Ahh, 5th and 6th grade. Arguably, the age group that camp was initially created for. An age that is so full of life and an itch for adventure that only camp can scratch. Something that sets Camp Lookout apart from other camps is the amount of activities that are offered, each tailored for specific age groups. Activities are changed and modified when different age groups are here, because we know that different ages like different things, and are in need of different difficulty levels. 

A few of the activities that are unique to the Older Elementary group are fishing and guitar. They are each given their own guitar/fishing rod and given lessons and the tools they need to not only learn a new skill, but also open up the possibility for new interests and hobbies to be taken under wing. Although not new, the high ropes course opens up new opportunities, as it changes offers new challenges as the campers grow.  Similarly, the caving trip morphs into a completely new experience. They explore new areas of the cave and are given new responsibilities that we are positive they can handle. 

Growing up can be a daunting experience, but by learning new skills and having responsibilities at a fun and exciting place like camp, it can give them confidence, as well as a way to define exactly who they want to be as they grow up. I know that I honed in on my love for leadership, adventure and especially for camp as a camper; and I hope that your camper discovers themselves here as well. 

Never stop exploring, 

Adventure-Maniac

I vividly remember being in middle school. It was a time of transition, both physically, mentally and emotionally. For the junior high campers here, it's a time of significant spiritual growth. Each day, in the midst of go-go-go activities and events, there are times of in-depth Bible study and time with the MIR. The MIR, minister in residence, is the captain of spiritual growth for the week. He leads the camp every night in a message regarding the camp's theme for the week. During these sessions, we encourage the campers to really look deep within themselves and think about what "Doing Good", "Doing No Harm", and "Stay in Love With God", really means to them. 

I remember going to camp as a Junior High and I was truly challenged to think about these things at a much deeper than surface level. There are times when I'm thinking about my spirituality, and I can remember hearing important words from the MIR and Don that truly shaped the Christian that I am today. It taught me how to be the type of Christian that serves and one who helps others with the journey that is Christianity. There is no tolerance at camp for the "tear them down" attitude, it teaches very good lessons for everyday life. I still use the camp's Golden Rule even in college, this is how deep the lessons we learn at camp are. With the counselors as mentors, the campers are encouraged to participate in their Bible studies and think critically about the passages. 

 I'm so glad that this year's theme is "No Greater Love", because no matter how old you are, you need to hear that God's love knows no limitations and endures forever​. ​I hope that each camper that comes to Junior High week at camp comes home refreshed in the Lord and ready to take on middle school with God close at heart. I pray and will continue to pray for their spiritual growth.

Go In Peace and Love,
Still A Junior High At Heart 

Carnival... Luau... Dancing.. No this isn't a cruise, this is 3rd and 4th grade week at Camp Lookout. This is without a doubt the most action packed week of camp in terms of night time activities. While the daily activities are a little less high intensity, we do not hold back in the evening, making sure every moment with these youngsters is as exciting as the last.

Monday's evening activities include ice breakers and games in the chapel. This is a great way for the campers to get to know each other, and the staff to get to know the campers. We waste no time getting down to the nitty-gritty questions like "What's your favorite cereal," and "What's the last thing you do right before you go to bed." With questions like this, we can laugh and play and get the week started off in an energetic way. 

Tuesday's are my personal favorite, because we bring out the popcorn and Camp's most interesting people during Carnival. After singing at Vesper Point concludes, the campers head down to the transformed hub for carnival games, face paint and fun. Staff come prepared with costumes for this wacky night, like the Bearded Lady, and the Strong Man. It's hilarious to interact with the campers as these fun alter-egos while carnival music is playing and you're trying to get your counselor soaking wet in "Soak the Sucker" booth. Everyone is a winner during Carnival, and leaves wanting more. 

Wednesday is the most jam packed night we have in terms of evening activities. We start off the night with swimming and dinner outside for the Luau. We have pool floats, beach balls, and camp tattoos while we lounge and cool down in the pool. We eat BBQ and watermelon under the setting sun and continue to get to know the friends that we have made thus far. When we head to the chapel, do silly dances to silly songs, then we are met by a glowing fire and s'mores to finish off the night. Each of the staff members have their signature camp fire song that they lead the group in, each of them goofier and louder than the next. We usually close the night in a story, and send the exhausted campers to bed to rest up for their last full day at camp. 

Thursday night is a really significant night for most of our campers here at Lookout. After dinner we send each Bible study group off to come up with a presentation, a skit or a song about something that they learned from the week. Some of these are silly, some are sentimental but all of them mean something extraordinary to our campers. After all the presentations are over, we are lead into a time of worship and communion. On clear nights, we light candles and walk silently to the Maynard worship center. We think about our walk with Christ in these moments. How our light may go out along our journey with him, but we have people near us who can relight our fire and help us along. This poignant imagery is crucial for young Christians to understand. They are never alone on their walk with Jesus, and they have a huge support system behind them, cheering them on. Each Bible study is served communion by their leaders and a time of dedication/re-dedication around the fire ends our night. We always end our week this way, in hopes of them seeing Christ throughout their week at camp and understanding what it's all about.

We're sad to see our campers go on Friday, but we send them off feeling reassured that they have a foundation of what it means to walk as a disciple of Jesus Christ, and what it means to be in the "Build Them Up Business". 

That's All Folks! 
​
The Carnival Clown   

Coming right off of staff training, we need a sort of "test run" before we start activities and regular camp programming. this is why Junior High Service week is a great way to start camp. It gives the staff a taste of what camp is like, without throwing them into the battle right off the bat. Churches from all over the Chattanooga area send their junior high youth and leaders for a week of  service around camp and the Chattanooga area. This was not a week of all work and no play, however, the campers got a taste of camp in the afternoon with activities like, high ropes, lake paddling, climbing wall and many others. 

This week is so inspiring to witness from the outside. Teenagers all coming together not only to worship God, but also care for and serve those who need it much more than them. Every group had the opportunity to leave camp for the day to reach out to organizations like; Widow's Harvest, Bethlehem Center, Chambliss Children's Center, Mustard Tree, Brainard Methodist and the National Park Service. Each of these places offered different ways for the youth to serve and grow, whether that be mowing lawns for widows, packing lunches and buckets to send to those in need, or planting trees.

Back at camp, there were plenty of ways to serve as well! We spread mulch all over camp, fixed and painted railings as well as built a landing platform at the climbing wall. All of these jobs were needed so badly here at camp, and I know that they were needed and appreciated at the job sites as well. 

Every night for worship, the youth band from Christ United Methodist would lead us in worship. By listening to their peers sing, play instruments and worship the Lord, I believe the campers were able to feel the presence of Lord. I'd like to say thank you to all of the churches who sent their youth and leaders to camp this week, we had an amazing time and we accomplished so much good. I hope everyone left feeling refreshed in service, and in Christ. 

Never stop serving, 

Camp's Most Reliable Witness