Yet more photos

I received a CD yesterday, thanks Persis!, and uploaded the last of the pictures.  Almost 400 pictures on the last exciting day.  These include the camper shots, church group shots, and pictures of the final performance.I did a little weeding, but there were just too many... Have fun looking at all of them.

News article in the Weekly News

Lindsay Hardin Freeman put together a nice article on EYMC for the Diocesan Weekly News.  It can be found here:  http://www.episcopalmn.org/weekly_news/article257075c3742956.htm

Video - Campfire

(a sample from a campfire...  It is darker than it looks)

Blog updates

Now that camp is over :( and we are out in the world it is harder to get the pictures  videos, and posts on the blog.  I will continue to post the pictures have into the Picasa albums and videos on Youtube linked to the blog.  If you have something that you would like to see up on the blog, let me know jay.christopherson@gmail.com.
It would be really fun to hear final thoughts and comments from the campers and staff

Video - Basketball during free time.

Ninja - the rules according to an outside observer

Ninja is a minor contact game where the players take turns making single 'ninja' type moves with the goal of making hand to hand contact thus removing competitors out of play.

• The game starts with two or more players standing in a circle.
• The order of play appears to be tied to the initial start position and the order of the players in the circle..
• After all players bow  and say 'bong' simultaneously, they all jump into initial 'ninja' poses/stances.
• Then, one at a time, they make defensive, offensive, or strategic moves.
• Defensive moves, move their hands (the targets) into positions where they are harder to 'hit'.
• Offensive moves a player in such a way to 'hit' (touch) the opponents hand.  The opponent may make one smooth defending move to prevent being hit.  after the move, the player freezes in the position where the hands would have hit until either their next term or a defensive move is required.  
• Strategic moves encourage the opponent to move into position that is easier to attack.
• The player is out when either one of their hand was hit or (if playing a variation of Ninja) when both hands have been hit.  (The hit hand becomes immobilized) 
• The game is over when only one ninja is left

(I could not find a picture to go with this post; Ninjas are hard to see)

Facebook Posts

Clark Duhrkopf
Ladies and Gentlemen - we are ready to present the EYMC Closing program tomorrow, Saturday the 14th at 1:00. Everyone has worked SO hard and have been SO incredibly dedicated to do the very best they can. Please join us to hear the choir, orchestra, handbells, recorders, chimes, choreographed highlights from the musical "Wicked" and the concert band.

Alison Feigh posted on Facebook: ‎"Without musicals, I wouldn't be who I am today." - one of our junior high guy campers

FRIDAY - "Something has Changed With in Me""

Dinner: Candlelight Dinner / Camping Formal Dress (can be as simple as Clean Clothes)

Evening Activity: Final Campfire

Theme: Once we are equipped for our own Christian journey, how do we give back?

Verse:

... From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.  -- Luke 12:48b, NIV

Great gifts mean great responsibilities; greater gifts, greater responsibilities! -- Luke 12:48 

 Last full day.
Modified schedule in the afternoon.

Blog post from a camper.

So far at EYMC, my time has been awesome possum.  Larry Reynolds taught me a new word - "Repercussion."  I'm not sure what it means but I can use it in arguments to sound smarter now.  It was awesome to get a nap in during FOBBY because I stayed up late playing Ninja in cabin 9 last night.  Ninja is probably the greatest game ever created.  I hate monopoly.  Nobody likes monopoly.  God is the cat's pajamas.

- David

Blog entry - Andy

Last night the entire camp got down with their groove things on the grassy (now muddy) hill at the center of camp.  We rocked out and danced to the musical stylings of such eclectic acts like Beyonce, Queen, the Cast of Glee and may others.  There were also Magic card and hula hoop tournaments contributing to the festive atmosphere.  After the  raucous came to an exclamatory yet exhausted ending, we all transitioned into campfire where we channeled our Christmas spirits in August and sang seasonal songs while celebrating our differences.  We went to our cabins knowing that those surrounding us all have their own unique and spectacular stories to tell even if we we can't tell it by looking at them.
-- Andy

THURSDAY - "For Good"

Dinner: Dress as something that makes your life better

Evening Activity: Homecoming Kick ball Game

Theme for Wednesday: We live in community. Who are the people who encourage you on your faith journey?.

Verse:

Two are better than one, because they have good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! -- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

It's better to have a partner than go it alone. Share the work, share the wealth. And if one falls down, the other helps, but if there's no one to help, tough! -- Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

Reflections from a new counselor.

by Elizabeth Feigh, (St. John's, St. Cloud)

I am a first time Music Camp counselor, close to 60 years old and am excited, impressed (and somewhat relieved) that the tradition of musical excellence in The Episcopal Church has a FUTURE here in Minnesota

Here is what has moved me in the first few days of camp and the training leading up to it.

• The energy and participation of the campers
• The organization, planning and content of the program
• The enthusiasm and thought-provoking skits of the Leadership Team
• The Christian message woven throughout the day from morning worship, small group cabin discussion and activities, to evening campfire
• The quality and variety of the music, drama and dance
• The mix from all over our diocese
• The dedication and service given by the volunteer staff
• The generosity of those individuals and churches who provided full and partial scholarships 

"TO GOD BE THE GLORY!"

