New Pool Dedication

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