CUMC Youth Missions

Mon 1 AUG 2011

2011-08-01T21:25:00.004-06:00

Yes, we took the LONG WAY HOME!! But we ARE HOME AT LAST!!! It's been an amazing 12 days / nights...etc.etc. We have all grown closer to each other and closer to God. From our twice daily devotions with our family groups to our workshops we attended at Youth 2011 to the amazing worship experiences we had plus our time with each other just talking about our faith made this one of our best mission trips ever!!! It's good to be home, but we will all miss our long talks and seeing each other 16-20 hrs a day!!! Thanks for all your support and prayers and be sure and come to church this Sunday, August 7th to hear from some of our youth about this experience as well as see a short video. Our Youth Mission Banquet is Sunday, Sep 11th at 1145am - there you will hear even more stories including an incredible video from our Rafting trip and preview a project we will be doing with our Sr High Youth next summer! Until then "Oh, Oh, Oh - We Are The People - We Are We Are We Are Your Hands And Feet!!!"
Very humbly yours, Barb

Sun 31 JUL 2011

2011-07-31T07:29:00.007-06:00

Bruce Meyer - This adventure started with an early train ride through the desert followed with a short bus ride. We've made Sandwiches for the homeless and had a fun white water raft trip. We got to visit Kitty Borrowman's old church and help setup for vacation Bible School. We had two days of working at the foodlink warehouse, where we shorted through donated food and non-food items. The non-food items really entertained the youth most. It is really interesting to see the items people donate. You can tell who was cleaning out their closet and who was giving from their heart.

We have just finished with "Youth 2011". This was four days of early mornings and late nights. where in between was filled with art, drama (not just from the youth), and loud music. We had great worship services with wonderful speakers that really made you think.

Through all of these activities I have found myself growing in God and enjoying life again through the eyes of our youth. These last ten days have been filled with love, tears, frustration and enthusiasm. Thank-you for all of your prayers and gifts for allowing our youth to experience God through this ministry.

Sat 30 JUL 2011

2011-07-30T07:47:00.015-06:00

Hi this is Jesse. I have had so much fun on this trip. I have met so many people and have gotten to know people from our youth group better - like their true personalities. The funnest thing for me on this trip was just sitting down together with our family group at a meal and just talk about whatever we wanted to talk about. This was the best trip ever! And I want to do it again in 4 yrs!!! (as a chaperone since I will hopefully already be graduated from high school. LOL!!!)

Today at lunch we decided to add to a surprise and the waiters and our group all sang "Happy Birthday to AJ" (his birthday starts at 1201am on Monday morning on our train ride back to SLC.)

We surprised our adult leaders today with United Methodist Cross & Flame Key Chains and thank you cards expressing our ultimate gratitude for all they have done for us! A couple days ago when we started the card signing campaign, Mary purchased these beautiful sun flowers for Barb.

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Hi this is Patsy. On Wednesday when we got here Alicia saw the booth to donate hair to children with hair loss. She had been wanting to cut her hair this summer, but I had been trying to convince her not to do it yet. But when she saw this booth she said, "I'm going to do it. I'm going to do it!" So she talked with Emily who had earlier donated her hair to Locks of Love earlier this month, so on Thursday with Emily and my support, she donated her hair! Afterwards she felt good about what she had done, but then on Friday after washing her now short hair, she was grieving for her lost hair.....
I must say this trip has been quite an EXPERIENCE! It was fun staying at the dorms at Cal State Sacramento. But this hotel space we had to stay at for Youth 2011 is extremely small --- very difficult with 4 of us to a room and all of our "stuff". River rafting was a great time - everyone enjoyed it. Volunteering at the Emergency Foodlink was a very good experience for me and watching our youth taking part in it. The workshop on "Transitioning and Change" hit home to me because of what's going on in my life right now. Hopefully from what I learned I will be able to realize God's plan for me now. I have mixed feelings about our long train ride back home, but I can't wait to see my husband and our animals once home! Barb asked me during this trip, "So are you still willing to go on another mission trip?" And I said, "I can't wait to go to MEXICO!!!!" Sincerely, Patsy

Fri 29 JUL 2011

2011-07-29T19:17:00.005-06:00

It was a short day today, only 11 hrs.The kids finally are as tired as the adults. I might as well confess. I am the only member of the group who got in trouble. I was following the kids,looking around for straglers ,fell behind, and trying to catch up followed the crowd across the street totally oblivious to the traffic light. An officer rode up to me on his little scooter and informed me of my transgression. After threatining arrest, he finally let me go with this admonition: "what kind of example are you setting for these young people?" I was very humble.
These last 3 days have been spiritually uplifting. One youth was surprised that I actually enjoyed the band.It was loud. No, I mean really loud. I told him I concentrated on the message.Several bands and sermons later which all used basically the same text,"The Greatest Commandment and/or The Good Samaritan. Paraphrased as, Love God with every ounce of our being and love everyone we meet as God loves us (UNCONDITIONALLY).
I have learned that our faith is really simple,Love God and love oneanother.
Thanks to Tristan,I now have earplugs.
Dick

Thur 28 JUL 2011

2011-07-28T19:20:00.009-06:00

Our first full day of Youth 2011 was AWESOME!!!!. We started off with workshops in the morning which were truly inspirational for everyone, youth and adults alike. The first workshop was on teen depression and an eyeopener for me. Then I attended a workshop on CREDO confirmation, to see if we could get some new ideas for our upcoming confirmation class. It was enlightening, but similar to what we are doing with probably more materials that we could use. Lunch was sandwiches back at the hotel and a 15min rest before heading back for bible study. We had an awesome speaker who I feel really lifted us up. The afternoon LABS I attended with Junior High Kids, we broke up into groups with new kids and everybody got to know some other people from around the country, truly interestin. Then dinner break till evening worship. The evening worship has definitely been my most favorite, the music is great, inspiring and moving. The speakers are truly inspirational. Despite been really tired and longing for an early night, I stayed for the late night activity which was an illusionist called Jared Hall, he was truly amazing. Overall the kids are doing great and having a wonderful time, managing to keep going on 6 hours sleep a night (on a good night that is). All in all a very good day and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Mandy Loveday
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Today we went to the convention center for a workshop. I chose to attend the ''teen depression" workshop. We learned that a teenager 14-24yrs attempts suicide every 15 seconds. We then had lunch and came back to youth 2011 for LABs where we broke into smaller groups with youth from other churches all around the country. We then went to dinner and came back to the worship service for two and a half hours. Then we watched an illusionist/comedian and then we came back to the hotel to sleep.
- Christian Castleberry
Another long day full of worship, workshops and LABS and more worship. It's too late to get any of our youth to add their comments to the blog, but I wanted to download some photos from tonight's worship service. God is POWERFUL! May His light continue to transform our youth to grow closer to Him!!
Barb

