Campamento con los Jóvenes

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. 
But pity anyone who falls
 and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Ecclesiastes 4 was our theme for camp with the youth group. We learned about how to be a friend, why we need friends, where do we find friends, how to be more than best friends with God. It was a lot to take in over 3 days! As any volunteer has experienced, you don’t always participate in the same way the teens do when you’re missing one activity preparing for the next. So my top ten from camp is probably a little different from their list.

10. The camp was just beautiful! Freezing the first day because of rain, but those mountains and plants were a testament to their creator!

9. Food. While 3 Nica meals a day definitely involved more rice than my normal diet, I was good!

8. Drama. The teens and a few of our volunteers put on a drama to go with the lessons. While my part was a fail (remember I don’t really speak Spanish), the other actors did a wonderful job!

7. Silly games. The laughter and smiles and “OH MAN!” moments were hilarious.

6. Talent show night. The group was broken down into 4 small groups for discussion and activities. One activity was a talent show that turned into a talent skit. Seeing a couple of our really quiet kids jump out of their shell was stellar.

5. Elements course. The camp had a rock climbing wall, a zip-line, a tight-rope walk and a few other low element activities. Watching the teens experience those activities and seeing how they began trusting and encouraging others was so encouraging!

4. Six friends came from visiting congregations to help and lead the lessons. Their leadership and friendship was an incredible blessing. We would have been struggling without them!

3. Saying goodnight. It doesn’t matter what country you’re in, the first few minutes after lights out are a hilarious blessing. All the girls in my room had to say goodnight to everyone specifically and if I didn’t jump in right away I got called out too. Processing the day and giggling with them was a joy.

2. Singing. I love the way Nicaraguans sing! And we got to learn new songs!

1. Seeing new friendships and connections made in the group! I just smiled our last afternoon watching the boys, who hadn’t talked before camp, play baseball together. And our last morning at breakfast the girl’s table was so full because they kept squeezing just one more in.

We started with a piñata! Inside was candy and 4 puzzles
with each piece having a person's name to form their small groups.

Group 3!

Worship time!

Illustration of how Christ carries all our burdens.
Carlos went around the room and collected Bibles, notebooks,
bags and a chair. We struggle with those things; Jesus carried all our sin!

Each group was given spaghetti noodles and seven minutes
to see who could build the tallest structure! 

Felipe ready to lead our afternoon game time!

Passing the orange using your neck not your hands. Classic.

They had a water bottle on one end and empty bottles at the other.
Transfer all the water using straws. It was kinda gross,
as you can see on Mrs. Martha's face, but so fantastic!

Water balloon toss. The fastest team to go down and
back with all 4 of their balloons won. I love this picture of Emanuel.
He's one of the newest boys to our group!

Our group for the elements course

Saidi wanted to trust them... but instead of intentionally falling back,
she actually fell, and they caught her for real! 

Mayling crossed the tight-rope bridge. She was terrified at the beginning and
the whole way through. But that prideful smile on her face when she finished was worth it!!

Jarlenis and Gema. Two precious girls that I love!!

Laughs, smiles and serious faces. Never know what you'll get.

Hands down, the trip was a success. God is alive and moving in this group! I am honored to see them grow and to be there with them! Please be praying for the leaders as we are continually reevaluating what we are teaching them and how we can best point them to Jesus. Pray for the jóvenes (teens) that they continue to thirst for righteousness and God’s truth. Please pray that the can be strong examples for their parents, most of whom do not go to church. I am praying God give you opportunities to see His glory and be involved in His works too!

Adios. See you next time!
Marvin Taylor is one of the most polite young men in the group.
He's just a wonderful shining light!