Pass the Torch 2010

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