Wed 27 JUL 2011

2011-07-28T01:42:00.004-06:00

Today was awesome because we moved out of the dorms and into the hotel.We also had our first day at Youth 2011. There was this cool rapper, named Agape which means unconditional love in Greek. the kinda love God gives us and we give each other. lso there was this really funny skit. So over all it has beeen a good first day
love,
Makayla
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Today was a strange day for us -- first saying good-bye to Fred who has been a big part of this mission trip....then packing up, claning up and saying good-bye to our home for the past week at the Cal State Sacramento College dorms. Then we loaded the 3 vans, dropped everyone and our bags, groceries off at the Marriott, then 3 of our chaperones drove to return the vans, while Dick (our newest arrival for another male chaperone arrived from SLC) Meanwhile thousands of other UMY from around the US and Internationally arrived at the same time and it seemed like total chaos as many of us were waiting for our room assignments for many hours. As you can see from my post, it's extremely late....lights are out in our rooms..but want to let you know you were not forgotten. Maykayla and Chris have their turns tomorrow to write in this blog about their impressions at Youth 2011! Til then, may we all sleep sound tonight and be restful and roaring to go in a few hours!!! Lots of "God-sequences" happening Night - Night! Barb

TUES 26 JUL

2011-07-26T17:37:00.024-06:00

Hi Fred! Here's the picture! Thanks so much for all you did and do! Please give my best to everyone and tell them that they did a great job!!! Thanks again --- Chico Chavez (manager of warehouse bays 11 & 12)

Hey it's Shay. Today we worked at the foodlink warehouse. Instead of sorting through food we mostly went through nonfood items and separated them into different bins (personal hygeine, baby stuff, toys, misc) Some of the things people donated were really nice, like an ipod stereo. We were all really jealous of some of it. It was a lot of fun going through all of the random things people donated, and it felt great to be helping out.
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Hey its AJ today I worked at the foodlink warehouse. Colton and I cut open the boxes and moved them to where people would go through them and repackaged them. It was fun.

---------------------------- Hi this is Fred B. We went to California Emergency Foodlink again today. We helped them reorganize and box food (mostly) and other supplies. The staff was very friendly, and the kids had a good time. By about noon everyone had pretty well had it though, and we only worked a little after that mostly cleanup. All the staff seemed really appreciative, and we got to know Mary and Chico pretty well. Mary was the volunteer coordinator, I don't know Chico's title, but he drove the fork lift, ran the warehouse and brought us absolutely everything we needed, including rubber gloves to protect our delicate volunteer hands. At the end they brought out an endless supply of candy on top of the already delivered almost endless supply of water bottles and also t-shirts. We inadvertantly helped ourselves to a couple of their boxcutters which we will return soon. Everyone had a good time, and we saw what a good program they have. One idea I really like is that that they use the jobs at the warehouse to retrain unemployed folk and they also help them with finding a new job, e.g. work with them on building a convincing resume. I will remember this visit for a long time, especially the kindness of the people.............

Mon 25 JUL 2011

2011-07-25T19:14:00.020-06:00

Hi this is Tristan! Today we all went to the Emergency Foodlink and packaged food. We broke into teams and each group had a job to do. The first group made boxes and handed them out to the other groups. The packing groups took food out of giant crates of food and separated them into different smaller boxes (dry food, canned food, baby food, glass containers, etc.)
We had youth who taped the boxes shut, ohers who put them on pallets then others who hauled them off. At the end of 5 hrs and being hot,sweaty and dirty, we packaged 27,000 lbs of food. We are going back tomorrow for 5 more hrs of fun!----------------

Hi its Tim. Today we took a long and eventful trip to foodlink. It was a blast! We packaged a whole lot of food and Mary and I made hundreds of boxes! We had some great teams and amazing systems to box, load and wrap thousand pounds of food. It was long, tiring and sometimes seemed like it would never end but in the end the sense of accomplishment was worth it!!!! :-)
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Hey, it's Mary. Today we went to Foodlink. We worked to help build a better community. We were Christ's body helping people in need.
Foodlink supplies over 180 pantries in the Sacramento area and provides food for various organizations throughout the State of California. We were going to help in the fields, but they needed us to box food instead. We said we'd help out wherever the greatest need was. I think this may have been a better experience for us, because we had to work as a team and I felt we worked really well together. I didn't completely expect it. We were really cranking out those food boxes and had a great system going. I am really proud of the work we did and how well it was done. I am very proud to be part of this youth group. Just as I have always been. I can feel fellowship when I am with them. I miss everyone at home and can't wait to see you all. Missing you, but I am having an amazing time growing closer to Christ. Love, Mary

Sun 24 JUL 2011

2011-07-24T17:32:00.007-06:00

Hi, it's Jake. I'm having a lot of fun here in Sacramento. The pastor at church today had the most amazing voice ever. (Almost as amazing as Morgan Freeman's) He could be the narrarator for any BBC show and I would watch it. But anyways, the contemporary service was really good. They had an interesting sermon on this one Japanese guy that did a lot of cool stuff in his lifetime and one of the church members had even met him in Japan after WWII! I really liked the service. (just especially his voice)

Jake

Today we helped set up St. Mark UMC's VBS. It was fun! We decorated a room and covered a white board in paper and decorations. Then we took apart seashell necklaces so the kids could make stuff with the shells. It was great doing God's work and helping out another Methodist church. I loved the service too. The pastor was amazing. The church was beautiful and it was big in the youth room that we were decorating. There was a koi pond and it was really cool. I enjoyed today and helping people who needed it.

