at them and realize that Camp was around over 50 years ago. Billy Ray asked me to post these to the blog and see if any of you could identify the people in the pictures. He knows who some of them are, but was curious to find out who everyone else was. If you know who these people are, please tell me who and which picture. You can either leave a comment at the end of this post, or you can email me at cdralumni@gmail.com .

Enjoy the pictures.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Footsteps

2011-08-10T15:37:00.000-07:00

When I was camping at Camp Deer Run, I remember being at Cross Devo and being emotionally moved watching the reenactment that the staff put on of Jesus' crucifixion, then seeing the delight of Thomas and the other apostle's at when Jesus appeared to them. I remember that after this reenactment someone would come out and give a short little talk about what we just saw, and reenforced the message that we were taught throughout the session. After this, the staff would walk up as a whole, in front of the campers, and form a line so that they could give all of the campers one last message. This message was a song that was supposed to be the final word of encouragement, and for me I know that it was. It was always very powerful to hear the staff sing "The Lord Bless You and Keep You". When I was done camping, I was blessed to be able to be on staff for 5 years. We would do the same thing at the end of each session. It was always a great message to send to the campers, but as time went on, it became obvious that "The Lord Bless You and Keep You" was a very difficult song for worn out college kids to sing late at night, and that the song might be hard for campers to hear and understand. So during my third year on staff, someone came up with the idea of changing the final song of Cross Devo. I know that some people were not in favor of changing this tradition, but everyone agreed that "Footsteps" would be a great addition. The song ties in perfectly to what the staff wants to campers to take away from them and their time at Camp. Here are the lyrics.

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.

May the fire of our devotion light their way.

May the footprints that we leave,

lead them to believe,

and the lives we live inspire them to obey.

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.

What a great message for the campers to hear from the staff. I hope the campers are thinking about the example that the staff gave them, and are spending each day living for the Lord.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

The Last Night of the Summer

2011-08-06T18:44:00.000-07:00

I know that many of who read this blog are former staff members, so you understand what I am about to say. Those of who didn't have the chance to work at Camp, understand that working at Camp Deer Run is a completely exhausting experience physically, emotionally, and mentally. It can be a grind getting through each session. This may come as a surprise, but there have been campers in the past who have been able to wear on his or her counselor's patience. But all of the exhaustion, all of the sleep depravation, all of the blood, sweat, and tears is worth doing God's work. I know that at the end of each summer on staff I felt a big sense of accomplishment for making it through the summer, having touched the lives of many young people. I also would look back at the memories that I made with my fellow staff members, and think about the good times we had.

When I was still on staff, and as far as I know this still happens, on the final night of each summer, the staff has a night of celebration and reflection. It is a night that wraps up the summer that was, and gives the staff one last chance to be together before everyone heads off in their separate ways. It was always such an emotional night, because everyone was completely worn out, excited, yet sad that Camp was over. We would eat dinner together, then watch the staff slideshow made up of pictures taken throughout the summer. It was a great way to look back on all of the craziness that is Camp Deer Run. To cap the night off, the staff would sit in a big circle, and have one final Goodbye Devo. Every Thursday night during the summer, each group has a Goodbye Devo just before Cross Devo, when the staff would give advice for the campers to take home with them. The Staff Goodbye Devo was basically the same along with the staff talking about their experience at Camp that summer. It was always such a wonderful time to hear each staff member talk about how God impacted them that summer. I really enjoyed hearing that even though we all experienced the same summer, God touched us all in different ways. But to me, the best part was the singing. I always loved singing as a staff, and when we would all be circled up, facing each other in the Rec Hall, there was nothing like it. In my mind, it was always the perfect way to end a perfect summer.

Last night, this summer's staff spent their last night of the summer at Camp. I know that this was a very trying summer for them, the hottest summer in over 30 years. But I know that all staff members were all blessed, and that God worked through them. Only 43 weeks until Camp Deer Run 2012.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Super Stealth Mode

2011-08-03T19:31:00.000-07:00

Wednesday at Camp is Capture the Flag Day. In name, it doesn't carry the same mystique and intrigue that Indian Day, or Sadie Hawkins Day, but if you were to ask every 9-13 year old, especially boys, which day was their favorite day of the year, most would say Capture the Flag Day. I have heard 11 year old boys talk about how they planned all year a certain strategy for Capture the Flag. The amount of camouflage being worn around Camp on Capture the Flag day is amazing. Personally, I have never spent a day hunting, but I had a camo shirt, pants, shorts, and probably even a camo bandana, all because of Capture the flag. It was always fun to see how seriously the campers took the game of Capture the Flag, and was enjoyable to watch the campers play so intensely. As you can, the campers and staff go all out to blend into the the Piney Woods of East Texas to win a game of Capture the Flag.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Prayer Request

2011-07-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

One of my goals when starting this blog was to be able to pass along prayer requests to the entire Camp Deer Run family. If you are reading this then you are a part of that family and know first hand how powerful God is, and that he listens to our prayers and answers them the best way he sees fit. I want to pass on a prayer request to all of you. Some of you may have heard about this, but others haven't. I suggest you click here and read what Jaymie has written about the situation with Kanyon. Kanyon is a tough little dude who is a joy to be around, and I have always enjoyed seeing him around come out to Camp when he is able to. He can really use some prayers right now. Everybody who has been out to Camp in the past has been impacted by Jaymie and her family. (Jaymie's parents are Jay and Gay Spencer.) Right now is a time that we can come together and lift Kanyon up to God in prayer and ask him to take over. God can do amazing things, we just need to ask him to do them.

As you are prayer, also pray for God to protect the campers and staff this week, the 6th and final session of Camp. As it has been all summer, it is going to be a very hot week. Pray that God brings some cool relief, and makes this last week the best week of the summer.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Friday at Camp

2011-07-29T11:17:00.000-07:00

Today was the last day of 5th Session. Fridays at Camp are always an emotional time for both campers and staff members. After taking in Cross Devo on Thursday night, and not getting much sleep afterwards, Camp is in a different mood than it is any other time. Everyone is exhausted, especially in 2 week sessions. Friday morning has a since of finality to it. Instead of the excitement of the next great Camp moment being on everyone's mind, everyone knows that Camp is over. Cleaning up Camp becomes a priority. Right after Flag Pole Devo, all campers and staff member make a huge line that stretches all over Camp, and then walk across Camp picking up every piece of trash they see. Next, each cabin has to go to their camp improvement site to clean it up as good as they can. After all of this, then the campers finally have to go and pack up all of their stuff to take home. They have to clean the cabin, and make it look like it did when they first arrived. Sometime late in the morning, the campers start to see their families show up. The campers are both sad for having to leave Camp, but also excited because they get to see their family again. Finally the hardest part of Camp has arrived...having to say goodbye to so many good friends. The relationships that are established at Camp are unlike any other. The campers get to know each other so well after living close together for one or two weeks. The campers developed a strong bond with the staff that they have learned from and looked up to. Today it is much easier to for the campers to stay in contact with each other during the year, especially with email and Facebook. But it is still hard to say goodbye to so many good friends at once. As a camper, I know that I hated having to leave Camp, to go out into the real world. Campers today felt just like that. It is so easy to live the way God wants us to live when we are at Camp. It is much tougher to live like that in the real world. Today, just like most Fridays during the summer, campers have gone through the Camp Gates, and are back in the real world. They are fighting the Devil, and hopefully use the things that they learned during their time at Camp to defeat him. Friday's can be hard for the campers, but they also can signify a start to a life that serves God.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Mellow Night

2011-07-26T19:16:00.001-07:00

Last night was the third and final Mellow Night of the summer at Camp. I always loved Mellow Night because it gave me a chance to dress up in something ridiculous and also gave campers and staff members a chance to show off some off their talents. I don't know when or why Mellow Night begin, but it is basically a Camp talent show. Everyone dresses up, usually in some sort of hippy attire, and has a very Mellow Night. I hope you enjoyed the pictures.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Pray for the Staff

2011-07-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

Its hard to believe that the Summer of 2011 is almost over. There are only 2 sessions left, just 3 weeks. I know that all of the campers who have come through the gates so far have been very blessed with their time at Camp. I have asked many staff members how things are going and they always say that it has been a great summer. The staff has a huge challenge in front of them for these last 2 sessions...to present the same Camp experience to the campers of the last 2 sessions as they did for the campers of the first 4 sessions. As a former staff member, I can speak to the fact that by this point of the summer the staff is tired and worn out. Pray for the staff. Pray that God can give them the energy and excitement that the campers deserves. Pray that God gives them the clear minds that are needed to lead the campers. Pray that God gives them the knowledge they need to teach the campers what living a life for God is all about. It has been a hot summer, and I know that the staff has been working harder than ever and they need all of the prayers they can get. God has done many great things this summer, but the summer isn't over. There is still a lot of work left to be done, and God's kingdom is growing because of the work of the staff. Keep them in your prayers and in your thoughts.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

A Great Sunday at Camp

2011-07-12T06:39:00.001-07:00

This Sunday was another wonderful day of worship at Camp Deer Run. A crowd of close to 600 gathered for worship, and stayed throughout the day for a great hamburger lunch and fun games and activities. The activities included a fun carnival with wacky games for both the campers and their families, followed by the Camper/Staff Football Game. But I think the watermelon that was served during the game drew more attention than the actual day. There were many CDR Alumni who made the trip to Camp. I know for many of them that it was the first time they had been out to Camp in several years. They talked to me about how they couldn't believe they went that long without being at Camp, and how it felt so good to be out there again. I kept hearing people say things like "good memories", and "happy to be out here". I am so glad that we are able to have days like Middle Sundays where we can all gather together and fellowship with old friends.

If you have been wanting to visit Camp but haven't been able to yet, there is one more Middle Sunday left in the Summer. July 24th is 5th Session Middle Sunday, and will be the last one of the summer. I encourage you to come out and spend the day worshipping the Lord with old friends and relive your time at Camp.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

4th Session Middle Sunday

2011-07-07T21:04:00.001-07:00

Just a quick reminder that this Sunday is another Middle Sunday, and another opportunity for you to make a visit out to Camp. 2nd Session Middle Sunday was a great success, especially with it being the first time that everyone stayed at Camp. Worship was wonderful as always, and the rest of the day went great. Class starts at 10:00 world time followed by worship at 11:00. There will be a hamburger lunch that costs $5.00 a person. Afterwards there will be fun games and activities for all to enjoy.

I love Middle Sundays because it gives me a chance to get a small taste of Camp. I haven't been on staff in 8 years, but every time I get the chance to go out to Camp for a Middle Sunday, I get the same feeling as I did when I was a camper and staff member. I see old friends, I sing familiar praises to God. I hear God talking to me and know that He is right there. There really is no better place to be near God. So if you are contemplating coming out, I highly encourage you to do so. It will be well worth it for you. For 2nd Session we had almost 500 people at Worship, let's see if we can get to 600 this Sunday. Hope to see you there.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Staff Weekend

2011-07-02T18:59:00.000-07:00

This morning, Junior Cox posted this on Facebook...

"Woke up to 35 college kid spread out on every piece of floor we had in the house. We always love having the CDR staff come in."

This blog post is inspired by that. Even though Staff Weekends aren't technically a part of Camp Deer Run, they are a vital part of what makes Camp Deer Run what it is. I have always said that God does amazing things through the staff of Camp Deer Run, and the time that they get to spend together on staff weekends makes staff closer and stronger. I remember 10 years ago that I was one of the college kids sleeping on Junior and Christie's floor, and I can remember so many memories that I made on all the other staff weekends I was on.

When the Camp Session ends on Friday, the staff heads into Winnsboro to start off the weekend by eating as much pizza as possible at Pizza Inn. Then for some it is off to do laundry or run errands or head to whichever city in East Texas everyone is spending the weekend. It could be Longview or Paris or Sulphur Springs or Dallas or Holly Lake or somewhere else. Sometimes all the staff stays in the same place, sleeping on the floor or even outside. Sometimes, like at Holly Lake, the staff would stay at different host families houses. One of my favorite times was when the entire staff would go worship together at church of the town we were in. It was wonderful seeing the support that we got from that church. Every staff weekend was different, but all were wonderful experiences for me for me. I'm sure they are equally great now. I made so many wonderful memories, and spent wonderful quality time with my best friends. Staff weekends help the staff to fellowship outside of Camp, and develop a strong bond that allows them to work exceptionally well together at Camp. I love how the staff is able to show the campers how young Christian men and women interact with each other, and how they are able to love each other and love God. The staff weekends play a big part of that.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Camp Deer Run Wedding

2011-06-26T19:47:00.001-07:00

Yesterday two former Deer Run Staff members got married. Andy Garner and Kara Keith both worked at Camp Deer Run for the past few summers, and actually met at Camp. This was a true Deer Run wedding, even with CDR Directer Ty Ford performing the wedding. These are not the first 2 Deer Runners to be married, and surely won't be the last. Many couples over the years have met at Camp and developed a relationship that led to marriage. Camp is a great place to meet someone you could fall in love with, because you really get to see the real person. There are not many other places that you can impress the opposite sex by doing things such as mud sliding, or serving dinner, or playing Capture the Flag 6 times in a summer. At Camp, you see the real person, and you can see how committed a person is to God. Its a great way to start a friendship, and maybe that friendship becomes a romantic relationship. Obviously this doesn't happen for everyone, and it shouldn't, but Camp can help teach people what they need to look for in a spouse.

Whenever there is a Camp wedding it has become tradition to have a Camp picture taken with everyone in attendance from Camp.

And of course a silly picture is taken also.
Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Follow The Leader

2011-06-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

The first 2 Week Session of the summer came to a close today. The campers will be going to their homes and will think about the great memories that they made during their time at Camp. They will think about the games they played and the laughter they shared. But hopefully what will stick out most in their minds will be the lessons they learned from God's word taught by the wonderful staff at Camp Deer Run. The campers were blessed by having a staff that led them this week, taught them what it means to follow Christ. This summer's theme is "Follow the Leader". It is based off of Luke 9:23 which is, Christ said, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me." Now the campers are away from the comfort of Camp, where it is easy to "follow the leader", and out in the real world where following the world is more appreciated. We are all like the campers leaving Camp today, we live in the real world, and need to make sure we are following the true Leader. Make sure that the way you live your life is the same way that Christ lived his life. He showed us what it meant to take up His cross. Are you taking up your cross daily? Its a struggle, but its a fight that we have been told will have a glorious prize at the end. Take time to look at who you are following, and if its not Jesus, then you need to take up your cross and follow Him.

The first 2 sessions of the summer are over. Pray for all of the campers who have come been at Camp so far to continue to work hard to fight away Satan, and all to continue in their walk with Christ. Pray for all of the campers yet to come, ask God that their hearts be open and prepared for the many blessings he has prepared for them. Finally, pray for the staff, ask God to keep them full of excitement and energy, ready to do His work at Camp Deer Run. The first 2 sessions have gone well, and God has many great things left for the summer.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

2nd Session Middle Sunday

2011-06-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was the first Middle Sunday of the summer, and was a wonderful day for all involved. It was a day of fellowship, and worship. A day of laughter and joy. It was a day of parents getting to spend time with their children. Friends were able to catch up on old times. Most of all it was a day for Christians to come together and enjoy spending time with each other.

