Friday, May 20, 2011

Recap from 5th and 6th grade trips last week!

5th Grade - A famous saying in the South is "A good time was had by all!!" and that can certainly be said for the fifth graders who attended the field trip to Camp Carson last week. Fifth graders experienced basketball, soccer, table games like Foosball, canoeing, and a zip line that ended in a lake. Lunch was served family style and included delicious fried chicken fingers, mashed potatoes, hot rolls, and a yummy "dirt" pudding. But the best part of the day was the worship and pantomime done by Doug Horner. He presented the gospel in a very moving performance that ended with a communion type service that included grapes and fresh bread. Doug's challenge ended with "This is my body, broken for you. Do this in remembrance of me." The teachers and Doug are praying that the students will always "remember" Jesus and the the good time we had at Camp Carson.

6th grade - Why in the world would 67 sixth graders and 28 adults meet in the ECS parking lot at 5:30 A.M. on a school day? I’m sure some of those students and parents wondered the exact same thing last Thursday. However, complaints of the early arrival time weren’t murmured throughout the bus as it headed toward the Creation Museum. Instead, we had our own surround sound presentation of “Father Abraham” blaring from the back of the bus throughout the road trip.

If you haven’t been to the Creation Museum, I would highly recommend that you spend a day there. I’ve been the past four years, and I’ve managed to learn something new each time. The excitement level was high as kids and chaperones walked through the exhibits that explain God’s redemptive plan. Light bulb moments happened faster than they could be counted, and the kids were eager to share what they learned. Students were able walk through the Garden of Eden and the ark’s construction zone. Let’s just say it was one construction zone that was enjoyable!

The petting zoo was a popular spot; some students were brave enough to take an intense camel ride! The botanical garden was beautiful and filled with bridges that the kids managed to rock, run, and jump across while meandering through the garden. There may have even been a few adults that pretended to be Indiana Jones when they crossed the treacherous bridge in the swamp.

Before leaving the museum, groups also visited the special effects theater to watch Men in White. Not only were they surprised with some spectacular effects, but spiritual truths were shared in this light-hearted video. The planetarium was also a must see! I think the parents were excited for an opportunity to kick back in the reclining chairs to relax while the students were ready to blast off into an outer space adventure. A good time was had by all!

After supper and a ride on the double decker carousel at the Florence Mall, we started the journey to Country Lake Christian Camp in Underwood, Indiana. After arriving, we rode in covered wagons to our cabins. We wrapped up the day with a Bible study. The sixth graders shared insights from the museum, scriptures that they’ve studied and were reminded of when walking through exhibits, and students led the group in praise and worship. It was a perfect end to the day.

Friday morning we were served breakfast by the camp staff, and then we worked on a few different service projects. One group stained fences, another cleaned the tepees and worked in the landscape beds, and the last group weeded landscape beds, raked leaves, and spread new mulch. The students and adults served in the different areas for about four hours. During that time, they worked hard, got dirty, and didn’t complain. Every year that we have taken this trip, the teachers and parents have been amazed at the work ethic of the students. The camp staff was so impressed the first year that they wanted to provide a pizza lunch for the kids. That gesture has continued throughout the years, and the staff always comments on the work ethic of our students. The staff usually has to come up with additional jobs because the kids are eager to work; this year was no different! Not only did the sixth graders do a great job, but they demonstrated Christ’s love and a servant’s heart. Several students made the comment that they didn’t want to quit working until the job was completed. I wish you could have seen the smile on this proud teacher’s face!


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