Bobbie Jacobsen ---------
Today we went to St Mark UMC's Contemporary Worship service (Kitty Borrowman's former church), ate lunch at a nearby park, then helped them set up for their VBS.

Sat 23 JUL 2011

2011-07-23T21:45:00.010-06:00

(Note from the editor -- the rapids our youth fell off the rafts were mostly during Class I and II rapids....so no one was hurt.....the water was a bit cold, but it was extremely hot outside so it was OK. Everyone -- yes EVERYONE including chaperones - had a blast on this trip down the South Fork of the American River.) The 2nd half of the trip - after lunch, we saw a few Class III rapids...and by that time we were all ready for them!
Barb
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Hi this is Alicia G. Today was a really fun day we got to go river rafting. It was AWESOME! But really scary. we had to split into groups of 6, so once we got in the water it was cold. We started to go down and there were some rapids, and we were just getting really splashed and wet. We were cold. Our first rapid was coming up and we started to go down and we made it. But then we came to this other one andwe got stuck at the top and I fell out! It was the SCAREST thing that ever happened to me. But after that I was a little tramatized. C.P. predicted more people would fall off our raft. the next thing I knew ( later down stream) Shannon and Makayla were falling out too. But after that it was just really fun. So I'm glad that my mom and dad let me go on this awesome trip.
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Hi, I'm Colton. This whole trip has been fun. Today we went river rafting. Once we got on to the river, it wasn't intense for me, but it was O.K.. About 3/4 of the way we stopped to have lunch. After we got done with lunch we went into the river and swam around for about 5 minutes. Then we had to go finish our river trip. This is when it got really intense! One part AJ almost flew in to me. And I almost fell off the raft. That's just about all that happened today. Signing off for now, Colton.

Friday, 22 JUL 2011

2011-07-22T10:40:00.012-06:00

This afternoon after feeding the homeless, we had FREE TIME -- the only time we have a lot of free time scheduled on this trip -- below a couple of our youth are talking about what we did:
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Hi this is Shannon. Today after handing out the lunches to the homeless most of us went to the Sacramento Zoo. It was pretty fun. It was really fun to go on the carousel and the train. We were kind of dissapointed because the zoo was really small and didn't have elephants or rhinos. We left the zoo early because we also wanted to go to old town Sacramento. In old town sacramento we went walked around and went into a T-shirt store first. We brought some post cards and looked around at all the T-shirts. Then we went into a little museum and there was a saddle that you could sit on and then press a black button and it would take a picture and it would look like you where riding a horse. Last we went to the old time photo shop where Alicia and Patsy took an old time photo with southern belle dresses on. It was really cute. Then we drove down to the concert at the park where we handed out the lunches to the homeless. The concert was fun. Shay, Alishia, and I brought matching tie die dresses. They are so cute. We also walked around, ate food, and had a good time. I really had fun today.

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Hi this is Emily. Today, we went to feed the homeless at the Cesar Chavez Park in downtown. There were not as many as we had hoped there would be. We were told that there would concert there later so many of the homeless were somewhere else.
After lunch, Barb, Mandy, Jesse, and I went to Old Sacramento to see what it was like. We started walking down the street and looking in the little shops. The first shop we went into was a candy shop with all the coolest treats. Next, we went into a shirt shop and saw many that we would put with people we know. Later,we went on a carriage ride and learned that the original governor's house was built in the 1860's. We also went on an underground tour where we learned that Sacramento buildings and the roads had to be raised because of really bad flooding of the American River. We also learned that someone used flags to talk to captains of ships to get the best prices on whatever cargo was on the ship during the Gold Rush.

Jesse, Mandy and I also stepped in a Railroad museum and saw impressive engines. That was the end of my visit to the old city.

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We're making sandwiches this morning to feed 120 homeless people at Cesar Chavez Park at 1130am today. Also with the sandwiches we'll also be packing granola bars and nice cold capri sun juices in their lunch sacks. Our youth are excited to be able to do this for the homeless here. (and before leaving on this trip - our youth fundraised money to pay for all these lunches! Way to go CUMC Youth!!!)
There will be more photos and updates from our youth later today.
Barb

We're in SACRAMENTO!! Thur 7-21-11

2011-07-22T10:22:00.010-06:00

The dorms at Sacramento State University are way nice. We each have our own little room and then there is a kitchen and a couch area. There is a rec room downstairs where we played air hockey and ping pong and watched tv. Even after being exhausted after our long day on the train we still managed to have enough energy to have a little bit of fun.
-Alicia S.
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This was the first time that I've ridden on Amtrak. During the train ride we played cards and apples to apples. The train ride was fun because everyone was included in the group and I think everyone had a fun time playing with friends or getting to know new friends like the Amish family on the bus. They gave us cookies.
C.P.
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We made it to Sacramento! Amtrak was originally scheduled to leave SLC at 1130pm on Wed20 JUL but ended up being 5 hrs late! Then we learned that the train the day before was "stuck" somewhere between Reno and Sacramento, so we needed to take the train to Reno, then take an Express Bus to Sacramento. Meanwhile, I flew out to be able to pick up the rental vans, go shopping for our lunches we'll be eating as we are doing projects and then also purchase the food for making lunches for the homeless tomorrow. It was so great seeing our group when they got off the bus in Sac!!! We're all checked in to our dorm and getting organized for this part of our trip. Please check back while we're on this trip to previous posts as we'll be adding comments from our youth and chaperones as time permits. Thanks for your support and continued prayers for this youth mission trip!

In Christ's Love,

Barb

Jr High Camp with other UMC Youth

2011-06-12T08:07:00.003-06:00

Jr High Camp has been fun - but at least one of our chaperones is tired and ready to get some sleep in her own bed!!! We thank all of our chaperones, cooks and drivers - and our church family!! Without you, none of this would be possible!!!