For the past 4 years or so, when people pull up to Camp on Middle Sundays, they are great by this lovely face, always with a smile and instructions on where they should park and what the should do next. As always, well done Andrew Panter.

The morning started off with Bible classes for all of the campers and guests, and then was followed up with everyone gathering in the Pavilion for Worship. The singing was great as always, and Scott Busby did a terrific job bring the lesson to us.
For the first time, everyone was asked to stay at Camp for the day, instead of going somewhere else to eat. In order to feed everyone, several guys came out to Camp early with their grills, and cooked up some hamburgers for everyone. It turned out to be a great lunch.

After lunch, the first ever Festival of Games was held. This was a carnival type activity where the staff members were in charge of different games that the campers and the guests could compete in throughout the afternoon. There was also a competition going on amongst each Camp Group, and the group that won the most points got some sort of special reward during their cookout.

I hope you can tell from the pictures what a fun day this was for everyone at Camp. I hope you can make it out to one of the other 2 Middle Sundays this summer. You will have a blessed time.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Its Crazy Crazy Let's Go Outcamping Day!

2011-06-16T11:57:00.001-07:00

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

This Sunday is Middle Sunday

2011-06-14T09:41:00.001-07:00

This coming Sunday is one of 3 Middle Sundays that will happen at Camp Deer Run this summer. All Alumni are highly encouraged to try to come spend they day at Camp. This is going to be a wonderful time of worship and fellowship, and a great time to catch up with old friends. If you haven't been to Camp in several years, you should use one of these days to come check out what Camp has been up to since you left. Bible class starts at 10:00 am with worship following at 11:00. For the first time, campers will not be allowed to go to town with their parents. All are asked to stay at Camp for the day. Also for the first time, the traditional Sunday lunch will not be served. With the potential of 600 mouths to feed, it has been decided that grilling hamburgers will be much easier. After lunch there will be the traditional Camper/Staff football game as well as a volleyball game. There will also be several other activities taking place throughout the day that will make everyone's experience at Camp a memorable one. If you can't come out this Sunday, you will have 2 more chances to make it. Maybe you want to come out every Middle Sunday, that's great too. The other 2 Middle Sundays will be 4th and 5th Session, July 10th and 24th. I promise that if you are on the fence about visiting Camp, come out one of these Middle Sundays and God will bless your decision to do so. I hope to see you there.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Passing the Torch

2011-06-11T19:16:00.000-07:00

Once again, as the summer camp season was about to begin, many former Camp Deer Run Alumni gathered at Camp last Saturday for the annual Pass The Torch event. It was a great time that allowed the former staff to fellowship with the present staff.

The day started off with some softball, which I didn't get any pictures of, and then was followed up by some swimming.

After the swimming everyone gathered in the pavilion for food, fellowship, and fun.
Something that was done this year for the first time was a Prayer Walk. After eating, Ty encouraged everyone to spread out in groups and go throughout Camp and spend time in prayer, asking God to bless that place during the summer.
The last event of the night was having everyone gather together in the Rec Hall, and singing praises to God. After this, several former staff members took the opportunity to talk to the current staff about the job they have this summer.
It was a great way to get Camp off to a good start. I know that God blessed this first week of Camp, and will continue to do so throughout the summer.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Big Smith's!

2011-06-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Its Thursday night of Staff Orientation. That can only mean one thing...Big Smith's. A tradition that began many years ago, Big Smith's Night is always one of the highlights of Staff Orientation. After several days at Camp, the staff gets a chance to clean up and head out to a very cool barbecue joint that is between Sulphur Springs and Yantis. On Thursday nights they have all you can eat beef ribs, and, well, the staff eats all the ribs that they can. There is usually a lot of very messy faces, because some people think it is fun to eat all of the ribs they can while refusing to use a napkin on their face until they are done. Unfortunately I only had one picture of a group at Big Smith's, and it doesn't involve any messing faces. It doesn't tell the whole story of the night, but you can see the joy in everyone's faces. It is a great night that allows the staff to bond in a completely different way than they have been doing at Camp. Its a wonderful way to make memories that will be talked about all summer long. I think its time for some BBQ!

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Staff Orientation

2011-05-31T17:39:00.000-07:00

Right now there are around 50 young men and women, mostly 18-22 years old who are spending a week at Camp preparing for the next 9 weeks. These 9 weeks will be a powerful, exciting summer, and will bless these young people like no other summer. This week is Staff Orientation, and is a week full of instruction, encouragement, laughing, learning, bonding, fellowship, singing, worship, and growth.

Some of the staff members have been on staff before, so they now what its like to be a staff member at Camp Deer Run. Others were campers last year, so part of this week for them will be learning what it means to be a staff member instead of a camper. Others are spending their first week ever at Camp. They may have friends that convinced them to come work this summer, or heard Ty talk during a college visit and decided they wanted to spend the summer serving God.

I always loved the week of Staff Orientation. It allowed me the opportunity to reconnect with my best friends, people I spent 5 summers with. It allowed me to meet new people, and see them learn what Camp Deer Run is all about. It also gave me the chance to develop new relationships with former campers that were new staff members. One of the things that we did to bring all of these new people together was to do some team building activities. These first 2 pictures show some of us doing just that.

During Staff Orientation you have to go over all aspects of Camp. So we would take time to tell all of the stories that are told during a typical Camp session. In this picture all of the staff is gathered together on Hoche Ballfield to talk about Sadie Hawkins Day, or Killi Olympics, or some other special day.
My last summer on staff, or fearless leader and then Camp Director David Ward, decided he wanted show everyone exactly what the Indian was supposed to do on Indian Day. He dressed up and acted all crazy like a crazy Indian. He ran off into the woods and all of the staff had to run after and chase him down. Then they had to cleanse him, for some reason in the pool, of his crazy illness.
The most important part of Staff Orientation is teaching the staff the importance of their job during the summer. Some staff members will be counselors, some will work in the canteen, some will even work with the horses, but each staff member will be working in God's Kingdom, and each one of the campers that will be at Camp will be watching them and listening to them. The staff's most important job is to show the campers the joy that life brings when you are following God. So this week, be thinking about the staff members at Camp, and pray that they are being prepared in a way that will bring glory to God this summer.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Reminder...Pass the Torch

2011-05-29T15:18:00.000-07:00

Camp Deer Run 2011 is only a week away. I wanted to take a the time to remind everyone about Pass the Torch 2011. It is this Saturday from 4:00 to probably around 9:00. This event is for former Camp Deer Run staff members, and is a wonderful night with lots of fun, fellowship and worship. There will be swimming, softball, dinner, singing, and a special devotional time. This is a day where the former staff can be around this summers staff, and talk to them about what working at Camp Deer Run means. I know that it is very beneficial to this summers staff to be able talk to the former staff, to be able to ask them questions, and to hear the encouraging words from people who have been in their shoes.

If you plan on coming out send an email to Ty Ford at ty@campdeerrun.com. And if you aren't going to be able to attend, spend time in prayer asking that God is able to prepare the summer staff for the job they have in front of them. It is going to be a great summer, and God is going to work in many ways, and the 50 staff members are going to be very important in showing the campers God's glory.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

The Rec Hall Then, The Rec Hall Now

2011-05-24T18:50:00.000-07:00

Over the years Camp Deer Run has seen many changes. One of those things that has changed the most is the Rec Hall. And one of the things that hasn't changed much at all is the Rec Hall. As confusing of a statement as that is, I think its true. Just look through some of the pictures that I've posted and you can see what I mean.

The Rec Hall is the first "building" that people see when they enter through the Camp gates. And while I'm sure that some people think it is an eyesore, most Deer Runners know how much history is painted inside that Rec Hall. It may not be the best looking place in the world, but some of the best singing I have ever heard has happened in it. The floors in the Rec Hall are just as sandy today as they always have been. Campers today look up at the names in the rafters just like they always have. Mellow Night and Killi Kapers, Worship and Hymn Time are conducted under that roof just like they always have. Camp starts on Sunday night with Worship and silly songs, and ends on Thursday nights in the Rec Hall beginning Cross Devo. The Rec Hall is probably the most important building at Camp, and has been for many years.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Middle Sundays

2011-05-22T13:24:00.001-07:00

A few weeks back, I posted about the plans for Family Fun Day. I haven't made any other posts about it because Family Fun Day has actually been canceled. Instead of Family Fun Day, it has been decided that if you are wanting to come out and visit camp this summer, that you should come and visit Camp on one of the Middle Sundays during a two week session. Those dates are:

2nd Session--June 19th

4th Session--July 10th

5th Session--July 24th

Middle Sundays at Camp have always been great. Wonderful worship, and chance to catch up with old friends and to make new friends. This year is going to be even better. In the past, campers were able to go to town with the family to get lunch, do laundry, or whatever else. This year, for the first time, all campers are going to stay at Camp. This really is going to be a wonderful thing. Now Middle Sundays will be more Campish, meaning that Camp will not stop operating for 5 hours like it has in the past. There will be lunch, and plenty of activities to show all visitors what Camp is like every day. There will be plenty of time for family and friends to visit with each other, all at Camp. These 3 days will be a blessing for all who come to Camp. If you have been wanting to visit Camp, I highly encourage you to do so on one of these days. You will be happy you did.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Picture of Jesus

2011-05-18T19:07:00.000-07:00

If I had to pick a favorite daily activity at Camp, it would probably be Night Devo. I've never felt closer to God than I have during that time. What an amazing blessing it was to be able to have that feeling every night at Camp. There's just something so special about standing under the stars shining in the pitch black sky, while circled around singing praises to God. During the summer of 2003, I was a Group Leader and I was in charge of finishing the day for my group with a short little message during Night Devo. One that I did every week was based off of a song I had heard. In this song the singer tells a story of how he knew a man that, in his mind, was the picture of Jesus. He felt that by looking at this man that he was seeing what Jesus was like. I would talk to my campers about how important it was for others to look at us and see Jesus. We are instructed to model our lives after the life that Jesus lived. If we claim to be Christians, then people should be able to look at us, and see Jesus. I would tell my campers how it was easy to live like Christ while at Camp, or while at church. The time that was most difficult would be when they were around non-Christians, people who didn't show what Christ was like. I challenged my campers to step up during those moments, and to show others what Christ was like. This applies to us today, out in "the real world". Do people see Christ in you? Can people tell that you are living your life trying to copy Christ, without you having to tell them. Sometimes this can be a challenge, as we all are faced with temptations to make us turn from God. But I want to challenge you in the same way that I challenged my campers to stand apart from the world, and show people a Picture of Jesus.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Swinging Through History

2011-05-15T11:53:00.000-07:00

Swinging is such a smooth, relaxing motion...except at Camp Deer Run. Over the years, The Swing has become one of the most exciting things to do at Camp. It is an activity that has brought both fear and joy to countless campers. It has been such an important activity for Camp, that when one swing is deemed to no longer be operational, a new swing is created. I have no idea how many swings have been in service over the years at Camp, but judging by the pictures I have, its at least 4, maybe 5. Here's a look at some of the earlier versions of The Swing. This swing/swings came a little before my time, but look very fun. And I also believe that this is the swing that is the center of "The White Lady" story that is told around fires at Camp.

This next swing is the one that I did a post on a few weeks ago. It was The Swing until 1998, when it was replaced by a truly safe swing. It was probably a good idea to shut this swing down, because even though it offered an amazingly satisfying ride, it was actually pretty dangerous. I know that because I saw a man, on two separate retreat weekends, fall off of The Swing at night, while doing it with no lights on and rolling to the bottom of the hill, and then later on break his leg when he hit a tree while swinging. Like I said, it was a little dangerous.
This next swing was the first one that had all sorts of safety regulations, harnesses, safety clips, special knots, and hours of training for the staff. It also started off the modern era for The Swing. It was always pretty scary to climb up tree to get to the tiny platform, where a staff member facilitated the whole event, but once you were able to muster up the confidence to lean off the platform, it was a pretty great experience.
The Swing above only had a life span of about 11 years, because a lot of the cables used for it were anchored to trees that couldn't do the work any longer. So this past summer the newest Swing was put into operation. It still has all of the harnesses and ropes and cables, but is much easier to operate. There is no need to climb a tree or platform, just put on the harness, strap on a helmet, get tied in to the swing, and let your cabin mates hoist you up in the air. I haven't been on this swing yet, but I am told it is a pretty great rush.
Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-08T14:28:00.000-07:00

My mom is obviously one of the biggest influences on my life, and is a huge reason that my life has turned out the way it has. One of the best things she ever did was to encourage me to start camping at Camp Deer Run. My mom, Annette (Woodall) Smith, was a camper and a staff member during the 1970's, and Camp was an important place to her even when she was no longer out there. I know that she was excited to be able to send her kids out to Camp to share in her experiences. Unfortunately I presented a problem for her. As a kid I was a picky eater, and therefore leery of spending a week away from home when I had no say in what I ate. Looking back, I realize I cost myself a couple of years of great memories. At any rate, when I was 11 years old I finally gave in and spent my first of many weeks at Camp Deer Run. My mom kept encouraging me to give it a chance, and because of that encouragement, I finally gave in and my life was changed forever.

I know that I'm not the only person who has a story similar to this. Moms are such and important part of the success of Camp Deer Run. And I know that many of you who read this are great moms today because of your time at Camp Deer Run. I hope all of you have had a wonderful day, and know how much you mean to those you are surrounded by.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

New Cabins

2011-05-03T15:14:00.000-07:00

For so many years, Camp Deer Run had 10-12 cabins that all looked the same. They were not very big at all, maybe 16x16, if that, and were used by 10 campers and 2 staff members, along with all of their stuff for up to 2 weeks as shelter, and a place to rest at night. This is a picture of Men's 1, one of those original cabins, and one that will soon be retired.

I tried my best to get a shot that showed how limited space was in these cabins.
These older cabins have slowly started to deteriorate, to the point where they have begun to be replaced. This is sad for many people, knowing that the cabins they camped in are no longer there. My first 2 times at Camp were spent in Men's 3, and it is no longer in service. But these cabins needed to be replaced. Knowing that the cost would be too high to replace all of the cabins at once, the powers-that-be at Camp decided to replace one cabin a summer. This started happening about 7-8 years ago, and is probably about half-way complete. Here is a picture of the newest cabin on the boys side. Construction for was completely just a few weeks ago. As you can see, it is an upgrade from the older cabins.
While these cabins are new, they embrace the same attributes of the old cabins...mainly no frills. The only are conditioning these cabins have are open windows covered with screen, just like the old ones. The new cabins do have nice porches out front, which offers a cool place for the campers to have Cabin Bible, or to just hang out during the down time.
The new cabins are designed with the idea of holding the same number of campers and staff as the old cabins, but as you can tell from these pictures, there will be more room for all of the stuff that they bring to Camp.
Its great to see how Camp is able to change and grow, but at the same time be able to give the campers the same experience that campers have had for the past 50+ years.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Quiet Time

2011-04-30T16:41:00.000-07:00

15 minutes. It is the only time during the day, from about 6:30 in the morning until around 11:00 at night, that Camp is completely quiet and still. It is the most unique time of the day, and yet one of the most powerful. Every day at 4:15(Camp time) all campers and staff members take a few minutes to spend some Quiet Time with God. How amazing it is to see young campers sitting outside their cabins reading their Bible, or bowing their heads and talking to God. I always enjoyed this time of day because of the tranquility that it offered. Often times I would spend my Quiet Time sitting there and listening to God. Hearing the birds sing, and the wind blowing threw the trees let me know that God was right there with me.