My prayer is that you will welcome these youth back to your parishes.  Encourage them, give them opportunities to use their gifts.  Don't just expect them to sit in the pews while the adults "run the show"

The intermediate music theory class draws while waiting to begin.  This is a rendition of Seth in his old age by David..

WEDNESDAY: "Good News"

Dinner: Dress as something from the Nativity story

Evening Activity: Beach Party

Theme for Wednesday: Digging deeper - Things may not always be as they seem.  Be prepared to walk in another's shoes before making a judgement.  We are using the Biblical story of Mary.

Verse:

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Load appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit." - Matthew 1:20, NIV

While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream.  God's angel spoke in the dream: 'Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived.' - Matthew 1:20, The Message 

 

 

Kate's blog entry

Ahh , Music Camp. How I love you. 

I am counseling for Cabin 5 and I could not ask for a better cabin. We have been bonding over strong faith formation conversations, singing, dancing, and running through the rain together. Last night we had a down pour after our indoor campfire and we all got soaked. Needless to say it will be a night we will all remember.

I am also part of planning Musical Adventures for the fourth through sixth graders. We have played games and also done some arts and crafts. Yesterday we all drew our own superhero, decided what powers they would have, what their name was, and what their theme song would sound like. We had superheroes such as The Sweatband Bandit, Animal Girl, Birdo, Afro Girl, and Space Man. The creative juices were flowing.

Last night was talent show. It went as usual: amazingly talented kids, a wonderful audience, and Clark crying in the background.  I am continually surprised by how willing the kids are to get up in front of a group of peers and perform.  Then we had campfire inside (because of the monsoon going on outside) and sang my favorite song “Lord of the Dance”. Check out the video of it on this blog. I am the crazy one on stage singing loudly and dancing around like a mad person. Yep, that’s me.

Larry Reynolds said on Facebook: Campfire was held indoors tonight during a thunderstorm. We closed with a lively rendition of Lord of the Dance. Some pretty high energy for 9:30 pm!!

Recipe of the day

Today's culinary group made Puppy Chow during free-time:

16 oz. box of chex rice cereal
1 cup peanut butter
1 12 oz. bag of semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar

in a saucepan over low heat melt the chocolate and butter; and the peanut butter and vanilla and mix until smooth

remove from heat; add cereal and stir until coated; cool in refrigerator

pour powdered sugar into large plastic bag; add coated cereal and shake until well coated

store in an airtight container

Music Camp - More than just music

There is more going on at music camp than just music and fun...

People are receiving hands-on leadership training.

There is a diverse group of young adults who are graduating high school to age 21 who provide enthusiasm, musical enrichment activities, and spiritual growth opportunities to enhance each camper’s experience. These people are known as the Leadership Team or just LT.

LT members help lead different activities including outdoor games, campfire stories, drama, dance, vocal music, instruments, liturgy, and the camp musical. The team also spends time together planning theme dinners, creating leadership opportunities for campers, having group discussions, and social time. 

An application process is used to fill the limited number of LT positions..

Training takes place both before and during camp and mentors are assigned to help along the way.

Blog entry - LeeAnne

This is my second year at camp.  So far things are going well and a lot like last year -- HOT.

This morning we heard the story of Ruth and how she had to make a difficult decision between going back to her family and getting remarried or going with her mother-in-law Naomie.

After a skit with LT we discussed why it is difficult to make the right decisions -- busy, don't want to, fear of getting harmed.  To which we asked how do we make the right decisions... follow your heart, don't be selfish.

We then got into groups and talked about people in history that had to make difficult decisions.

• Ghandi
• Jesus
• MLK
• Rosa Parks
• Abraham Lincoln
• George Washington

We praised God for them and asked God to give us strength so we can make difficult decisions.

This AM rotation has gone well, choir and bells sound amazing, and the musical looks amazing.

Blessings to all of you as you continue on your week.

- LeeAnne.

TUESDAY - "Defying Gravity"

Dinner dress: Dress as something that Defies Gravity.
Evening Activity: Talent Night

The right choice is rarely the easy choice.  We are using the Biblical store of Ruth/Naomi.

Verse:

Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.  Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay.  Your people will be my people and your God my God.. - Ruth 1:16, NIV

"Don't force me to leave you; don't make me go home.  Where you go, I go; and where you live, I'll live.  Your people are my people, your God is my God." - Ruth, 1:16, The Message

Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips

The culinary free time activity made Fruit Salsa and baked cinnamon chips.  Yum!  The smell of cinnamon was filling the air.  This is one of the new free time activities offered this year..