Note: more photos will be downloaded later today....(Sunday evening.)

2011-06-10T11:20:00.002-06:00

Here are photos of our 2011 Pinecliff Jr High Mission Team. It's been a great trip - lots of hard work and we can't wait to come back next year and do more work for Pinecliff. The camp is now ready for making new friends at Jr High Camp!!!

Until next summer's Pinecliff trip,

Barb

Transplanting seedlings

2011-06-10T11:15:00.005-06:00

This project sounded "easy" - but first before we could transplant the seedlings, we had to dig holes 1 1/2 ft wide by 1 1/2 ft deep....but wait --- the ground is full of rocks!!!!

We put the seedlings inbetween the first and second upper parking lots. This was a much harder project than we thought, but very rewarding!!!

Last day of Mission Trip - more clearing of SAGE

2011-06-10T11:10:00.004-06:00

Today is Friday, our last day of the mission portion of our trip. Later this afternoon other Jr High Youth from other United Methodist Churches from around the state will be arriving for Jr High Camp.

We still have a lot of work to do -- the photos from this project are from our Sage Clearing Team for today. It's hard work, but someone has to do it!!!

2011-06-10T08:00:00.002-06:00

Ok - in case someone is wondering why I have peanut butter on my arm. I had sap from a tree on my arm and it was suggested that I put peanut butter on it to get rid of the sap. Guess what?!? It worked!!!

I love going on our annual Jr High Mission Trip to Pinecliff. It's a great semi-local mission project. Our youth bond well with each other, welcoming new kids and work really good together. I don't think I've ever heard any of them complain about the work they do -- and trust me....some of the projects they probably have never done at home!

It's been a colder trip this year. It was 26 degrees at 430am today!!! Right now the sun is shining and we're hoping it'll warm up so we can finish clearing sage brush and transplanting some seedings to the area near the upper parking lot.

This coming year I look forward to supporting our youth in being Christ's body in helping others selflessly. Thanks for your prayers and support for our Youth Missions at Christ UMC!!!

In Christ's Love,

Barb

Gina - Cook

2011-06-09T17:24:00.003-06:00

"I'm here because I like to be here with kids and it's fun. It's a way to help our youth and Pinecliff. It's also something I want to do. I really enjoy it! Because of this and other activities I am more open to do things out of my own comfort zone.

This next year, my commitment is to volunteer more with organizations who support groups who are being discriminated against.

Gina

Kelly

2011-06-09T16:33:00.003-06:00

"I like coming back to help at Pinecliff because it's a good way to meet new people and do things for God and just to have fun.

This experience will help me in the future to be more willing to do things. If someone asks me to volunteer and it's something I don't really want to do, I will because I know it will make an impact on them and help God.

I'm very interested this year in helping to organize our youth to interview and write the stories of Homeless people in our area. People think Homeless people have given up on their lives or are bad people, so it would be good to get the word out that most Homeless people are trying - they are trying really hard to make their future better and they are nice people."

Kelly

Rex - Chaperone

2011-06-09T16:22:00.004-06:00

"I do service projects with our youth because I think it makes a difference.

It changes my life because it keeps me soft. It rounds off the hard edges of my heart. It keeps me involved with things that matter: kids, youth, service for others.

This coming year I'd like to work with our Jr High Youth at church on a regular basis. We could plan some really good meaningful service projects locally using my expertise in the trade.

Rex

Barbara - Caretaker

2011-06-09T16:20:00.003-06:00

"It's been so delightful to see your youth work so hard to better Pinecliff for others to enjoy!"

Barbara

Diane - Chaperone

2011-06-09T16:09:00.003-06:00

"It's a whole lot of fun being around a lot of people because I normally do sewing for UMCOR and that's a solitary activity. It's good to do both.

Working with youth you learn a lot that escapes you when you don't have teenagers at home about what the world is becoming. I have a very positive outlook on it - many things I don't understand, but it's hopeful!

I'm interested in the needs of the disabled. CP talked last night about using his technical skills to program artificial voices for those who can't speak. Augmentative language technology. That was my past profession - if anyone is interested in area, there is a Computer Citizen with Disabilities and it will give all kinds of ideas for starting points and amazing technology available.

Diane

Alicia

2011-06-09T16:05:00.003-06:00

"I'm up here at Pinecliff because I like being with my friends and doing something to help change the world. I feel good about myself because I'm doing this. When I go back to school and people ask me what I did this summer I can say that I went to Pinecliff and California to help people instead of wasting time watching tv."

Alicia

Shannon

2011-06-09T16:02:00.003-06:00

"I came to Pinecliff because it's fun and I feel really good because I'm helping out and like doing God's work. It's fun to be with your friends and help out.

As far as future mission work?? I definitely want to do the 30 Hr Famine every year and donate clothes and food and help out our community."

Shannon

Isaac

2011-06-09T16:00:00.003-06:00

"I came early to help out - to make Pinecliff better for everyone else. It feels good to do this. I love it 'up here' (spoken from the top of the ladder). It makes me feel important to be able to help others."

Isaac

Peachy

2011-06-09T15:56:00.002-06:00

"When I worked at Pinecliff last year I was glad to do the work and wanted to do it again. When I do God's work I feel good about myself because God is smiling while watching me.

This coming year I'd also like to get involved with Toys for Tots.

Peachy

Emma

2011-06-09T15:54:00.004-06:00

"I like it here at Pinecliff. It's really peaceful. You get to be with everyone in youth group helping around the camp. It feels really good!

We're helping out camp and doing God's work at the same time.

I really like the idea of writing the stories of homeless people and organizing a food drive.

Emma

Hilary - Chaperone

2011-06-09T15:38:00.003-06:00

"I wanted to help volunteer this year at Pinecliff Jr High Mission Trip / Camp to get some volunteering in. I haven't had the opportunity to do much lately. The youth are GREAT!

I like being a chaperone better than being a youth because it's nice to get to know more kids in the church since I don't really know this age group. I like how they look up to me with all their questions. It's cool and it really is COOL - it's FREEZING up here!!!!"