At Camp it is easy to spend quiet time with God. It says right on the schedule when that time is supposed to be. Away from Camp it is so much more difficult to spend quiet time with God. This is something that I am terrible about. But lately I have been thinking long and hard about making it an absolute priority to spend time with God on a daily basis. With Camp only 5 weeks away, I want to challenge you to spend time with God daily. Pray every day for this summer, that God will work in wonderful ways to bless the lives of the campers and the staff alike. I know that God listens to our prayers, and will answer those prayers, making sure that this summer will be the best one ever for Camp Deer Run.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Group Photos

2011-04-28T16:31:00.000-07:00

The past few weeks I have been looking at old Group Photos, and have had a lot of fun seeing if I can find anyone who I recognize. Whoever came up with the thought that each session needed to be commemorated with a group picture was very wise. Its fun to look at how Group Pictures have varied over the years.

This one from the 1970's is was taken on the steps of the Canteen porch, just like they are done today. There are many people in this picture, so I'm wondering if all of Camp were present for this picture.

I have seen several Group Pictures taken around what I believe is close to the gates of Camp.
Of course looking back at these old pictures allows us to scrutinize the wardrobe choices that some people made.
There are also several group pictures that I have seen that were taken in the Mess Hall. Maybe it was raining on these days?
Other years somebody decided that everyone should look the same, so all wore their Camp Deer Run shirts.
At some point during the 1990's signs were printed up that told the year, session, and group. This takes away the whole, "I wonder what year that picture was taken" mystery.
I don't know when it began, but I love that after each Group Photo is taken, everyone gets a little silly.
The Group Photos tell people an awful lot about Camp. The campers and staff are always full of joy, which you can see in their faces. And even though some things about Camp change from time to time, it still is the same place today that it was when the first Group Photo was taken.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Pass the Torch 2011

2011-04-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

Several years ago a new tradition began at Camp Deer Run. Pass the Torch has become a wonderful way to start off a new summer of Camp each year. This is a day where former Deer Run staff comes out and spends time with the current staff. Its a great chance to tell the current staff the important work they have in front of them for the summer.

Pass the Torch this year is will be on Saturday June 4th, from 4:00-9:00ish. Activities include swimming, softball game, dinner, and a special devotional time. The devotional time includes some amazing singing in the Rec Hall, along with a time for the former staff to share their thoughts with the new staff. Its so important for the summer staff to understand how important their summer is going to be. The campers will be looking at them to be a good Christian role model, showing them what it is like to live a life like Christ. There is no one better at describing this importance than people who have spent summers at Camp doing the same thing.

So if you are a former staff member and would like to pass along some of your wisdom, then mark your calendars for Saturday, June 4th. If you plan on attending, email Ty Ford at ty@campdeerrun.com.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Good-Bye Old Swing

2011-04-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

If you were at Camp during the early-middle 90's, anytime hear somebody mention the swing, you think of only one thing. You think of jumping off this thing in the pictures below, trying to sit down on this little piece of round wood tied onto a rope, all while swinging down a big hill.

Well, today when I was out at Camp, I had the opportunity, with Ty Ford, to bring the old swing in from the woods, putting an end to its time in a tree. This swing hasn't been "The Swing" for almost 13 years, but it was always "The Swing" for many people. Sometime in the last few weeks, the branch that the rope swing hung from fell down, and with it an era of Camp ended. This swing was the last one that had real danger in it. It didn't have harnesses or clips to hold you in like the swing today has to have. Me and Ty talked today about the times we went off this swing when we were campers, and both of us remember vividly how scary it was to be standing on the platform, reaching out for the rope and then to go whooshing down the hill. Although neither one of us had been on it in many years, we were still reminded of its thrills when we would walk by it during the summer. I had intended to highlight all of the swings of Deer Run's past, but since this was what I considered "The Swing", I felt it deserved its own post. Good-Bye Old Swing.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Sitting by a Fire

2011-04-18T16:44:00.001-07:00

This past weekend I got to spend a few hours outside sitting by a fire. It sure did make me think of all the time I spent by a fire at Deer Run. There was nothing like it. The smell, the fellowship, the games, the singing, sitting there and looking up at the stars. I loved sitting by the fire at night at Camp. I was surrounded by fellow Christians at the fire this weekend, and it was wonderful to again be singing praises to God while sitting around a fire.

We didn't cook any hot dogs, which was always one of my favorite meals at Camp, but that was ok with me. The memories were there.
I thought about telling some Camp stories, like the Hatchet Man, or the White Lady, but I had a feeling that since I was surrounded by non Deer Runners, the stories wouldn't make a whole lot of sense.
But it didn't matter that I wasn't at Camp, like these pictures. I was with fellow believers, and the experience was still great. Because of my time at Camp, I have learned to treasure the special times that I have with fellow Christians, and when those times remind me of a Camp Deer Run experience, they are even better!

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

CDR Alumni Women's Retreat-Guest Blogger

2011-04-09T14:24:00.000-07:00

2 weekends ago I was blessed to attend a women's retreat at one of my favorite places in the world, Camp Deer Run! I can't even begin to tell you what a refreshing weekend this was. I was flooded with memories of how God used my experiences at Deer Run to help shape the wife, mother and christian woman I am today. I would not be the same person had it not been for those experiences and the people that God put in my life.

We did all the things you are supposed to do at camp...

Played silly games and looked ridiculous doing it.

We laughed...

and laughed!

We had group bible.

Canteen.

Arts and Crafts. We made some sweet tie dyed shirts.

Hung out, made new memories

and ate meals together.

The theme was Reconnect and that's exactly what we did. We reconnected with friends, memories, ourselves, and most importantly God. Some of the things I missed pictures of were cabin bible, hymn time, flagpole devo, night devo under the stars, and group activity. It was the real camp experience packed into a weekend. I guess as an adult that is the closest I'll ever get to experiencing real camp again. The next retreat can't come soon enough.

Hail Deer Ol' Deer Run,

Sarah (Sparky's wife)

Alumni Spotlight...Alex Wooten

2011-04-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

Let's take some time to get to know some of our fellow CDR Alumni. This Alumni Spotlight is all about former camper Alex Wooten. Alex was at Camp from 1996-2005.

CDR Alumni: What brought you to Camp Deer Run as a camper or staff member? How did you find out about camp?

Alex: My cousins Chris and Geoff Banks Camped out there and my parents decided to ship me off, and i never wanted to leave...

CDR Alumni: Share a favorite memory from your time at CDR.

Alex: Two things stand out most in my memory, When myself and Andy Garner led hymn time for the rest of the Cheuks while the rest of camp was still outcamping, and Being Baptized by Lane Brown that same year....greatest memory ever.

CDR Alumni: How did your time at CDR impact your life?

Alex: It gave me purpose. in my adult life i have had good and bad times, but i promise that if it wasnt for Camp...i might not have had the skills needed to find my own faith.

CDR Alumni: Tell us everything you would like people to know about your life since camp.

Alex: I recieved a degree in Culinary Arts but for now i am working in the parts dept @ Elliott Dodge, Ihave been married since 2007 and i have 2 wonderful kids.

CDR Alumni: Please tell us more about your family, names, ages, anything you would like to share.

Alex: I married Crystal on March 16,2007, our daughter Draven was born on Oct. 1st of that year and we were blessed a wonderful son Ellion on Sept. 23 2010. they are my reason for living.

Thanks Alex for taking the time to fill out our Alumni Spotlight survey and for being willing to share a little bit about your life. Its great to hear from former Deer Runners.

If you are a former Deer Runner and would like to be spotlighted, take some time to fill out this survey. And if you send some pictures to cdralumni@gmail.com, then you will be moved to the front of the line.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Eager Anticipation

2011-04-03T18:36:00.001-07:00

I camped at Deer Run from 1992-1998, which meant that I didn't have email or Facebook to help me keep in contact with all of my Deer Run friends like campers do today. I didn't live in a town with any other Deer Runners, so for most of the year I felt pretty alone in my love for Deer Run. Two of my best friends, Caleb Miller and Jason Bragg, were guys that I camped with, and they lived in the same town as my grandparents, so I was able to see them a few times a year, but most of the time I was left by myself to dream about being at Camp. All year long I would count down to how many days I had until 2nd Session, when I would finally be back at Camp. I don't know why, but once the calendar turned to April, my excitement for Deer Run really ramped up. I knew that Camp was right around the corner, and I couldn't wait to be there. Well, today is April 3rd, and according to how I think, Camp Deer Run 2011 is right around the corner. I know that there are hundreds of kids who right now are feeling the same way that I did 15 years ago. There are still so much to be done to prepare for this summer, but things are starting to shape up for a great summer. I know that the campers are going to have the same experience that I had camping, because the focus is still the same, and God works the same on the campers today as He did then.

I found some old pictures recently from when I camped. Most of the guys in these pictures worked at Camp for at least a summer. Can you figure out who everyone is? The pictures are only 13 years old. We have all changed a little since then.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

CDR Alumni Women's Retreat

2011-03-27T18:51:00.000-07:00

This was a weekend that many women looked forward to for a good long while. It arrived, and from what I've been told, it was a wonderful success. I am not a woman, so I obviously was not there. But my wife, Sarah, was there, and she said that she had a great time. There were around 30 women in attendance, and according to Sarah, it was a weekend that each one "really needed."

I am not going to post much about it, other than these three pictures, because Sarah is going to write a guest post in the next couple of days to talk about the retreat. I'm so happy that everyone arrived safely, and that it was a weekend spent focusing on God's word with dear friends at Camp. Be looking for another post soon with some good stories from the retreat.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Catch The Leprechaun!

2011-03-17T17:24:00.000-07:00

Since today is St. Patrick's Day, and everyone is wearing green, or running the risk of being pinched, I thought I would share a story about Camp from back in the day when I worked there. Many of you may not be aware of this, but for one summer, there was a real-life Leprechaun wandering around Camp. Ok, he wasn't really a Leprechaun, but he played the part a couple of times.

A guy by the name of Michael Kelly worked out at Camp for a few summers. Apparently sometime during one of the summers early in the 2000's someone made the comment that Michael looked like a leprechaun. Out of this comment, an amazing idea was born. For 2 days during that summer, once during each 2 week session, Michael became the Leprechaun. The Leprechaun was dressed in all green, just like all other leprechauns, and I believe even had a little leprechaun beard.

At Flag Pole Devo, the campers were told about how special it is to catch a leprechaun, and how for that day there was going to be a leprechaun at Camp. If a camper was able to catch the leprechaun, then he or she would be given free canteen for the rest of the session of Camp. Obviously, the campers were fired up about catching the leprechaun after being promised free canteen. The only rule was that the Leprechaun was safe under any roof. So if he was in the Pavilion, you couldn't catch him. If he was eating in the Mess Hall, you couldn't catch him. But if he was walking on Hoche Ballfield, he was fair game.

These two days were the only times I ever saw Camp in mass chaos. The day would be going along just like any other day, one group would be at Swimming/Crafts, another would be at the Canteen and then the other would be in Group Activity. But then all of a sudden the Leprechaun would be spotted, and every camper would stop what they were doing and give chase for the Leprechaun. And this happened several times each day. It was actually pretty cool to witness. Its a good thing that the Leprechaun was very fast, and very shifty, allowing him to make it under a roof every time, disappointing all of the campers who just knew they could catch him.

During 4th session, the Leprechaun was loose on July 4th, and of course made it all day without being caught. As is done every year on July 4th, all of Camp was gathered together to watch fireworks that night on Hoche Ballfield. Right when the final set of fireworks had gone off, there was a massively loud explosion, and then a spotlight shown out onto Hoche Ballfield. Right there in the spotlight was the Leprechaun. Every single camper was on Hoche Ballfield, and as soon as they saw the Leprechaun, every single camper took off after him. The spotlight turned off and I have no idea what happened after that. All I know, is that at that moment, I was very happy to not be the Leprechaun.

I love thinking about crazy times like this at Camp. Stories like the chasing of the Leprechaun are part of what makes Camp Deer Run such a unique place. I know that everyone who has spent time at Camp has some weird random story that brings a smile to their face, just like the memory of the Leprechaun brings a smile to my face.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Ladies Retreat is right around the corner!!

2011-03-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

Former ladies of Camp Deer Run, your time to reconnect is almost here. I know that there are many of you who are eagerly anticipating this fun weekend, and ready to see long lost friends. I wish I could relay how much I enjoyed the Men's retreat, and how much I loved spending time with old friends, but the snow didn't let it happen yet. But I know that I was really excited for the Men's Retreat, and I know that you ladies are just as excited for your retreat. I want to encourage anyone who is thinking about going, to stop thinking about it, and just decide to go. You will not regret it. What can be better than spending a couple of days at Camp Deer Run, in the wonderful nature that God created, spending time with friends while you are fellowship together and spend time worshipping God. I know for me personally, I always feel closest to God when I am at Camp. And I feel that a large reason for this is because of the people I am around when I am there. I know there are many of you who are reading this and are shaking your heads up and down because you agree with me. If you know of anyone who may also want to attend, send them the information and encourage them to go. I know that it will be a memorable weekend for all who attend.

If you need more information, then click this link. Make sure to call or email Ty Ford if you would like to register, or have any questions. The retreat is only three weeks away, and will be here before you know it. I hope that there is a large turnout of former female Deer Runners, and that all will be brought closer to God during that weekend.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Valentine's Day is good, but I prefer Sadie Hawkins Day!

2011-02-13T18:38:00.000-08:00

As everyone is celebrating Valentine's Day, I am sure that many Deer Runners will think about Sadie Hawkins Day. I thought it would be fun to post some pictures of Sadie Hawkins activities from the past 50 years of Camp Deer Run. Enjoy!!!

The Snow Won

2011-02-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

I was planning on writing a post tonight talking about the just completed Men's Retreat. I was going to talk about the great turnout we had, mention all of the fun things that we did. Talk about some of the funny stories that were shared. Reflect on the time that we spent with God while at Camp. I guess I will have to save that post for another time. To say that I was disappointed that we had to postpone the Men's retreat would be an understatement. I had been looking forward to this weekend for several months, and I know that I wasn't the only one. There were several guys who were planning on making it out for the weekend, but I know that there were many others who for one reason or another weren't going to be able to come. So this snow storm may end up being a blessing in disguise. When the new date is picked, hopefully men who couldn't come this weekend will be able to come.