Fruit Salsa
1 cup finely chopped fresh strawberries
1 medium navel orange, peeled and finely chopped
3 medium kiwifruit, peeled and finly chopped
1 can (8 oz), unsweetened crushed pineapple, drained
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoon sugar

In small bowl combine first six ingredients cover and refrigerate until serving

Cinnamon chips
10 flour tortillas (8 inch)
1/4 cup butter melted
1/3 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 Brush tortillas with butter; cut each into eight wedges; combine cinnamon and sugar, sprinkle over chips.  Place on ungreased baking sheet,  Bake at 350 for 5-10 mn or until crisp.

yields 2.5 cups salsa and 80 chips for 20 servings

Sir Blogs-alot - Sunday

After all of the campers arrived, they quickly got settled into their cabins.  After cabin group tours, each group went to their different rotations.  Our first dinner was come as you are where we all enjoyed spaghetti.  From dinner each cabin had time to bond an do cabin crafts and games.  We had a campfire full of music, stories, and prayers.  We discussed the theme of the day "One short day."  Next, all the campers were put to bed by the leadership team and adults reading to them different stories.  All in all, it was a great "one short day."

- Sir Blogs-alot

Sir Blogs-alot - Monday

We woke to the sounds of a bugle played by one of our camp counselors.  We started our day with morning worship were we introduced the theme of the day "Wizard and I"   We are incorporating in all of our differences that make us special.  After worship we headed to breakfast and then started our rotation of bells, choir, and dance.

Video - Sample Table Grace

MONDAY: "The Wizard and I"

Dinner dress: Dress as something from the Wizard of Oz.
Evening Activity: LT Hunt

Verse:

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11, NIV

"I know what I'm doing.  I have it all planned out -- plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for." - Jeremiah 28:11, The Message

LT Hunt

The campers are given a list of "interesting facts": about each Leadership Team member.  They hide around the camp grounds.  The task for the cabin groups is to (as a group) find a team member and figure out which interesting thing that that member did.  But, they can't ask.  The campers have to act it out like charades or mime.  The goal is to get as many correct matches as possible.  (I'll try to post some examples after the event)

We are now on the general weekday schedule.

7:30 - Wake up (Road Runners)

8:00 - Worship

8:15 - Breakfast

9:00 - Rotation 1 (Bells, Choreography, Choir)

9:55 - Rotation 2 (Chimes, Choreography, Choir)

10:40 - Snack on the go!

10:50 - Rotation 3 (Bells, Choreography, Choir)

11:40 - Games:

12:00 - Lunch

12:45 - FOBBY - Flat on Bunk By Yourself - quiet rest time

1:30 - Instrument Group Session 1

2:15 - Pool, Arts & Crafts, Activities

3:15 - Arts & Crafts, Free time and Canteen

4:15 - Instrument  Group Session 2

5:15 - Spiritual Formation and Dinner Prep

6:15 - Dinner

7:15 - Evening Activity

8:15 - Campfire

9:30 - Cabin Stories

10:00 - Lights Out

Pictures

Pictures are being posted as they are being received from our photographers.  The photo albums with EYMC-10-xx are 'filtered' and we are 'dumping'  a bunch of pictures in the albums that are named with the date.

One Short Day - a cabin 7 perspective

We are in day two of EYMC and everyone is still excited.  We were excited enough to wake up and get ready for the day at 6am.  Most of the cabin went out for a run and the rest joined the morning stretching group.  All this was before morning worship which starts at 8.

Yesterday was a short day.  Campers arrived.  It was exciting to see so many returning campers.  Of the 7 campers in cabin 7, five were returning.  It was great to see how well the two new campers were welcomed into the group.  As we toured the grounds, I could hear side conversations happening where the returning campers were filling in the new ones on the special details.  The tour ended in a fun time on the basketball court.  A few pictures are posted for all to see.

Yes, there was music at music camp.  Rotations happened before dinner.  After splitting into groups, most of cabin 7 went to work on hand bells and chines.  It is amazing to hear how quickly the sound comes together.  I am really looking forward to the upcoming talent show as this group has talent!

- Jay

This is our 10th year!

In celebration of our 10th year of music camp, Juli and Jessica Simmons created these great picture boards.  Check out the pictures in the general photo album: EYMC-2010

SUNDAY - "One Short Day"

Dinner dress: Come as you are.
Evening Activity: Cabin Connections

• Camper check in
• All camp gathering to welcome and do introductions
• Camp tours
• Music rotations
• Evening activity with cabin
• Campfire/Worship
• Cabin Story time

Camp mail?

Want to send a camper a message?

Send an email to: eymcdean@gmail.com with the camper name in the subject line.
We will print it out and deliver it.

or

Send traditional mail to:

Camp Heartland

Attn: Camper Name
26001 Heinz Road
Willow River, MN 55795

Directions to Camp

• Travel north on Hwy 35 towards Duluth.
• Drive past Hinckley to the Willow River Exit (#205).
• Take a left onto County Rd 43.
• Travel 1/4 mile until the stop sign and take a left onto Hwy 61. 
• Take a right onto Long Lake Road 
• and another Right at Heinz Road. 
• Follow the signs to the main building.

Camp Heartland is located at 26001 Heinz Road in Willow River, Minnesota.


View Larger Map

Coordinated and ready to go.

Some of the EYMC 2010 Staff

Here we are after a meeting, before a storm, and ready for camp.