Hilary

Desi - Jr Chaperone

2011-06-09T15:24:00.003-06:00

"I like to do at least one mission trip a year and since I can't go on the Sacramento mission trip this summer, I'm getting my annual dose of mission work up here. It's fun to spend time with all the kids. I'm enjoying being a Jr Chaperone since I spent so much time as a youth at Pinecliff. It's just a new perspective on what the adults went through in all my years at Pinecliff.

I'm looking forward to going back to Mexico (Hogar de Ninos) next summer because I love spending time with those kids and it's an eye opening experience. I'd like to work with under-privileged children in Utah and make a difference here and not just world-wide."

Desi

Pam - Cook

2011-06-09T15:08:00.002-06:00

"I enjoy watching the kids at work. It's good to see them enjoy each other's company while working.

I think volunteer work is really important. There's a whole lot of important things that wouldn't get done without it. When it comes to service projects, I've done a lot of them. I really enjoy doing the variety of the mission work I've done over the years."

Pam

Steve - Caretaker at Pinecliff

2011-06-09T15:06:00.003-06:00

"It means a heck of a lot to have your Christ UMC Jr High Youth come up here every year and do projects around the camp. It's hard for me to put into words my appreciation. It's really good to see young folks participating in good things!"

Steve

Chris "Miles" - Chaperone

2011-06-09T14:49:00.003-06:00

"I'm here as a chaperone for this trip because my mom asked me to come and I love my mom. Seriously, it's a chance to indoctrinate youth with Ultimate Frisbee!

Inspite of gettting sweaty and working our tails off, maybe because of this experience I'll get out of the valley more often. The weather, scenary and air is really nice here. "

Chris (a.k.a. "Miles")

Gabe

2011-06-09T14:45:00.003-06:00

"I'm here at Pinecliff because I think it's fun to meet other church's youth @Jr High Camp and do God's work during our mission trip portion. When we finish our work it helps the camp stay open longer. I'm working on clearing sage brush and we're making it more convenient for the RV's who stay up here. It's great watching how everyone in our group works together as a team. If someone needs something, someone else runs to help. It's awesome!!

This coming year I like the idea of working with homeless people and writing their stories.

Gabe

Emily

2011-06-09T14:36:00.004-06:00

"I normally spend June with my grandparents in Washington. So I guess I'm here at Pinecliff being in 'training' for the WBR Tour next summer and not being with my grandparents during June. This is my first time at Pinecliff and I wanted to see what it's really like. The Jr High Youth Group comes home every year and keeps talking about all the wonderful things I've missed. I'm glad to be here this year!

Doing this mission trip makes me feel like I accomplished something more important than myself. I want to make other people happier when they come to Pinecliff."

Emily

Taren

2011-06-09T14:31:00.003-06:00

"I'm here to do God's work. We're removing shrubbery to build a road. It makes me feel good to know we're helping people.

For future service projects, I like the idea of helping homeless people."

Taren

Chris "Alex"

2011-06-09T14:11:00.003-06:00

"I'm here because the upper parking lot at Pinecliff is full of sage brush and we need to get it out. We're using chain saws to cut it out.

It's a great feeling doing God's work. It's good to know other people will be impacted by the work I'm doing up here.

I'm excited to do the 30 Hr Famine again this coming year. I'm familiar with it and know the cause of it's affects toward homeless starving kids here at home and around the world."

Chris "Alex"
(note: we have 2 Chris' on this trip, so they suggested we use their middle names when referring to them!)

Mandy - Chaperone

2011-06-09T14:03:00.004-06:00

"I love it! It's amazing watching these kids do God's work - to work together. Everybody gets stuck in - working together. They don't complain. They want to do more.

I'd like to do more service projects, fixing up people's houses who can't afford to do their renovations."

Mandy

C.P.

2011-06-09T13:41:00.003-06:00

"I came to Pinecliff to be with my church family. Last year I had a good experience helping the caretakers, Steve and Barbara around the camp had also had a good time at Jr High Camp.

It makes me feel good to help people who can't do everything on their own! This year I also want to work with Homeless people and get to know what their life has been like."

Liam

2011-06-09T13:38:00.003-06:00

"My mom and sister we coming to Pinecliff again this year and my dad was gone on a business trip, so I had to come with my mom to Pinecliff. With that said, I feel good in my heart doing God's work here.

This year I'd also likie to go to parks and help pick up liter."

Liam

George - Chaperone

2011-06-09T13:33:00.003-06:00

"I'm here to do God's work and help these young kids be part of God's Nature. I feel great doing this - it's a new pattern for me.

I want to continue doing God's work every where. He is Leading me to do His work. I like talking to God and listening to what He wants me to do. I feel good about myself and that's important too!:"

George

Tim

2011-06-09T13:26:00.002-06:00

"Pinecliff has so many memories for me so I like to give back to a place that has given me so many memories with my church family.

In the future I would also like to do more work spreading the gospel and doing service projects."

Tim

Bobbie

2011-06-09T13:03:00.003-06:00

"It feels good to help others. It's making a difference in other people's lives.

This coming year I'd be interested in helping with any or all other mission projects our church and youth are doing."

Bobbie

Marko

2011-06-09T12:58:00.003-06:00

"My mom forced me to come to Pinecliff and I then decided I wanted to come as well. It feels good to do God's work here.

In the future I'd also like to hand out colorful Bibles on street corners!"

Marko

Austin

2011-06-09T12:50:00.003-06:00

"It's enjoyable to be out here at Pinecliff scraping off paint! It's more fun than I expected. I've never done much with the youth group and I figured it would be a good way to get to know everyone and do good work.

This coming year I'm interested in doing more mission work and service projects."

Austin

KP Duty is FUN!!!!

2011-06-09T12:45:00.002-06:00

We are all taking turns helping our cooks (Pam and Gina) prepare our meals and set up the dining room / do prayers and then do clean up in both the dining room and kitchen!

Female Chaperones

2011-06-09T12:43:00.003-06:00

Praise God for our volunteer chaperones! Here are our females chaperones:
Hilary and Mandy are seen getting a ladder ready so they can paint a cabin and
Diane and Desi are seen helping their family group do KP duty!