Even though the retreat was postponed, I was able to play some dominos last night with some of my friends from Camp. It always amazes me how much I enjoy being around other Deer Runners. I love everything about being around other Deer Runners. I know that I'm not the only one who feels this way. If you are on the fence about attending either the Men's Retreat or the Women's Retreat, I challenge you to think about your memories with other Deer Runners, and think about the wonderful time you have had in the past with people from Camp. If you come out to Camp for one of the Retreats, then you will be surrounded with people like you, people who love the Lord, and love spending time fellowshipping with other Christians. Come spend a weekend at Camp and enjoy an experience that you may not have had since the last time you were at Camp. You will not regret attending.

I don't know when the Men's Retreat will be rescheduled, but as soon as I do I will make sure to update everyone. I hope that everyone has a wonderful week, and that God blesses you in all that you do.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

CDR Men's Retreat has been postponed.

2011-02-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

Due to all the winter weather and freezing temperatures Ty feel that it is best to cancel this weekend’s Men’s Alumni Retreat. Forecasts have shown that it will not be above freezing until 10 or 11 on Saturday morning. Roads will not have a chance to clear up until Saturday afternoon. Most of our retreat activities were planned to be outside. We will reschedule for another date in 2011. The rescheduled date will be posted sometime soon.

Why you should be at the Men's Retreat.

2011-01-31T19:06:00.001-08:00

The CDR Alumni Men's Retreat is this weekend, and if you are still unsure if you should go, here are some reasons why you should attend.

Reconnecting with old friends

Horse Shoes

Night Devo under the stars

Possibly see Camp with snow

FIRE!!!!!

Spending time with in God's word

Hot Dogs

Tennis Ball Golf Tournament

Encouragement from other men

New Swing

Canteen

Piney Woods

Quiet Time

Hanging out in the mess Hall

Walking around in the woods

Making new friendships

These are just some of the things that will happen at Camp this weekend. It is going to be a very fulfilling couple of days for all of the men who make it out. If you are interested in attending, or still need to register, then go to Camp Deer Run and fill out the form. I hope to see many men there, and make this a tradition that takes place every year at Camp.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Retreats

2011-01-16T19:25:00.000-08:00

We are entering an exciting time for all fellow Deer Runners. We are just 3 weeks away from our first official CDR Alumni Men's Retreat, and a little over 2 months away from the first CDR Alumni Women's Retreat. The Men's Retreat is February 5th and 6th and the Women's Retreat is March 25th-27th. While there will be some difference between the two retreats, most things will be the same. They will be a time of fellowship and worship, and time to remember what it was like to be a camper at CDR, and chance to grow closer to God, at a place that always seems to make that so easy. If you are on the fence about attending, I highly recommend that you commit to going. I promise you will not be disappointed. Men, if you know that you will be in attendance then you need to register as soon as possible. You can go to the Camp Deer Run to get more information about the retreat and can also register there. Women, you can click on this link here to learn more about your weekend and to also register. We are hoping for a large turnout for both of this weekends, and hopefully this will only be the first of many years of CDR Alumni Retreats. I will continue to write post to encourage everyone to attend, and to remind all about how great of a time they will be. If you have any questions just let me know.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Men's Retreat Registration

2011-01-03T18:04:00.000-08:00

We are only one month away from our 2011 CDR Alumni Men's Retreat. I am hoping that many men will be attending this year. The retreat begins on Saturday February 5th, and ends Sunday morning the 6th. This weekend is for any former male Deer Runner who is at least 20 years old. The cost for the weekend is $25 and includes meals, activities and CDR t-shirt. The purpose for the retreat is to reunite each Deer Runner with his Camp experience and Camp friends in order that he may be encouraged and energized spiritually. This is going to be a lot of fun, and we will have a chance to hang out, but there is going to be a Camp-like schedule that allows for a chance to relieve Camp and what makes it so wonderful. I know that I have talked to several guys who are planning on attending, but Ty has only had one person register. It is very important for you to register for this retreat so that Ty can make the necessary plans for the weekend. Please click here and take a couple of minutes to fill out the registration. If you know of anyone who may be interested in attending this retreat, pass all of this information on to them, and encourage them to take part in what will be a wonderful weekend. If you have any questions you can email me at cdralumni@gmail.com, or Ty Ford at ty-cdr@peoplescom.net. I hope to see many of you there.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Happy New Year

2011-01-01T12:20:00.000-08:00

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

Merry Christmas, All Year Long

2010-12-26T13:37:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas, maybe a day or two late. I hope that everyone has enjoyed this holiday season as much as my family and I have. I really enjoy all of the things that come with the Christmas season...the music, the happiness that it brings to so many people, opportunities to spend time with people I love, and with so many people talking about the reason we celebrate Christmas, the birth of Christ. While thinking about Christmas, it actually reminded me of spending time at Camp Deer Run. I love the singing at Camp, I am always happy when I am inside the gates of Camp, I love the people I am around while there. And most importantly, I love that the focus of Camp is telling Christ's message to the kids who are there. Which led me to think of something that may be a challenge for many people, me included. Its easy to keep our focus on Christ during the Christmas season, because we are constantly thinking that "Jesus is the reason for the season". Or we are seeing nativity scenes in every yard. Just like it is so easy to be burning for Christ when we are at Camp. The challenge is to have that same focus about Christ and the things He does in our lives throughout the entire year. We need to make sure that we are sharing the story of Christ in April and May, just like we do during December. Jesus isn't just the reason for the season, He is the reason we have a hope of an eternal life in Heaven. And because of this hope, we are expected to live our lives in a way that reflects Christ. As we start a new year in a few days, make it a priority to live every day in a way that reflects Christ for others to see, so that they are thinking about God's gift to us in more ways than just as a holiday in December. Have a great finish to 2010 and a wonderful start to 2011.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Christmas...CDR Style

2010-12-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year. Christmas music is playing everywhere, people are out shopping, cold weather has moved in, and people are thinking about Christ's birth. Unfortunately, Camp Deer Run is a pretty quiet place during this time each year. But that doesn't mean that Christmas doesn't hold a special place in Camp Deer Run memories for many people. Of course I would be talking about Christmas in July!

As you you can tell from the picture above, Christmas at Deer Run is not exactly like the Christmas we are celebrating right now. Obviously some Deer Run flavor has to be added to make it a truly unique experience. Christmas in July is celebrated on July 25th, and is a unique celebration at Camp, since it only happens once a summer, if the 25th is on a day that Camp is in session. Because of this, many people never get to experience Christmas in July at Camp during their years at Camp. Christmas is celebrated all day long, and activities have a Christmas feel to them, like making Christmas tree ornaments in crafts, as well as making gifts to give to friends. It all comes together in the afternoon when the campers and staff gather around the "Christmas Tree"(which is really a small little cedar tree next to the canteen) to sing carols and share gifts. There is nothing like singing Jingle Bells in the 102 degree heat. Finally Santa Claus makes an appearance and shares his holiday spirit with everyone. It might not be the Christmas we all know, but it is a lot of fun and everyone who has experienced Christmas at Camp will tell you how great it is to share this special time with friends at Camp.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Men's Alumni Retreat

2010-12-01T17:31:00.000-08:00

The time is getting closer for our first Camp Deer Run Alumni event of the year. The Men's Alumni treat is February 5th-6th, and open to all former CDR campers and staff members 20 years of age and up. Festivities get started at 11:00 on Saturday and we will wrap up the same time on Sunday. There was a smaller Men's Retreat last year with about 25 guys spending the night out at Camp, and it was an absolute blast to be around old friends. The details are being put together and a schedule is being worked on. If you are planning on attending, then go to www.campdeerrun.com and register for the retreat. The cost is $25 each, and covers everything, including meals, a night in a wonderful Camp Deer Run cabin, and a CDR t-shirt. Make sure to spread the word about this retreat as we are wanting to get as many CDR Alumni men to make it out for this weekend of great fellowship and great fun. I promise that this will be a time that you will remember all year, and will be a time that draws you closer to God. Hopefully we can have a good group of guys get together, and we can make this an important tradition that we can do every year. If you have any questions you can email me at cdralumni@gmail.com, or get a hold of Ty Ford on the Camp website. Hope to see many of you there.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Prayer Thoughts

2010-11-21T18:30:00.000-08:00

This weekend, many members of the summer staff trekked to the Piney Woods of East Texas and had a staff retreat at Camp Deer Run. These young adults did a great job this summer of showing over 1,000 kids how wonderful it is to have God in their lives. They gathered this weekend to reconnect, praise God, and to be rejuvenated in their quest to live for God. I want to ask everyone to pray for this past summer's staff. Many of them will be back out at Camp this next summer, continuing to work for God. Others will move on to the next part of their lives. Pray that they continue to live their lives for God, and to be leaders in their churches. Ask Him to give them the strength to stand up to Satan as he tempts them when they become adults and enter the working world. The staff members are very important to the success of each summer of Camp, but let's make sure we continue to keep them in our prayers all year round, as they are young people continuing to learn about God and the great things He can do in their lives.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Changes at Camp...Canteen

2010-11-15T21:20:00.000-08:00

Camp Deer Run has undergone many changes since it was founded over 50 years ago, which is pretty amazing considering that it has basically stayed the same place over that time. I wanted to highlight one of the most central parts of Camp that was forced to change after a very memorable, and scary moment...the Canteen.

Three times a day, each group makes a trip the canteen porch to get something to snack on, drink a soda, and relax out of the hot sun while fellowshipping with each other. Its always one of the favorite times of the day for everyone because it is a chance to just sit back and relax during a schedule that always keeps everyone moving.

This first picture shows what the Canteen was like before. The porch was about 8 feet wide all the way around the Canteen. After the campers went through and got their goods, they would hang out all around the porch, eating and drinking and having a good time.

Every so often, the canteen was used as cover for Flag Devo when it was raining. It was the best place to have everyone cram so that they could stay out of the rain, yet still be close enough to the flag pole to make it seem like a flag pole devo. During 4th Session sometime in the mid 90's, it was raining in the morning so everyone crammed onto the canteen for a very crowded flag devo. Little did they know that they were about to become a part of Camp Deer Run history.

4th Session is always one of the most popular sessions, and the mid 90's was no different. With everyone piled on the porch, something bad happened...the porched collapsed! Thank God, there was no one severely injured, but several people were shaken up. But everyone had a great story to tell everyone. Since the porch was not connected to the actual canteen building, only the porch was affected. But the porch obviously needed to be repaired/replaced. Instead of just replicating the old porch that went all the way around the canteen, an extra level was added on one side. The porch still wraps all of the way around, but now there is a large area to the left of the canteen. You can see that canteen as it is today in this picture.
This new porch has been a wonderful addition to Camp over the past 15 years or so. On the old porch, everyone was spread out all around the porch and there was no way to be together as a group. Now during Canteen all members of the group can be together on the porch, sharing laughs and stories with each other.

The new porch (which its hard to think its new since it is around 15 years old) offers so many other opportunities for Camp that the old one didn't. There is now another place that Group and Cabin Bibles can go to spend time in the Word.
The new porch also affords Camp with some flexibility about different activities throughout the session. The porch is a great place to hold an indoor scavenger hunt, or have a luau to celebrate Hawaiian Day.
I think that the canteen porch is a great example of how Camp is always making changes, but is never truly changing. Each change that is made at Camp is made to continue the mission that has been Camp Deer Run for over 50 years. If you haven't been to Camp in many years, I hope you enjoy getting to see what it looks like today. I really do believe that if you were to go out there today, you would see the same place that you fell in love with many years ago. Camp's main purpose is the same today as it always has been...to change young lives with the story of Christ.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Thanksgiving

2010-11-07T17:53:00.001-08:00

Wow, its been a very long time since my last post, and for that I truly apologize. I will do my best to fix that little problem. With the month of November being here, we all know that in a few short weeks we will be gathering with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving. I want to encourage everyone to think about what they are thankful for, and give thanks to God for these things everyday, not just on a designated holiday. We are always taking prayer requests and needs to God in prayer, but too often we forget to give true thanks to Him for the things we have been blessed with. Whether you thank Him for big things or small things does not matter. We know that God wants us to have a true relationship with Him, and that He likes to hear us talking to Him. This includes voicing our gratitude for the great things that have been put into our lives.

As always, if you have prayer requests, or thanks, that you would like to share with the CDR family, you can email them to me at cdralumni@gmail.com and I will post them on this blog. I also promise to start writing more often on this blog, so make sure to check back often.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run

Sparky

The Stars at Night

2010-10-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

A few nights ago I was outside late, outside of the city. I was in a quiet place away from bright lights, and when I looked up into the sky I saw millions and millions of stars. Immediately I had a very happy thought in my head...this reminds me of Night Devo! It was a good feeling to be able to look up and see God and his power in those stars.

During my years at Camp Deer Run, I always loved Night Devo. The singing was constantly great, the short talks that the Group Leaders brought were very insightful, and finishing off the day with the special Night Devo group song was always a highlight. But none of those things were what I loved most about Night Devo. The stars were my favorite. I loved standing at 2nd base on Hoche Ballfield and just looking up in awe at the amazing lights above our heads. I've never felt closer to God than when I was standing under the stars singing praises to Him. If you have ever experienced a Night Devo at Deer Run, then I'm sure you feel similar to me. Sometimes we get caught up in the lives we live daily, and we are always rushed to do whatever is next in our busy schedule, but I challenge you to walk outside sometime and look up at the stars. Remember how special it is to be able be here living for God and to be blessed by Him on a daily basis. Sometimes it takes something as simple as the stars in the sky to remind us of what a wonderful Lord we worship.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Prayer Requests--October 3rd

2010-10-03T19:08:00.000-07:00

Another week is about to start up, and I want to ask you to take time to spend a few minutes in prayer over a few things. They school year is in full swing, and all of our staff and campers from this summer have been away from Camp for a couple of months. Pray for all of the young people to be able to stay close to God throughout the year, and to be able to turn away when Satan shows up to to tempt them. We all know that school can be a very difficult place for young Christians, but with the strength of God, they can stay strong.

I also would like to remind everyone about our upcoming CDR Alumni events that we have planned for the next year. Please pray that all of the planning and thought put into these events will be something that will be beneficial to all involved. They are going to be a wonderful time for everyone to be able to catch up with old friends, and fellowship with people that they have fellowshipped with many times before. Here is a reminder of the dates.

February 4-6

CDR Alumni Men's Retreat

March 25-27

CDR Alumni Women's Retreat

June 11

CDR Alumni Family Day

Before too long I will be getting information out about the events, but until then, make sure to take these dates before God and ask Him to bless these days and make them a time for everyone involved to draw closer to Him.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Summer 2010 - From Ty's Perspective

2010-09-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

Hey Camp Friends!

I wanted to share with you some things I wrote in my prayer journal shortly after the end of this summer. I found this the other day and it really helped me reconnect with how great our summer was at Camp Deer Run! God blessed our camp in many ways throughout the summer. I thought this might help you all reconnect with your camping experience whether as a camper or staff member. I asked myself five questions and here are my answers.

What was your favorite moment of the summer?