WE'RE BACK!!! (at Pinecliff that is!!) JUNE 2011

2011-06-09T07:24:00.007-06:00

Happy Thursday morning!

A few of the chaperones were up early this morning to find the steps outside our cabins to be quite slippery!! Yes -- it got beloow FREEZING last night!!! Luckily the camp caretakers warned us to how cold it was going to be so we all borrowed the camp space heaters so inside the cabins we were nice and warm!!

When we arrived yesterday it was so exciting to watch all of our youth bonding as much as they did!! They played softball, ultimate frisbie and kick ball. We are all split into family groups for chores and so we all had chores to do around dinner time. For dessert we surprised Kelly with a birthday cake!!!

After dinner Rex had a team building activity for us where we first had 1/2 of each team stand on a separate blanket. Then without stepping on the group they had to turn the blanket over! It was fun watching our youth work together for this task!! One of the teams did it successfully!!!! Afterwards Rex got a larger blanket and everyone had to be on just that blanket and try to turn it over!! GREAT TEAM BUILDING ACTIVITY, REX!

Then we had the youth and chaperones get with another person they didn't know and spend 10 minutes getting to know them and then come back and share 3 things about the other person. What a terrific way for all of us to get to know the new youth who are with us!!

Diane did a devotional activity showing how each part of the body has to work together to make a body or team work. The kids enjoyed the challenge, though there were a few "falls" enroute!

Chris C. then did a devotional about doing work for others and we had each family group brainstorm all the current mission work our church and youth group currently do and then think of additional ones we can do this coming year!!! Let's just say the group was very impressed with all the possibilities for doing service work for others and several of our youth agreed to coordinate some of the new projects!

We're having some technical difficulties gettibng photos downloaded, but hopefully there will be photos and more info posted later today.

Until then -- thanks for all your support for our work we do. Today is a full day of projects: painting cabins, clearing sage (I heard that project could last for weeks!!!).

May God continue to hold you in his arms!!!

In Christ's Love,

Barb

Friday, 11 JUN 2010

2010-06-12T19:35:00.003-06:00

It's our last day of the mission / service project part of our trip. In just a couple hours Jr High Youth from around Utah will be joining us for Jr High Camp through Sunday, 13 JUN. We're looking forward to making new friends!!

Barb - Director of Youth Ministries

2010-06-12T18:18:00.005-06:00

"I really enjoy this annual Jr High Mission Trip to Pinecliff. Our youth are instructed to look for where they see God during this experience and to represent Christ in all they do. They are to forget about their own needs and focus on the needs of Pinecliff and others who are here.

God works miracles in how He instructs these youth to work harder and do projects / chores they haven't even done at home yet. They learn that they can do anything with God's help! Because of their Love of God, they LOVE to serve Him.

Megan

2010-06-12T17:31:00.005-06:00

"It's pretty fun up here at Pinecliff. We're having a great time even though it keeps raining. It's still really fun and helps us learn a lot."

George

2010-06-12T17:30:00.003-06:00

"I just help support the kids."

Barbara - Caretaker at Pinecliff

2010-06-12T17:24:00.006-06:00

I just think it's wonderful for young people to help out taking such pride in their surroundings and doing it with such joy!

Steve - Caretaker at Pinecliff

2010-06-12T17:22:00.003-06:00

"You just don't know,.,.,.,,these youth can do in one hour what it takes me 2 weeks to do!"

AJ

2010-06-12T17:21:00.001-06:00

"I'm helping people who will be using the camp this summer."

Wes

2010-06-12T17:20:00.003-06:00

I'm at Pinecliff because it is fun to come up here and do something different. It feels good to help others.

Gina

2010-06-12T17:17:00.003-06:00

"One would think spending 3 days with 20 youth would be dreadful but it's actually peaceful. It's wonderful to see the kids want to work with no reward except for pleasing God.,

If you're ever given the opportunity to do this, take it - seize the day. Say 'YES' to Barb, you won't regret it."

Pam

2010-06-12T17:14:00.004-06:00

"This camp is such a wonderful resource for our church and others who use it. Because of that I like the fact our kids come up and deo some work because they enjoy the camp so much. They absolutely love it up here. So I love to be here to help facilitate this project by cooking!

I'm a worker-bee - that's my spiritual gift."

Tristan

2010-06-12T17:10:00.003-06:00

"I'm here because it's a chance to get out and away from the city once and a while. It feels good to do God's work. It's fun being inside the dumpster!"

Jake

2010-06-12T17:09:00.004-06:00

"I'm here at Pinecliff instead of being home playing video games is because this is better for me and good for the camp and lots of exercise stomping brush into the dumpster."

Mandy

2010-06-12T17:04:00.004-06:00

"It was a difficult decision whether to come up or not. I went last year and it was Shannon's first time away from home so I came up. This year my folks are in town from South Africa so it was a difficult decision to be away from them,

I feel like being here helping out is what I'm suppose to do."

Kay

2010-06-12T17:02:00.002-06:00

"I feel like I'm actually doing something good for the world and it makes me happy."

Jill

2010-06-12T17:01:00.004-06:00

"I want to be able to make a difference no matter how small. It makes me feel like I'm helping out people who need help."

Tim

2010-06-12T16:58:00.003-06:00

"I always have good camp experiences when I come to Pinecliff. I'm working up here so that another kid can have the same great experience I've had up here."

C.P.

2010-06-12T16:56:00.004-06:00

"I'm working up here doing God's work at Pinecliff because it means I can help people who can't do all this themselves."

Shannon M

2010-06-12T16:53:00.003-06:00

"I want to be up here to help. We need to help keep people safe and make it look nice up here and I like being with my friends."

Kelly

2010-06-12T16:49:00.005-06:00

"What it means to me is that since God is up in the sky, He needs followers down on earth to follow in His footsteps to make the world a better place."

Emma

2010-06-12T16:45:00.003-06:00

"I want to be here to be with my friends and help out the camp. To do God's work it feels good because we're helping the camp for when other people come up here this summer."

Shannon L

2010-06-12T16:44:00.003-06:00

"I think it's really important to do God's work because it's really good to get together and help our environment so God's work looks good."

Alicia

2010-06-12T16:42:00.002-06:00

"I'm here because I really like helping out here at Pinecliff and making it pretty again. It means to me that you are helping the nature show Jesus and God's work."

Isaac

2010-06-12T16:40:00.002-06:00

"The work we're doing not only helps our Heavenly Father, but helps others and by helping others you help yourselves."

Chris

2010-06-12T16:37:00.006-06:00

"I'm doing this instead of someone else who isn't as physically fit, who would be tired at the end of the day. I can work all day long!

I'm happy to be up here doing work at Pinecliff.

What goes around comes around so you should do good deeds. Odds are something good will come back."

Nick

2010-06-12T16:36:00.003-06:00

"I'm here at Pinecliff to be helpful."

Porsche

2010-06-12T16:33:00.002-06:00

I love the planet and want it to stay healthy.

Scott

2010-06-12T16:30:00.003-06:00

"It's important to be up here with my daughter and teach her how to be good stewards of God's gifts."

Alana

2010-06-12T16:28:00.003-06:00

"I'm here at Pinecliff taking care of God's work. God makes stuff for us so we help make it clean."

Peachy

2010-06-12T16:26:00.003-06:00

"I'm here so I can unite with God more and get to know Him more. I'm also here to work with God in the forest."

Max

2010-06-12T16:25:00.002-06:00

"There's all sorts of interesting smells up here at Pinecliff! Woof!"

Erica

2010-06-12T16:23:00.003-06:00

"We as a family have had so many blessings from Pinecliff and good times, it's time to give back!"

PINECLIFF JR HIGH MISSION TRIP - JUNE 2010

2010-06-10T17:29:00.009-06:00

Rain or shine our Jr High Youth are up to the challenge of serving God by doing various projects around the camp. We have 20 youth and 7 adults who came up to Pinecliff this year to cut back the brush around the cabin and along pathways. (no worries parents - we've stayed far away from the near to flooding "creek"), picked up pine cones, cleaned the firepit, wire brushed and painted the outdoor chapel cross and stained the benches, painted the outside of 4 cabins and evened out the gravel so it won't go on to the paved driveway. And that was all today - Thurs 10 JUN.

On Friday 11 JUL we dug out boulders in the upper parking lot area and lined the driveway up to the parking lot with rocks on both sides. It looks really good!!!

Last night we did some fun activities to get to know each other better and then had a devotional where we talked about a woman who was dying and going to hospice, but didn't have any living relatives. We brainstormed ways we can help others and make other people feel needed, wanted and loved. We did spent time writing down things we could pray about for the "5 finger prayer" and then did a circle prayer which lasted over 25 minutes where we all prayed for each other. God is ever so present in our youth!! Later the rain stopped and we did our traditional campfire with SMORES.

Tomorrow there are more projects depending on the weather and later in the afternoon we will be joined by other Jr High Youth from around Utah for Jr High Camp.,

Blessings to you from our youth!!!

Barb

Friday, July 17, 2009 On the Way Home

2009-07-17T21:05:00.010-06:00

Today we took a two hour boat ride at Gates of the Mountain in the area where Lewis & Clark explored so long ago. The cliffs went straight up from the waters edge -- we saw amazing landscape and wildlife including eagles and osprey.

After the boat ride, we drove to Helena and are now relaxing @ St. Paul UMC--what a gorgeous facility -- it is only 3 years old and the youth room reminds of us of our home at CUMC.

We will get an early start tomorrow morning. We hope to be back in Salt Lake City by 5 p.m. We will call our families to come and get us as we get closer to Salt lake.

And We're Headed Home . . . .

2009-07-17T11:02:00.002-06:00

Last night, which was our last night in Heart Butte, there was a community BBQ which was a lot of fun. After eating, we had a foot washing in which staff members first washed the feet of a few of the adult leaders, who in turn washed the remainder of the adult leader's feet. The adult leaders then washed the feet of their family group. It was very spiritual and emotional and we grew very close together during this time. We all broke down and sobbed and cried and hugged for a long time.

This morning we cleaned up the school and said good bye to all of our friends from the churches from around the country--Gainesville, Florida; Owatana, Minnesota; and Port Orchard, Washington. It was very difficult to say goodbye.

As we were getting ready to to leave, McKenna, a young Blackfeet girl, came runnung up to Michael, grabbed his leg, cried, and wouldn't let go. Michael hugged her and she still wouldn't let go. She told him that during Kids Club that he was the only one that made her happy. What an experience for all of us, but especially Michael.

We are now heading towards Helena to Gates of the Mountain for a two hour boat ride later this afternoon. We will spend the night at St. Paul UMC in Helena and will be headed home tomorrow. We are looking foward to coming home and seeing everyone tomorrow evening.

Thursday, July 16, 2009 -- Day 4 @ Heart Butte

2009-07-16T21:47:00.004-06:00

Today is our last service day at Youthworks. The kids split up into workgroups again today. Some of them went to Kids Club, some to finish painting the elder's house in Heart Butte, and some helped set up teepee poles and picnic tables for an upcoming Sundance festival.

One group was blessed by a Catholic Deacon named Charlie (one of the native elders). It was a very spiritual moment for that group.

Last night, the whole group drove up to Glacier at Two Medicine Lake for a pizza party and a little R&R. The kids had a chance to hike, hang out at the lake, or walk around to the trading post.

The pictures from today were taken at Kids Club. The pyramid and the wheelbarrow race and the "horse race" with adults and teens as the horses were a series of relay races for the kids.

Wednesday, July 15 -- Day 3

2009-07-15T20:16:00.003-06:00

Another work day for all of us. Up at 7, off to work groups about 9. We're painting a house for an elder here in Heart Butte and another one in Browning. At times there seems like there's more paint on the kids than on the house, but at the end of the day, the houses are looking amazing! These kids are really hard workers! At one of the houses, the family has brought out food, sodas and popsicles for the kids. They also invited the kids inside to show them their leather and beadwork. We're all definitely being exposed to the native culture in a personal way.