Most summers I would have difficulty pen pointing one moment but this summer all though there were many awesome moments, I find it is easy to name my favorite. 4th Session, the second Wednesday night. M8 campers led worship that night. Kade Cox, Brad "Duff" Beard, Aaron Bently and Sean Dulock preached from the Word that night. Most of the boys have been camping for many years a few of them since they were nine years old. It was wonderful to see how these boys have grown and matured in Christ. Camp has played a part in their development. That night following the service we baptized eight campers in the new pool. I was privileged to baptize Abby Fair who I was a part of the Gilmer church of Christ youth group when I attended there and worked with the Youth Group. She is an awesome young girl who has great joy in all that she does. It was an uplifting night that showed how God is using CDR to help develop young people into strong Christian men and women.

What will you miss the most from the summer?

I will miss the daily opportunity to work along side 54 awesome Christians (the Summer Staff). Their energy, their focus, and desire to serve is amazing. I will miss their smiles, their laughter and their contagious love for camp. I will miss watching them serve the campers and enjoy their camp experience. I will miss watching them love on my son, Drayton. I will miss their beautiful singing. I will miss their passion for God and their desire to offer Him a pleasing sacrifice. I will miss Thursday night's in the office having fun with everyone working together to prepare things for Friday checkout. I will miss these awesome young men and women. I cherish all the moments we shared together.

What is the best part of living at camp each day during the summer?

The best part of living at camp each day during the summer is having the opportunity to live in a place that is focused on God and separate from the world. The purpose of all that is going on is to glorify God and teach others about Him. To be surrounded by this each day and to feel the bond between co-workers in the Gospel is an incredible daily blessing. It is always hard to return to the "real world" when the summer ends.

What was a funny memory from this summer?

Funny but painful - Walking back from Hoche Outcamping with staffer, Jamie Green, I was bitten by a mystery creature. It was not the unifang since whatever it was left two sets of fang marks on my side. I'm sure it was a spider, or at least I think so. I never got a look at what bit me but it hurt! I howled like crazy as the pain set in. I returned to my house to google bite marks and the closest thing I found was a black widow bite! I took some medicine and went onto bed wondering if I would wake up and have to visit the Winnsboro E.R. as a patient for the first time! Luckily it was not really a black widow and the swelling went away by the next morning. It was a funny occurrence and I hope I never meet that mysterious creature again!

What would be your message to the campers and staff?

Realize today and every day that Jesus Christ died for you! God loves you so much! Respond to that love and imitate it. Know that God is with you and come before Him in prayer because He cares for you. Know that I love you and I'm thankful for your faith in Jesus. God can and will do amazing things through you!

In Him,

Ty Ford

CDR, Director

Checking In

2010-09-26T19:03:00.000-07:00

I want to apologize to everyone for not having many posts up lately. I am going to start doing better with this blog. A couple of weeks ago I posted a message about sharing prayer request with each other on this blog, and trying to do it every Sunday. A few Sundays have passed since then, I haven't done one of those posts. So here we go. I didn't get any specific requests, but that doesn't mean there aren't things for us to pray for. Camp has been over for almost 2 months, but there is still plenty of work that needs to be prayed about. Running Camp Deer Run is a year long job, and prayers from the Alumni is always appreciated. I encourage you this week to take a few minutes out of your day to pray for Camp Deer Run and for God to continue to bless the work that is being done at this special place.

Hopefully this post will get me back into a fairly routine habit of posting again, and I will stick with the weekly prayer list. If you have something you would like to share with the CDR Alumni family so that we may all pray about it, you can email it to me at cdralumni@gmail.com.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Do you have any prayer requests?

2010-09-09T19:02:00.000-07:00

I tried doing this a few months ago, and kind of got away from it, but would like to try it again. I would like to start listing prayer requests from any and all CDR Alumni. I think that it can be such a powerful tool for us to be able to take requests to God together as Deer Runners. I would like to post these requests or praises every Sunday for everyone to see and pray for during the week. I hope that this is something that will really take off and will help all Alumni to be able to grow closer to each other and to God. If you have anything that you would like for me to post this Sunday, email it to cdralumni@gmail.com .

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Thank you for Camp Deer Run

2010-09-01T18:50:00.000-07:00

I think this is too cute of a story not to tell, and I think that it sums up how so many of us feel about Camp. My wife, Sarah, and I have a 2 year old son named Riley. We have taken Riley out to Camp since he was born, and this summer he went out there with me several times. He really enjoys spending time out there and being able to run around, hanging out with the big kids. He also has made several friends his age that he talks about all of the time. Well, every night when we say our prayers, I will start out by saying "Dear God," and Riley will follow with "Thank you for ____" over and over and over. Usually he will fill in the blank with a grandparent, or an aunt or uncle, or somebody's pet. But every night, without any prompting from me or his mommy, he says, "Thank you for Camp Deer Run." Every time I hear this it puts a huge smile on my face a warm feeling in my heart. I feel the same way about Camp as my two year old son does, and I already know that it is a place that he loves. I just think that's really cool.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Changes at Camp...Pavilion

2010-08-23T18:45:00.000-07:00

When I started doing this blog, part of my intent was to provide former Deer Runners with a look into Camp today. I know that there are lots of Alumni who have not been out to Camp in many years, so I want to show them what Camp is like today, and how things may have changed over the years. In all parts of life, change can be looked at in a negative light, and Camp is no different. Its important to understand that the changes that have been made at Camp are made with the purpose of bettering the work that is done there every summer...preaching the Gospel to the thousands of kids that come to Camp. There is always much thought and prayer put into all the decisions, and making sure that Camp stays the same place that we all fell in love with. If you haven't been out to Camp in over 15 years, some things may look different, but you would be able to see that Camp is the same as it always has been. So, I would like to show some of the things that have changed at Camp, and bring everybody up to speed on what Camp is like today.

The first "new" addition to Camp that I would like to highlight is the Pavilion. I say "new", but it was built 12 years ago. I'm starting with it because I think it is the best thing built at Camp since I became involved with Camp almost 20 years ago. The Pavilion was built and named in honor of E.H. Smith, or PaPaw to most people. It was built between Cheuk and Hoche Ballfields, and met several needs immediately. The Pavilion is a true multi use facility. It is used for cabin and group activities, especially for application lessons. On mornings when it rains, Flag Devo can be held underneath the roof so that campers and staff don't have to start the day off soaked.

Before the Pavilion was built, the only place to play basketball was on an uneven, bumpy stretch of pavement out by Hoche Ballfield. It was not a very safe place to play, and was difficult to get a good game going. The Pavilion has a full length basketball court with goals on both sides.
On special occasions such as Pass the Torch, or the 50th reunion, tables and chairs can be set up to serve a meal underneath the shade.
The best use of the Pavilion though can be seen on any Middle Sunday of a 2 week session. This summer during 4th Session, there was close to 600 people worshipping together in the Pavilion. Before the Pavilion was built, all worships were held in the Rec Hall, which is just big enough to squeeze in around 200 people. Obviously this would not be an adequate place to hold worship with 600 people. Being able to worship together in the Pavilion, all under one roof, lifting praises to God, really captures the true spirit of Camp Deer Run.
If you haven't been to Camp in many years, I encourage you to mark your calendar to come out to some of the Alumni events we have planned. I really think that you will be happy seeing Camp today and understanding the impact that it is still having today on the Campers that come through the gates every summer.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Mark Your Calendars

2010-08-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

About 8 months ago I met with Ty Ford and we discussed the need to reach out to former Camp Deer Runners, or Alumni. We decided it was time to embrace technology to be able to spread the word about Camp, and started this blog, as well as getting a Camp Deer Run Facebook page running. The Camp Deer Run website has been redesigned and has a great new look. These things helped to get us off to a great start with reaching out to CDR Alumni, and will help things to only get better. Through this blog we have been able catch up on Alumni during the "Alumni Spotlight" posts, and have let people who aren't able to make it out to Camp see what it is like today.

Part of the plan of reaching out to Alumni was to organize times for Alumni to get together with each other and have fun catching up with people you may not have seen in years. We had the first one of these this year with the first "Camp Deer Run Baby Round Up." It was a great success and will have another one in 3 years. Close to 30 little children were at Camp with their parents who worked at Camp in the past. I know that everyone who attended had a wonderful day. Now it is time to expand on these gatherings. There have been several things planned for the next year, and you need to know about them now so that you can put them on your calendar.

February 4-6

CDR Alumni Men's Retreat

This is obviously for men only. There was a small Men's Retreat last year to see how well it went over and it was a great time. This year we are expecting a big turnout. If you are a former male Deer Runner, then this is for you. It will be a time of fellowship and worship, with plenty of time to catch up with old friends.

March 25-27

CDR Alumni Women's Retreat

This is obviously for women only. Same idea as the men's retreat.

June 11 OR June 25

CDR Alumni Family Day

We are not sure which day this will be, but should know within a week or two. This is going to be a day for anyone who has been a part of the Camp Deer Run Family to come out and enjoy a Saturday at Camp with other former Deer Runners. It is being called Family Day not because it is only for "families", but because we are all part of the Deer Run Family.

Hopefully all three of these events will have big turnouts. As we get closer to the dates I will be posting updates with schedules and other information, but for now, make sure to put these on your calendar. Friendships that are formed at Camp are so special, and these events will give us all a chance to catch up with each other and strengthen those relationships. Don't worry about contacting anyone right now about your plans to attend, just plan on being able to attend these events. If you have any questions you can email me at cdralumni@gmail.com.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Summer Recap

2010-08-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

Its been over for about a week, but there are still many campers and staff who constantly have Camp Deer Run on their minds. If you take the time to ask anyone who spent time at Camp this summer, they will tell you that they had an amazing experience. Every summer at Camp is special in its own way, and this summer was no different. Each camper left Camp at the end of their session with a fire burning inside of them that was ignited at Camp. They left with a strong desire to live life for God, and will have many stories and memories to lean on during the year. If you were able to make it out to Camp this summer, then you know how great things are going. But I thought it would be fun to share some numbers from this summer at Camp.

206...Total number of PeeWee day campers. This is a very important part of the summer for Camp Deer Run, for these campers are introduced to Camp for the very first time, and will hopefully come back when they are old enough to camp overnight.

977...Total number of overnight campers this summer. If you average that number out over 6 sessions you get 163 campers per session. This an impressive number considering that Camp is considered at capacity at 160. So, obviously each session of Camp is full. Kids want to come spend a week or two in the woods surrounded by Godly young men and women, running around getting dirty, playing in the creek, worshipping God. This is a good thing.

1...New pool. The new pool was a physical highlight this summer. Everyone who saw the new pool was very excited about it. I can't think of a better place to cool down during a hot day.

1647...Total attendance for all 3 Middle Sunday worship services.

85...Chickens cooked during Hoche outcamping.

27...Number of little ones who attended the first ever CDR Baby Roundup with their families.

5040...Total attendance for all worship services, both Wednesday nights and Sundays.

27...Campers who decided to take on Christ in baptism. This is the most important number of all, and shows just how successful of a summer this was for Camp Deer Run. A wonderful staff was assembled, a staff that was given the task of being Christian leaders for each and every camper that came to Camp this summer. We know that they succeeded. The 27 baptisms this summer is one way of knowing this, but we also know that each camper was loved during their time at Camp, and that they were shown the love of Christ. They left Camp closer to God, and with a desire to live their lives for Him. These are the things that truly show Camp was a success. You can ask any camper, and they will tell you how on fire they were for God when they left Camp, and how their things they learned at Camp motivates them to live for God.

It was a great summer. I hope that you had a chance to make it there this summer, but if not, maybe through this blog you are able to keep up with the happenings of Camp. Just because the summer is over, the work of Camp does not end. Preparation for next summer has already begun. Continue to pray for Camp and the work that goes on there.

In the next post I am going to share some dates for CDR Alumni gatherings in the next year, that way you can get them on your calendar. Its been a great to get started trying to bring former Deer Runners back into the fold, and there are many great ideas being tossed around to better serve the Alumni. Keep checking back here to get some updates soon.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Wenache Group Leader...Scott Busby

2010-08-05T19:38:00.000-07:00

Tonight is the last night of Camp Deer Run 2010. I know it is a sad night for the campers who are experiencing 6th Session, but it is also a sad night for the 50 staff members who have given up their summer to spend 10 weeks in the hot woods of East Texas to share God's love with thousands of children. I want to highlight the Wenache Group leader tonight. Scott has done a great job this summer leading this group. Its very cool for me see Scott as the Wenache Group Leader because I had Scott in my group in 2003 when I was the Wenache Group Leader. It gives me great pride to be able to look at all 4 of the Group Leaders and to remember when they were campers and see what great young men they have become.

CDRAlumni: What years have you been at Camp?

Scott: I camped from 1998-2007 and have been on staff from 2008-2010.

CDRAlumni: How did you come to Camp in the first place?

Scott: I guess I would have to give the Spencer family the credit for introducing me to camp. I am from Huntsville, Texas and grew up going to church with John Richard and Renee's family who told my parents about it. I guess my parents thought it sounded like a good idea to send my sister and I. Thanks, Spencers.

CDRAlumni: What is your favorite memory from your time as a camper?

Scott: In 2003 Pete Garner and Sparky led the men of the Wenache nation on a search for a place called "Pete's Pass." After a week of searching for it, we finally found it only to find out a few years later that Pete's Pass was really just a joke. Also, in either 1999 or 2000, Ty Ford led my cabin on a hunt for an "escaped convict." After an hour and a half of searching we caught the convict who turned out to just be Sparky.

Scott (far right) and his cabin at Pete's Pass in 2003.

CDRAlumni: Who had the biggest impact on you while you were a camper?

Scott: Cameron Hartsell had a big impact on me when I was a camper. I was a camper in GB6 in 2005 and 2006 and Cameron was my counselor for both of those years. It was evident that Cameron was truly interested in us not only as far as his job as a CDR staff member went, but also as a friend. Since GB6 is at the top of camp on a hill of sorts, Cameron called our cabin the city on a hill, helping us realize the importance of being a Christ-like example to all. Even though he called me a fat-head, his impact on me was immense.

CDRAlumni: What made you decide to be on staff?

Scott: I decided to apply to become a staff member after my first summer as a camper in 1998. At that time I probably only wanted to be on staff because camp all summer long sounded like the greatest thing in the world to me. As I grew older, however, I began to realize that much of my spiritual growth could be attributed to the staff members at Deer Run. I wanted to share in that ministry for future campers. I wanted to bless the campers who I would work with just as much as the staff members who blessed me did.

CDRAlumni: What do you think makes Camp so important for so many people?

Scott: I think the reason camp is so important is because of the overwhelming sense of acceptance that is felt at Camp Deer Run. People from all walks of life are thrown together in a group at Camp and participate in the weirdest, most fun activities imaginable all while learning what it is to be Christ-like. When everybody is doing something weird, nobody is "too cool" for anybody else and a Christ-like sense of unity shows through. That unity leads to some of the best and most long lasting friendships possible.

CDRAlumni: What is your favorite part of the typical Camp Day?

Scott: Night games and Night devo would have to be my favorite two parts of any camp day. Games like steal the bacon, three deep, and pull apart are so fun to play and then the day ends in worship to God through night devo with an amazing view of the stars. That portion of the day combines the two purposes of camp, fun and worship, in the best way possible.

CDRAlumni: Talk about the responsibility of being a Group Leader.

Scott: This is my first year to hold this position and so far, I have loved every minute of it. The responsibilities involved in group leading can sometimes be tough, but are extremely rewarding. A huge difference between counseling and group leading is the amount of preparation involved. It is now my job to plan activities, games, Bible lessons, etc. for the whole group, for ten weeks, which can be challenging. I am now also responsible for the staff members in my group. It is my job to set an example for them but to also encourage them in all that they do.

CDRAlumni: If there is one thing that you hope the campers take away from there time at Camp, what do you want it to be?

Scott: I want campers to leave camp knowing that God is alive and that he is working. I think just being out in the woods, in God's creation, for one or two weeks is enough in itself to show that God is alive and that he is powerful. Often, the world outside of camp may seem very dark and discouraging. But I hope through camp that everyone who comes here will see that God is alive and working in the world. You just have to look a little harder than you would have to at camp.

CDRAlumni: What is your least favorite part of Camp?

Scott: My least favorite part of camp is camp improvement. It's just not campish to be cleaning when you could be in the creek.

CDRAlumni: What is your proudest accomplishment from your time at Camp?

Scott: My proudest accomplishment at camp has been the two baptisms that I have been priveleged to perform. This year I have baptized Cheyenne Wolfe and also Britt Moody. I was so fortunate to have that opportunity to study with them and to baptize them into Christ. I am so glad that God was able to use me to that end.

CDRAlumni: Anything you would like to say to alumni?

Scott: To former CDR Staff, I'd just like to thank you for the hard work that I know you put in while you were working here. You may not have been in my group ever or even been working while I was camping but I know that the example you set for me just by being here has helped mold my faith. So thank you so much for that. To those who camped in the past and even to former staff I would ask that you would be in prayer for the mission of camp at all times. Pray that God's will can be done through camp and that He can continue to work through the memories made here even during the school year, that those memories will only serve to spur on a deeper faith in God.

Thanks again to Scott and the other Group Leaders for answering some questions and letting us know what it means to them to be a in charge of a group at Camp. Its been fun talking to these guys and getting their perspective on their job.

The Camp offseason is just about upon us. But continue to pray for the campers throughout the year and for Camp as a whole as there are many projects to be done and needs that need to be met. Thanks for supporting Camp Deer Run this summer and for the many prayers already offered.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Alumni Spotlight...Robert Martin

2010-08-03T19:27:00.000-07:00

Time for another Alumni Spotlight. This time I am highlighting Robert Martin, or you may know him by his Camp nickname, Ol' Blue. Robert was at Camp as a camper from 1989-1993 and was a staff member from 1994-1996.

CDRAlumni: What brought you to Camp Deer Run as a camper or staff member; How did you find out about camp?

Robert: I was actually told about camp through my preacher's son at the time Brent Nichols. At that time I was 12 or 13. I started off as a Nashami and moved up through the Hoches, and fell in love so much with all the staff and camp that in 1994 I went and got my lifeguard certification and became the men's lifeguard for 3 summers.

CDRAlumni: Share a favorite memory from your time at CDR.

Robert:Wow there are so many. I will have to say that most of my favorite memories as a camper and even as a staff member had to be all the friends that I made through the years. I totally grew attached to staff members like Trevon "Worm" Buchanan, and John Boles, and Mark "Tree" Taylor and even David Ward.

CDR Alumni: How did your time at CDR impact your life?

Robert: I had always grown up in the church and loved the Lord with all my heart, but it wasn't until I started going to CDR that I truly got to see Him move in the lives of people. To this very day, once I walk through the gates I can still feel His presence and see His glory and greatness in that place.

CDRAlumni: Tell us everything you would like people to know about your life since camp. What do you do for a living, are you married, do you have kids, etc.

Robert: Well, I have had some major ups and downs since I was last at CDR on staff. I played around in college and thought that working was more important. My mind set wasn't on bettering myself, it was on trying to work and get paid. Then I thought that getting married was the answer, but apparently I was wrong on that too. Went through a nasty divorce, but I got 2 of the greatest things that God could've ever blessed me with, my kids. I now have custody of my 9 year old daughter and my almost 8 year old son.

CDRAlumni: Please tell us more about your family, names, ages, anything you would like to share.

Robert:My family is a little different from others since my kids and I have lived with my best friend and his wife and kids for almost 7 years now. My daughter Makayla is 9 and my son Micheal will be 8 in September. Because of my best friends Robert and Heather Wheeler, I have been blessed with 4 god children. My oldest god daughter Alexus is 15 and just went to CDR for the first time 2nd session of 2010, my oldest god son Matthew is 13, my youngest god daughter Emilee is 10 and my youngest god son Cameron is 6. So with all of us living under one roof you can guess that there is never a dull moment with a 15, 13, 10, 9, 7, and 6 year old living together.

Thanks to Robert for taking the time to share his story with us. It is fun seeing how people are living their lives today. If you would like to share your story and be highlighted in an Alumni Spotlight Post, fill out this survey. Now that summer is almost over, I would like to be able to do several of these type of posts a month, but will need many people to spotlight. So if you haven't done so yet, take the time to answer the questions. And if you send me pictures then you will be moved to the front of the pack.

Summer is almost over, and in the next couple of weeks I hope to be able to share some exciting news about plans that are being made with CDR Alumni in mind. Pray for Camp to finish strong and for the fire that was started in the campers hearts this summer to continue to burn brightly for the Lord.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Nashamie Group Leader...Travis Perkins

2010-07-30T20:25:00.000-07:00

Here is the third installment of posts that highlights the 4 group leaders from this summer. I think it has been a great look at what type of attitude and ideas that it takes to be a in charge of a group of campers and staff during a summer of Camp. This week Travis Perkins took the time to answer a few questions and gave some insight into what he thinks makes Camp the place that it is.

CDRAlumni: What years have you been at Camp?

Travis: I began coming to Camp when I camped in 2001.

CDRAlumni: Why did you come to Camp in the first place?

Travis: My sister had camped two years before I did and convinced me to go.

CDRAlumni: What is your favorite memory from your time as a camper?

Travis: Nashamie outcamping on the fourth of July.

CDRAlumni: Who had the biggest impact on you while you were a camper?

Travis: Chris Banks, Ty Taylor, Jace Allen

CDRAlumni: What made you decide to be on staff?

Travis: I wanted to feel like I was doing something worth while during the summer.

CDRAlumni: What do you think makes Camp so important for so many people?

Travis: For the campers, I think it's the escape from the world into a little slice of heaven. For the staff, it's the feeling of meaning in thier lives. For the parents and alumni, I can only assume it's the knowledge that camp really does change lives.

CDRAlumni: What is your favorite part of the typical Camp Day?

Travis: Afternoon canteen.

CDRAlumni: Talk about the responsibility of being a Group Leader.

Travis: It's a welcomed responsibility. The work is hard, but the reward of seeing growth and change in the campers makes it worth it.

CDRAlumni: If there is one thing that you hope the campers take away from there time at Camp, what do you want it to be?

Travis: I always want the campers to take away the knowledge that God loves them more than they could know, and that if they actively seek God, he will make himself known in thier lives.

CDRAlumni: What is your least favorite part of Camp?

Travis: My least favorite part of camp? A session ending just as the group has become unified.

CDRAlumni: What is your proudest accomplishment from your time at Camp?

Travis: 5th Session 2009, Chiefy wins indian day!!

CDRAlumni: Anything you would like to say to alumni?

Travis: Thanks for all the support and wisdom. If it weren't for your Christ-like example, none of us would be on staff today.

I want to thank Travis for taking the time to answer these questions for me. I know that there isn't a lot of free time during the summer for the staff, but its great that these guys are willing to take a couple of minutes and give us all an inside look into their thoughts about Camp. Travis is a great example for the campers to look to. He has experienced some things in life that have helped him draw closer to God and strengthened his faith and understanding that God is in total control. I know that the campers who have been Nashamies this summer are closer to God after spending time at Camp because of the things that Travis has taught them and that they have seen in him.

When campers run the show

2010-07-28T21:28:00.000-07:00

There are 9 Wednesday night worship services each summer of Camp. Each one is wonderful time of praise, but 3 Wednesday nights have a different feel from the other 6. One of those nights was tonight. For the second Wednesday worship during the 2 week sessions, the campers are in charge of the worship service. The boys in Men's 8, which is the oldest boys cabin, lead the singing, say the prayers, and usually 3 or 4 young men spend about 5 minutes each speaking from the Word. It is such a wonderful time to see the young men step out and take charge for a great time of fellowship. You can see that the guys are nervous, but to be able to hear them speak from the heart is such an encouragement for those who are there. Many times, the young men who take the lead for this worship service will apply to be on staff, and will be the next leaders for Camp. Many campers grow up going to Camp with the goal of being on staff someday, and nights like tonight, where the campers led the worship service, is a great way to help some of those aspiring to be on staff understand what it is to take a leadership role at Camp.

Camp is coming to a close, but isn't over yet. Continue to pray for the campers who are at Camp right now, and those who will be there next week. Right now is when the staff is searching for some extra energy to finish the summer. Pray that they are able to give the kids all that they have and finish the summer strong.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Cheuk Group Leader...Blake Hemphill

2010-07-22T18:59:00.001-07:00

During my 5 years on staff, I had Blake Hemphill in my cabin 3 or 4 times, and we were in the same group several other times. During that time I got to know him pretty well, and I am proud to see the young man that he has become. Blake has been spending the past 2 summers as a group leader, and this year is the Cheuk Group Leader. This is such an important position because so many of the campers that Blake has in his group are first-time campers, and Blake has a big part in impressing the campers with what Camp is all about. He has been doing a great job.

When he was a young camper, maybe 11, Blake told me one day to call him "Steve the Stud." So for the past 10 or 11 years, I have called him some form of Steve or Stud. I imagine when people here me call him this, they become very confused. Here is a picture of Blake from 2003 when he was just a young camper.

I did asked Blake some questions about his thoughts on Camp, and he filled these out during some of his down time at Camp.

What years have you been at Camp?

Pee Wee – ’94-‘97

Camper – ’98-‘06

Staff – ’07-‘10

Why did you come to Camp in the first place?

All my family has been involved at CDR. My Grandpa was on the board of directors when Camp first started.

What is your favorite memory from your time as a camper?

One of my fondest memories was winning the Cheuk Basketball League championship in 1999. To me, this little cabin-activity-turned-Cheuk-free-day-night-activity was a huge deal!! Being able to share that memory with friends that were there that night and are still on staff with me now is an amazing bond.

Who had the biggest impact on you while you were a camper?

Chris Banks has been a big influence in my life since 1997. He was my counselor when I was a Pee Wee, and he was later my Nashamie group leader. He gave me his Indian Feather in 2003, and he has given me much more than that over the years. He showed me the love and care of Christ when I was a camper. Since I have grown up, Christ and I have become friends. He has given me much advice, and we have talked a lot about the mission of Camp Deer Run together.

What made you decide to be on staff?

I have so many memories from my years as a camper, and so many great experiences and friends that I will never forget. I want to be a part of the creating the incredibly fun and spiritual experiences that I had for the kids that still come today.

What do you think makes Camp so important for so many people?

Camp makes everyone the cool kid. Also, just the attention of a college-aged staff member to a young child, showing them that you care, means the world to them. There is an atmosphere of love that transcends differences among kids from all backgrounds and personalities. And most importantly, our emphasis on Bible study at different times throughout the day and focusing on a relationship with God has a huge influence on the lives of many campers.

What is your favorite part of the typical Camp Day?

I think the part of every day that I love the most is the group activity. The things that we all associate with the theme of each day, many of the things we all think of when we think about camp, are the activities done during this time. The Hawaiian slip-n-slide, Killi olympics, capture the flag, Sadie Hawkins Day, and chasing the Indian are all memories from group activity.

Talk about the responsibility of being a Group Leader.

I think the responsibility of a Group Leader goes past taking care of campers. It involves being a director and a servant for a group of 12 or so counselors on top of about 40 kids. One of the most important responsibilities is being a spiritual leader for the group and for the camp. It takes a lot of work, dedication, focus, and discipline, but it also brings a lot of joy to fulfill your duties.

If there is one thing that you hope the campers take away from their time at Camp, what do you want it to be?

I want campers to learn how to live life to the full (John 10:10). Camp demonstrates the fulfillment of that passage perfectly, showing campers that they can have a BLAST being a Christian. I hope that they realize that when they leave the gates at the end of a session, that they don’t just leave having had a great time for a week or two weeks, but that they leave with a message and a mission to tell the world about the story of Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross.

What is your least favorite part of Camp?

A part of the daily schedule of Camp that I always found hard to fill with fun was cabin activity. It gets difficult to come up with something different to do every day for an hour and a half and have everyone enjoy the time without getting bored.

What is your proudest accomplishment from your time at Camp?

I think one of the memories that sticks out in my mind the most is winning Killi Kapers in 2005 with the Men’s 7 Boys Choir, which Ty Ford called one of the greatest Killi Kapers of all time in the Killi News Letter the following school year. With Ty Taylor as our counselor and Drayton Hoffman as our director, we changed the words to some old hymns to sing in our homemade tuxes.

Anything you would like to say to alumni?

I would just encourage the alumni to stay in touch not only with other alumni, but stay in touch and involved with Camp and the current staff. I know that I love to have y’all come back and talk about times that you had. I love sharing the things that are going on and the things that I am learning, and I love hearing about how things were when you were here. And I always enjoy getting advice from you who have been through the Camp experience before me.

You can tell that Blake is a great person to have leading young campers, and a wonderful example for all of the other staff members. He embodies what Camp has been about for over 50 years, and because of his leadership, future staff members will be able to help Camp continue to impact the spiritual development of campers for years to come.

Camp is winding down, only two weeks left. This Sunday is the final Middle Sunday of the summer. If you would like to worship at Camp, then please feel free to head out to Camp. Classes start at 10 world time and worship is at 11. It would be great to see as many people there as possible. Hope to see you there.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

A short Baby Roundup Video

2010-07-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

CDR Baby Round Up 2010

2010-07-12T12:51:00.001-07:00

This past Sunday was just too much fun! The first every Camp Deer Run Baby Round Up was a wonderful success, and everyone who attended seemed to have a great time. Over the past several years it seemed that a large number of former Deer Runners were having babies, so it was decided that we needed to get all of the babies and their mommies and daddies together. Hopefully this is only the first in what will become a long-lasting CDR tradition. The intent was to honor all the babies 3 years or younger and their parents. There were a few kids that might have been a little over 3, but we didn't mind letting that slide. All total, there were 28 kids that showed up with their parents for this great day.

The day started with class and then all of the campers and staff worshipping with all of the visitors. The official count had 572 people at worship, although there are many people who said it was the largest crowd they had ever seen and were convinced there were well over 600 people in attendance. Here is a picture of how some of the little ones spent worship. It was much more peaceful this way.

After worship was over, the ones there for the Baby Roundup got to skip to the front of the lunch line and eat first. We all went and ate in the Rec Hall where the kids could run around and everybody could visit without worrying about having to be in the way of the campers and their families.
We had to take a group picture to document this event. Of course, this picture will be very fun to look at in 15 years when all of this kids are working together on staff at Camp.

We had to take a silly picture too!

You cannot go out to Camp this summer and not take a dip in the pool. That's exactly what we did next. Everyone went and changed into their swimsuits and hit the pool. It was a completely different type of swim time from what normally goes on in the pool, but it was easily one of the most fun I've ever been a part of. There were so many little kids in there having the time of their lives, it was just fun to watch that and be a part of it. The time spent in the pool was one of the highlights of the day. (Warning, there was mixed swimming going on.)
You can tell from all of the smiles in the pictures that this was such a fun day. There were many people who hadn't been to Camp in over 5 years, some 10 years, that came out for this special time. It was great to see all of the little ones together, but what made this day so special was seeing all of the old friendships being rekindled. Everyone knows that Camp is a special place where you develop relationships that will be special for a lifetime. Days like this prove that years apart don't do much to hamper those friendships. It will be exciting to watch all of the little kids who were there grow up and develop friendships with each other over the years. In a few years they will be camping together, then will be on staff together, maybe go to college together, and there may even be some weddings some day between two little kids that met each other on this day. You just never know what God has in store for these kids. But you know with parents that put God first, these kids have a terrific life ahead of them. They are the future of Camp Deer Run, and the future looks good.

The Baby Round Up was a day that many people had been eagerly anticipating for several months, but now it is over. Luckily, we are in the works to do many more things to bring Camp Deer Run Alumni together again. The next Baby Round Up will be in 3 years, when there will be another batch of babies running around Camp. Within the next month, I will be posting details of several planned CDR Alumni Events that will be happening during the year. We want to get the dates of these events out as soon as possible so that everyone can get them on their calendars first before other activities. Camp Deer Run means so much to so many people, and its time that we start focusing on bringing as many of these people together as possible. As soon as dates are nailed down, I will make sure to share details with everyone.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Alumni Spotlight...Worm

2010-07-10T11:22:00.000-07:00

If you were at Camp Deer Run during the 1980's or 1990's then there is a very good chance that you have some good stories from being around Trevon Buchanan, aka Worm. He was a fixture in the Crafts Hall singing some Acappella.

CDR Alumni: What years were you camper or a staff member?

Worm: 1980-1982 I was a day camper, 1983-1992 I was a camper 1988-1992, I was a Stamper (Staff/Camper), and 1993-1996 Staff Deer Runner til the day I die.

CDR Alumni: What brought you to Camp Deer Run as a camper or staff member? How did you find out about Camp?

Worm: My Great-grandmother, Grandmother, Mother, Aunt and several other members of my family have been working @ Deer Run since the late 60's early 70's. My biggest influences in keeping me coming back were MaMa Smith and David Ward.

CDR Alumni: Share a favorite memory from your time at CDR.

Worm: I have a lot of great memories. Deer Run spans Decades for me, so I have seen a lot of changes. Here are some key phrases that will strike some memories for others: Chubby bunnies, River Rats, Best outcamping chicken ever, TW's, biggest Deer Run pillow fight ever, horse in men's 7, 3 weeks of rain non stop followed by floating Tankawa camp fire and collapsing canteen porch, the real Killi Killi wash wash song,and last but not least the place I truly met Jesus. Sorry so long. I have seen the ups and downs of Deer Run, but the same things happen to me as do most people, if you ask me about CDR I light up with good memories. I can't really pick a favorite moment, but my favorite thing was Hymn Time.

CDR Alumni: How did your time at CDR impact your life?

Worm: CDR quite literally shaped my whole life. Truth be told, I liked having fun at CDR and never really cared about God until mid the 80's. The unconditional love of PaPaw Smith, MaMaw Smith, Jay and Gay Spencer, Billy Ray Dean, David Allen, Shannon Big Red, Kirk Bradford, and David Ward (the list could go on forever). The rest of my life falls into place like dominoes. I never heard of ACU and never would have attended ACU if not CDR. God knows I am Thankful for ACU and CDR.

CDR Alumni: Tell us everything you would like people to know about your life since camp; What do you do for a living, are you married, do you have kids, etc.

Worm: I have gone through a lot of trials in my life since I left CDR. I was apparently sick since I was young and didn't know. I have high blood pressure since I was 13, congestive heart failure at 20 and 21,heart attack at 26, kidney failure at 27. Did dialysis for a few years and now 3 years into my kidney transplant. Don't you dare feel sorry for me, because in all of this I am truly blessed. I have wonderful wife and four beautiful children. I got to be children's minister, youth minister, church leader in a young growing hispanic church, song leader, sing in acappella singing group, and perform the wedding of my best friend and his wife.

CDR Alumni: Please tell us more about your family, names, ages, anything you would like to share.

Worm: Aneissa LaSha Buchanan 9 yrs old (CDR is calling her name), Trevon DeAnte 6, Truett EliJah 5, Harrison Isaiah 2. My wife Julie and I will be married 10 yrs this summer.
Thanks Worm for taking the time to answer this survey so that we can all get caught up with you and your family. If you haven't filled out an Alumni Spotlight Survey, please do so. This has been a great way to catch up with people from Camp Deer Run's past.
Tomorrow is 4th Session Middle Sunday and it is also the very first Camp Deer Run Baby Roundup. It promises to be a fun day, and I will make sure to post a full recap of the day. God has been good to Camp this summer, and I know that the lives of the campers is being changed on a daily basis. Continue to pray for the good work that is being done at Camp.
Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,
Sparky

4th

2010-07-04T10:02:00.001-07:00

Today starts 4th Session, and it is also the 4th of July. Every year that the 4th of July falls during a Camp session, usually 4th, a big fireworks show takes place at Camp. It is always a fun and festive time to watch the show, and to sing patriotic songs. It is one of the few times during the summer that campers and staff alike realize that they are participating in a unique moment at Camp. When the 4th falls during outcamping, all of the campers and staff will gather together on top of the hill, nasty and stinking from outcamping, and watch the show together. So tonight, while you are watching fireworks, think about campers and staff doing the same thing at Camp Deer Run.

Next Sunday is the Baby Roundup. If you are planning on going, or have been thinking about it, please email Ty Ford to let him know that you would like to be there. It is going to be a very fun and exciting day. We would love to have as many little ones running around, while their parents chase right after them.

Camp has been going great, and is amazingly half way over. Continue to keep everyone involved in your prayers, and we would love to see many of you out there visiting this next Sunday.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Cross Devo

2010-07-02T15:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday nights at Camp are often the most emotional nights of each session. It is the final night of Camp, and while there are many fun activities, but the night finishes with the most powerful activity of each session, Cross Devo. This is THE most important part of the day and is basically the last part of Camp for the campers to see.

Like most other parts of Camp, Cross Devo has been a very long standing tradition, and a very important part of Camp. But just like other parts of Camp, the way Cross Devo goes down has been changed over the years as Camp changes. There are some parts of Cross Devo that worked well 20 years ago that don't work today, so some things have been changed. But the message of Camp, and of Cross Devo has always remained the same.

For an entire week, or maybe two weeks, campers are taught about what love God has for us, and that His love was shown to us when he sent His son to this earth and He was sacrificed for us. The campers are also told about what this amazing sacrifice means for each of us. Cross Devo is a chance to give the campers a visual of what happened during the days leading up to His death, and then also the hope that He gives with His resurrection.

The skit starts by lining the campers up by cabin in the Rec Hall. They are instructed that the staff members are the actors of the skit, and that they are not professional actors, and that the props used are minimal. Even though it is not perfect, the intent is to give the campers an idea of what that time was like for Jesus Christ. The campers Jesus praying in the garden with his disciples, and they see Judas betraying Jesus with a kiss. They see Pilate asking the crowd if they would rather he release to them Jesus or Barabbas. The last thing they see is Jesus being mocked and beaten by the guards. The time in the Rec Hall is a very quiet time that allows the campers to understand how those days went for Jesus.

After this part, the campers are instructed to walk up the hill with the staff members to see the second part of the skit. Once everyone makes up the hill, Jesus is forced to carry the cross through the crowd while the guards are mocking him and whipping him. When Jesus gets to the crowd he falls down and Simon carries the cross the rest of the way.

Jesus then is hung on the cross while the 4 group leaders stand by with torches so that the crowd can see Jesus on the cross. It is such an amazing sight to actually see someone on a cross. The campers can also hear Jesus and is pain, they can hear him crying out to God. Then they hear Jesus say it is finished, and then hang his head in death. At this point the staff sings a few songs with an emphasis on the cross. It is a very moving moment, and tends to bring out tears from more than just a few campers.

While the singing is going on, Jesus is taken down from the cross, and a large bonfire behind the cross is lit. Then the campers see what makes Jesus death so special...that he rose from it. Jesus then appears to his disciples and shows Thomas the scars on his hands and his side. Then the staff sing more songs, this time focused on the joy and happiness that Jesus' resurrection offers to all of us.

After the singing the Program Director will get up and share a final message for the campers. He will usually tell the campers about how they can use the things they have learned during their session in the lives away from Camp. It is a time of encouragement, and a time of finality, because it signals that another session of Camp is over. Finally the staff gathers together to sing a song that shares the message that they all hope the campers are able to hear.

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful,

May the fire of our devotion light their way,

May the footprints that we leave,

Lead them to believe,

And the lives we live inspire them to obey,

Oh may all who come behind us find us faithful.

It is such an emotional night for the campers, but it is the best way to end what is hopefully a great session for each. To be able to send the campers home with the images of the things Jesus went through is a great way to leave a lasting impact. If you have ever seen Cross Devo, then you can probably visualize a little more easily the sacrifice that was made for us. Which after all, that is the message that is most important for the campers to receive during their stay at Camp.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

2010 Hoche Group Leader

2010-06-23T18:14:00.000-07:00

Andy Garner is spending his 4th summer as a staff member at Camp Deer Run this summer, and his 2nd as the Hoche Group leader. I thought it might be a neat idea to hear what a current staff member had to say about Camp and give you a chance to see if your thoughts and emotions during your time at Camp matched up. Since the focus and intent of Camp has been the same for the past 52 years, I would say that all former staff members feel the same way about Camp as Andy does.

CDR Alumni: What years have you been at Camp?

Andy: I went as a Pee Wee from 1992-1997, camped from 1998-2006, and have been on Staff since 2007.

CDR Alumni: Why did you come to Camp in the first place?

Andy: My brothers Pete and Jody came before me and I always came when I was a Pee Wee. My mom grew up coming to Camp and she always wanted us to come to Camp.

CDR Alumni: What is your favorite memory as a camper?

Andy: Winning Killi Kapers in 2005 and finally getting the monkey off our backs.

CDR Alumni: Who had the biggest impact on you while you were a camper?

Andy: All of the counselors and group leaders that I had. Honestly, pretty much every staff member that worked out here while I camped had a strong impact on me.

CDR Alumni: Why did you decide you wanted to be a staff member?

Andy: I was baptized out at Camp, and camp had helped me so much on my spiritual journey, and I wanted to have a chance to have the same impact on kids. I had 2 brothers who had worked out at Camp and knew what kind of fun that they had when they were on staff. I also knew that being on staff would help me grow in my spiritual walk.

CDR Alumni: What do you think makes Camp so important for so many people?

Andy: Two things. The unusual setting where you are thrown out of your normal way of life and put into the piney woods of East Texas. The fact that the staff is young college kids that are close to the age of the campers and can connect with the kids and show them how to live a life that is close to God. All of that helps to develop strong bonds that make the campers want to come back year after year with the same people.

CDR Alumni: What is your favorite part of the typical Camp Day?

Andy: Late afternoon, early evening is always my favorite. Quiet time>hymn time>ballgames>dinner.

CDR Alumni: Talk about the responsibility of being a Group Leader.

Andy: You’re leading 40-50 campers, both boys and girls, and you’re expected to provide the games and entertain for all of them. You have to keep the schedule and really create an overall spiritual setting for your whole group. I don’t have to be their favorite group leader, but I hope that their time in my group equals their best time at Camp. I hope that while they are with me that it is a highly spiritual time, as well as a very fun experience. I hope that they feel unified as a group and close to each other. For the staff, I try to keep everyone unified and working together for God and for the sake of Camp. I do everything I can to make sure that we all keep everything going smoothly.

CDR Alumni: What is your least favorite part of Camp?

Andy: Waking up everyday and feeling like I am going to die of exhaustion.

CDR Alumni: What is your proudest accomplishment from your time at Camp?

Andy: Having the honor of baptizing 8 campers into Christ, and the fact that I have been able to come out here for so many summers.

CDR Alumni: Is there anything you would like to say to the Alumni?

Andy: Thank you from former campers for your time and your effort and for the way you impacted many lives just like mine.

I'm really proud of the young man that Andy has become. 6th Session of 1999 Andy was in Men's 1 when I was the counselor of that cabin, and that started a great friendship. Somehow Andy ended up being in my cabin 5 times, and each time he stayed in the bed above mine. We formed a bond that lasts today. He has done a great job during his time at Camp and I know that many campers lives have been changed because of the work that he does at Camp.

2nd Session is winding down, and things have been great at Camp so far. Continue to pray for the staff and campers, and for Camp as there is a still a lot of work to be done this summer. I encourage you to get out there for a worship service, either a Wednesday night or a Middle Sunday. You will leave uplifted and closer to God.

Hail, Dear Ol, Deer Run,

Sparky

Middle Sunday

2010-06-20T16:40:00.000-07:00

Today was the first Middle Sunday of the summer, which is the Sunday right in the middle of a two week session. Middle Sundays are always a great day at Camp because so many visitors come out to worship with the campers and staff. Today there were somewhere in the neighborhood of 550 people worshipping God together at a place where God's presence is easily felt. There seems to be an energy that comes with all of the parents and friends that is appreciated by the staff and campers. The singing today was great just as it always is on Middle Sundays because of the large crowd, and Hoche Group Leader Andy Garner did a great job of preaching God's word. After worship, we had a great lunch and enjoyed some of the many activities that go on during the day, including camper vs. staff football and volleyball games.

If you can, I encourage you to try to get to Camp during one of the two upcoming Middle Sundays. 4th and 5th Sessions are both two week sessions.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Two Week Sessions

2010-06-19T08:17:00.001-07:00

Camp Deer Run 2010 has been going strong for two weeks now, and 2nd Session is about halfway over. 2nd Session is the first two week session of the summer. One week sessions of Camp are great, but two week sessions are the true measure of the greatness that Camp has to offer. The second week of each two week session (2nd, 4th, and 5th) are almost identical to the week of each other session, but the first week is vastly different.

Monday of each two week session starts off with Cowboy Day. Something unique about two week sessions is that the campers tend to be older as a whole, and usually camp the same session every year. Because of this, they know what each day is, and try to bring clothing that allows them to dress up based on the days, just like the staff does. Which means that Cowboy day usually brings out the cowboy boots and hats. Every once in a while you might see some chaps, or even a cap gun in a holster. Sometimes the group leaders will come to Flag Pole Devo on horseback. During Group Activity there is a focus on cowboy type games. Sometimes there will be relay races involving saddling a horse. Sometimes a game of Cowboys and Indians will break out. A tense tournament of horse shoes will break out. Its a great day to start Camp.

Tuesday was always my favorite day...Hawaiian Day! This is a great day for so many reasons. Right at the top for me was that this day gave me an excuse to wear a bright Hawaiian shirt and a straw hat. Just like Cowboy Day, Hawaiian Day would be celebrated by both campers and staff by dressing the part.

There have even been a few attempts to celebrate Hawaiian Day by surfing in the pool. Needless to say, the waves were never big enough. Water is a large part of the focus of Group Activity. There are usually some silly water relays, but the most exciting part is the very large slip and slide. A few years back somebody donated some large billboard covers to Camp, and these serve a wonderful purpose, the best slip and slide ever. Campers and staff get to go down the slide as much as possible, and have lots of fun.
Wednesday is International Sports Day. I'm not really sure how this became an official Camp Day, since I have heard rumors of a Reverse/Opposite Day that used to exist, but this is a fun day none the less. On International Sports Day, there are many, many sports jersey's being worn around Camp, mainly soccer jerseys. Soccer is usually played during a Group Activity, since that is about the most international sport there is. This is always a fun day during World Cup years, like this year, with all of the focus being on soccer.

The next couple of days are either the most exciting days, or the most dreadful days for campers, and honestly staff as well. That's right, Outcamping! The thing about Outcamping is, even if you don't look forward to it, you almost always end up loving it. The Hoches and Nashamies spend two nights out in the woods, and the Chueks and Wenaches spend one night each. It is a time of bonding and memory making. You get nasty and smelly and gross, but everybody else is just the same. You eat food that is cooked over a fire in a way that you never think will work, but always does. You sleep under the stars, with bugs all around you. It is just an experience that the campers don't normally get to have. Chickens are always the highlight for the Hoches. For many years, the campers got to experience the entire process of preparing a chicken for eating. That included killing the chickens, gutting the chickens, plucking the chickens, and then cooking the chickens over the fire. Today the process is much more simple. Frozen chickens are used. There aren't many people that have fond memories of plucking and gutting the chickens.
The food also includes making hamburgers in a can, cooking pancakes in a pie tin on hot coals, and breakfast in a bag. You put bacon on the bottom of a paper sack and cook it over the fire. The grease in the bacon seals the bottom of the bag to where you can pour an egg in there on top of the bacon and cook it. Of course, if you weren't paying attention, your paper bag would catch on fire if you got it too close to the flames. That means no breakfast for you.
The younger groups get to have doughnuts for their breakfast. There are canned biscuits that are fried and dusted with cinnamon and sugar. They are very good.
Another unique aspect about two week sessions is Killi Kapers. This is always a fun night for both campers and staff. Each cabin is responsible with coming up with some sort of skit, or song, or something unique to perform in front of the entire Camp. The top 3 performances are recognized at the end of the night. It is always a great night to dress up and for the campers to really showcase their talents.

Two week sessions are unique in so many ways. The best part is that the campers are surrounded by God for such a long amount of time. The staff generally try to get a little deeper in their studies with the campers, and really try to challenge the campers to search for God during their time at Camp. The campers are able to spend more time reflecting on their life with God, and are able to lean more heavily on each other to be strengthened. It is a wonderful experience, and anybody who has experienced Camp for two weeks will agree.

Camp is going well, but continue to pray for all of the campers and staff that will be spending time out there this summer. If you plan to visit Camp for any Middle Sundays, remember that everything starts an hour earlier with class at 10:00 and worship at 11:00. Hope to see many people there.

Hail, Dear O' Deer Run,

Sparky

Baby Roundup!!!

2010-06-14T16:03:00.001-07:00

Over the past several years there has been an abundance of children born to former Deer Runners. It seems like there are more and more little ones running around Camp any time there is some gathering at Camp. We now want to recognize and honor these little ones along with their parents. If you have been a part of Camp Deer Run in the past and have a little one or little ones, then we would really love to have your family out at Camp for this celebration. This celebration will take place after lunch on Sunday, July 10, which is Middle Sunday of 4th Session. Please email Ty Ford at ty-cdr@peoplescom.net to confirm your attendance or to ask questions. I hope that there are tons of little kids running around that day. It will be a blast!

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

New Pool Dedication

2010-06-10T11:10:00.000-07:00

If you have been following this blog or been paying attention on Facebook then you are fully aware that a new pool has been constructed at Camp Deer Run. And if you have been involved with Camp Deer Run at any point in the past 28ish years then you have been impacted by David Ward in some way or another. On Saturday afternoon the new pool was dedicated in honor of David Ward and all that he means to Camp. It was a wonderful time to get together and show the love that so many people feel for David and show our gratitude for what he has done to Camp.

Jay Spencer and Ty Ford both got up to talk a little bit about some the things that David did during his time at Camp. He pretty much did anything. In fact when Jay asked David "if there were any job at Camp that he never did?" David responded with "Head Women's". It was probably the truth. He came out to Camp in the 1982 as a staff member and just never left. He served as a counselor, then as a Group Leader, and then spent the late 1990's and early 2000's as the Director of Camp Deer Run. He deserved to be honored at Camp for his dedication and hard work.
David had been out to see the pool a few times as it was being completed, but Ty had to work real hard to keep him from discovering a surprise that Ty had for him. Right in the middle of the deck in front of the steps Ty had a large marker placed to honor David. Ty wanted to keep this a secret for the pool dedication, and was successful.
It is a fitting tribute to a man who wanted to recognition for his work, but deserved it anyways. The marker has the words "Summer Staff, Group Leader, Program Director, Camp Director and Since 1982" around the perimeter. In the middle is a stamp of the Camp Deer Run logo with the words "Be Mindful" underneath. David would always tell his staff this phrase before every staff weekend or meeting to end the summer to remind them of what they represent. Meaning they represent their family, Camp Deer Run, their church, but most importantly God and what being a Christian meant. David got up to share some of his thoughts and gave thanks to everyone who was involved with his work at Camp. He gave some advice and shared some of his wisdom from his time from Camp, giving God all of the glory. Of course he had to through in his trademark phrase, "Be Mindful."After David was done making his comments Ty called David's wife, Kaci, and their four kids up to the front and prayed with them.

It was a wonderful few minutes that many people had been looking forward to sharing for a long time. Even though the new pool had been used before this, the dedication made it feel complete, and ready for many years of use for thousands of future campers. Hopefully you will have a chance to get out to Camp this summer and see the new pool. It may be brand new, but it feels like it has been at Camp for many years.

Camp is still raising funds for this great new addition, and if you have given it some thought and prayer, you can go to the Camp Deer Run website to find out how to do this.

It is the best time of the year for Camp. Everything is in full swing and 160 campers each session are being shown how wonderful living a life for God is. Continue to pray for the staff and the Campers throughout the summer.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Pass the Torch 2010

2010-06-08T19:09:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday was a wonderful time at Camp Deer Run. Two separate events were crammed into one very exciting day. Pass the Torch and the pool dedication made for a wonderful, if not hot day at Camp. Of course during the summer, almost all days are hot. I'm going to spend this post talking about Pass the Torch and will fill you in on all you want to know about the pool dedication in a couple of days.

Things got going at Camp around 2:00 on Saturday afternoon with some swim time for the girls and then the boys. After people experienced the new pool for the first time, it was time for some Staff vs Old Staff softball. This was the third such game ever held, and both sides had won once. So it was a pretty intense battle that the current staff ended up winning late in the game. There were lots of laughs and smiles all over Hoche Ballfield. For some reason some of the Old Staff seemed to kind of disappear as the game went on. I did mention it was hot, right?

After the softball game was over it was time to cool down in the pavilion and eat some dinner. It was a fun time of fellowship that allowed everyone to catch up with each other. It was great to see former staff members interact with current staff members. If you have ever been on staff then you know how fun and meaningful it is to see your former campers on staff. Of course it also makes you feel pretty old.

There is definitely a new generation of Deer Runners that is starting to make appearances at Camp. So many former staff members are having babies and bringing those babies out to Camp and introducing them to a place and people that mean so much to them. In just a few short years there will be third generation campers running around Camp.
The last part of the night took place in the Rec Hall. This is a favorite place for many people because of the memories of worships and hymn times that they spent in there. Everyone gathered in the Rec Hall and spent time singing praises to God and in fellowship with their brothers and sisters. After several songs, former staff members were encouraged to stand up and speak to this summer's staff members. The former staff members offered words of encouragement and praise for the things that each staff member will be doing this summer. It was a great way to remind them of the importance that their job is and how important it is to be great role models to the children who will come to Camp this summer.
Camp is in full swing and things are off to a great start. I truly believe that kicking things off with Pass the Torch is the perfect way to get Camp going. There were many people at Camp this Saturday and many more who would have loved to have been there. Maybe you couldn't take the time to share your thoughts and feelings to the staff, but you can spend time in prayer for them and for Camp this summer. It is going to be a great summer, and God is going to do many wonderful things with Camp.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,

Sparky

Baby Roundup!!!

2010-05-31T10:39:00.000-07:00

Its time to officially welcome a new era of Deer Runners. Over the past few years it seems that there have been many babies show up to Camp with their parents who worked out there in the past. We think it is time to try to get as many of these babies and their parents out to Camp and recognize them and their parents and honor them. So if you have had a baby in the past 3 years, or close to 3 years, you are invited to what has been dubbed the "Baby Roundup". This will occur after lunch on Sunday July 11th. This is middle Sunday of 4th Session. We would love to have as many babies there as possible. This will give so many future campers a chance to meet each other at an early age and give them a connection to Deer Run that they can share with each other for a very long time. There are also some rumors going around about some special items in the gift shop made especially for this day. Hope to see many of you there. Here is an invitation.

Hail, Dear Ol' Deer Run,
Sparky

Celebrating the Life of Jim Jordan

2010-05-29T18:11:00.000-07:00

On Monday, May 24th, this world's loss was Heaven's gain. Jim Jordan lost his 21 month battle with cancer on that day. If Camp Deer Run has been a part of your life in the past 19 years, then Jim Jordan has had an impact on you. Today was his memorial at Camp Deer Run and it was a true celebration of his wonderful life. There were tears today, but there were more smiles and laughs because of the stories that were shared about Mr. Jordan. Eight men took the stage to talk about Mr. Jordan and share some stories about his life. I want to take the time to highlight some the comments so that you can understand what a wonderful, Godly person we lost this week. I didn't catch all of the names, so some names won't be given.

Son-in-law Steve:

Steve talked about the importance of family to Mr. Jordan. He mentioned how Mr. Jordan was one of those men who didn't speak very often, but when he did he had something important to say. He also mentioned how Mr. Jordan wanted his grandchildren to be golfers so he had each one a set of golf clubs made for them. Another important thing to Mr. Jordan was to instill a love of Deer Run into his grandchildren. Steve mentioned that the kids look forward all year to Camp, and that Mr. Jordan was responsible for that.

Preacher from Holly Lake Church of Christ:

Mr. Jordan was one of the men responsible for Holly Lake Church of Christ getting its start. And he was also the main catalyst to getting the church to start supporting Camp. Holly Lake Church of Christ does more to support Camp than just about any other church. The work that they do at Camp is second to none.

2 Golf Buddies:

These 2 guys were funny, and told many funny stories about Mr. Jordan. Mr. Jordan loved, loved, loved to play golf, and these guys played a lot of golf with him. One of them told a story about how Mr. Jordan would seem to always have a new golf club. They would ask him about it and he would try to kind of blow them off and try to change the subject. They asked him if his wife Margaret knew about it. He would say no and told them not to tell her. So the friends would wonder how he would get the new clubs shipped to him without Margaret finding out about it. We found out at the funeral that he would have them sent to his brother. This got a big laugh. They said that if you were a friend of Mr. Jordan's then he expected you to either work at Camp, or donate money to Camp, if not both. They also spent time talking about the integrity that Mr. Jordan lived his life. Even on the golf course. He wouldn't give his buddies any extra strokes, and if he did he would right it down. No cheating.

Dickie Rogers:

He talked about all of the great things Mr. Jordan did for Camp over the past 19 years. Mr. Jordan was the financial leader of Camp. He took over the finances of Camp when things were going pretty bad, and brought things up to where they are today. He got the Holly Lake church involved at Camp and oversaw the remodeling of the Mess Hall among many other activities. Mr. Jordan was the best fundraiser that Camp has ever seen. He was amazing at soliciting donations to Camp, and so many of the things we have now are a directly tied to the work that Mr. Jordan did for Camp.

Jay Spencer:

Mr. Jordan always talked about Camp. Jay asked if there were anyone in the audience who had spent time around Mr. Jordan and not heard him talk about Deer Run. Not a single hand went up. It was his passion. Mr. Jordan was a big supporter of mission work done to spread the gospel. He felt that Camp Deer Run was the most important mission work for him to do. The Jordans and the people of the Holly Lake church were the first group of people to open up their homes for the Camp Staff to spend a weekend and started the Staff Weekend tradition.

Steve Hemphill:

Mr. Jordan understood that material things didn't matter. He was more focused on how you lived your life, and how you can touch people in this life. Mr. Jordan also loved the singing out at Camp, and any time he could, he would be at Camp worshiping his Lord and singing with his family at Camp.

It was great to be able to listen to so many stories about this great man who lived a life that we would all be proud to live. There is no doubt that Mr. Jordan loved the Lord and worked as hard as he could to further His kingdom. Camp Deer Run is lucky to have had him be one of the leaders for the past 19 years, and any one who has come through the gates since 1991 is a better person because of him.

Please pray for the Jordan family during this time. Mr. Jordan is survived by his wife Margaret, his brother Jack, son James and wife Terri, daughter Jennifer and husband Steve, along with Jordan, Spencer, Zachary, and Carson.

At the end of the service, Mr. Jordan's son got up and said that the family has decided that they would like to raise money to build a new boys cabin in honor of Mr. Jordan. If you would like to give a donation in his honor then check out Camp Deer Run to see how to do this.

Thank you Mr. Jordan for the life you lived, and the love and time that you gave to Camp Deer Run to make it the place that it is today. You will be missed.

Jim Jordan

2010-05-25T06:16:00.000-07:00

I am saddened to have to inform everyone that Jim Jordan passed away yesterday afternoon after a long battle with cancer. Mr. Jordan has been a long-time CDR board member and has done so many things to support Camp. He and his wife Margaret were members at Holly Lake Church of Christ, and did many things to have that church be involved with Camp. Please keep this family in your prayers as they go through this very difficult time. I will post funeral arrangements as they are made.

Sparky