Last night we had Youthworks Olympics. All the different workgroups (there are 6 of them with kids from all the different groups), competed against each other in field games. Great fun was had by all! All of the kids are working together and enjoying the new friends they're making!

Each evening during "Club Time" (worship and devotional), the kids get a chance to recognize the wonderful things that they see in their peers with a "Flannel-tastic!!!" They also recognize each other with a "Yay God!" when they see God working in each other. It's been a moving experience for many of them.

That's all for now.
-Gayla

Tuesday, July 14 -- Day 2

2009-07-15T06:09:00.008-06:00

Day 2 of Youthworks...Our kids were up at 7 again to start their day. After building clean-up, breakfast and morning devotional, we split back into our work teams (groups of about 10 kids, mixed together from the 4 church groups here). The groups that were painting set off about 9, while the Kids Club group got to drive into Browning to shop at the trading post. More painting today, but without the fierce morning thunderstorms (thank God!). Several of our youth are getting really attached to the native kids in Kids' Club. It's going to be hard to say goodbye.

Last night, an older woman from the Blackfeet community came to speak to us about her culture. Several members of her family came to sing, dance, and drum for us. We all enjoyed the evening and participated in the dancing and drumming as well!

Barb blowing out the candles on her birthday cake!

Monday, July 13 Day One of Service Ministries at Heart Butte

2009-07-13T19:28:00.010-06:00

We have made it through our first day at Heart Butte!!

As you can see from this photo, Morgan, Josh and David spent their day painting--they were at Erma's house in Browning, MT.

Michael also spent his day painting a house.

Others in our group have been doing various things today--one group scraped a deck and washed a wall to paint tomorrow. Another group painted the Community Center, while another participated in Kid's Club, which provides activities for the children on the reservation ranging in age from 5 to 12 years.

Each group will continue working on the same project tomorrow that they worked on today. On Wednesday we will each be reassigned to another job.

Oh, and did we mention, today is Barb, our Youth Director's birthday (we won't say which one). As you can see from this photo of Barb and her son A.J., she doesn't look any older!!

What a privilege to be with her today on her birthday. We can't think of a better way to spend such a special day than helping others.

Happy Birthday Barb. We love you.

Heart Butte

2009-07-12T19:55:00.006-06:00

Today we went kayaking and swimming before our devotional and departure to the reservation at Heart Butte. Our group is doing well having bonded together for the last three days: We're well organized and watching out for each other. Tonight we'll be introduced to what we're going to do.

The dog in this picture is our greeting committee, saying, "Hi Christ UMC and welcome."

I don't know if we're going to be able to send pictures each day, but we'll try.

Pastor Tom

KOA St. Marys and Glacier National Park Again

2009-07-12T09:24:00.004-06:00

We visited waterfalls and the East Glacier, which is evaporating as we speak and will be gone by 2030. On our way, we saw Goose Island, which is in the middle of one of dozens of large coves of St. Mary's Lake, which is quite big. While we hiked to a beautiful waterfall, many of us saw up close and personal a deer buck, foraging leaves from lower branches. Last night during our devotional we asked each other, "Why is tonight different from any other night?" And most of our group said, "It's different because we're more bonded now, just today in fact, because of all the time we've had together." We're ready now for the reservation, where we'll be doing a lot of work from 6AM to 10PM. Wish us luck.

Pastor Tom

Glacier National Park

2009-07-10T21:15:00.003-06:00

Hello All,

We made it to Glacier National Park after seeing the Lewis and Clark Museum. We had a wonderful meal of spaghetti and bread before some went swimming and others went wildlife looking. We're here for two days before going to the Blackfeet Mission on Sunday. Keep us in your prayers as we begin the Lord's work very soon. More to come.

Tom

And We're Off--1st Night--Great Falls, Montana

2009-07-10T21:05:00.002-06:00

Good Morning,

And what a trip we've had so far! 10 hours in the van together - no iPods, MP3s, or videos. Just old fashioned talking, talking, talking. Most of us actually made it to bed by 11PM, although some the youth wanted to go without sleep and chat all night under the stars, until it started to rain, forcing them inside tents and vans for the remainder of the night. I bet some will be falling asleep on our next van ride today.

All is going well. We don't have any pictures this morning, because I'm unable to get on our wireless here. But we have some great ones, and as soon as I can, I'll get them to you.

More to come...

Tom

Jr High Mission Trip to Pinecliff June 10-14, 2009

2009-06-13T16:23:00.005-06:00

Our Jr High Youth Group went to Pinecliff for the 3rd year in a row doing various projects around the camp. This year we experienced more rain than years past, but we used that time to grow closer to each other and to God.

The projects we worked on included: fixing the campfire benches, picking up pine cones around the camp, loading up rocks from around the camp and creating a rock garden around the big tree by the dining hall, cutting back the over grown trees and shrubs around the camp and blazing the trail by the river and cleaning the windows in the dining hall. After 48 hrs of doing service projects for the camp, our group was joined by other Jr High Methodist Youth from around Utah for Jr High Camp for the rest of the weekend!!

We would like to thank our congregation at Christ UMC and others who helped sponsor us so that we could spend this time helping to serve Pinecliff and each other!!! We'll be home soon with lots of wet dirty clothes!!!

Barbara (Pinecliff caretaker)

2009-06-13T12:35:00.004-06:00

"These kids from Christ UMC have been coming here for 3 years now and it is so appreciated, thanks to the wonderful leadership. These kids are learning valuable lessons."

Steve (caretaker at Pinecliff)

2009-06-13T12:34:00.004-06:00

"It's a blessing for the kids to come up here. I wish we could get more groups to come up here to help out and do work!

I'm impressed with the work and spirit these youth from Christ UMC have going about here when they do the work - it's really amazing!! Their leader Barb does a wonderful job!!!"

Barb

2009-06-13T12:29:00.004-06:00

"Spending time at the start of my summer each year at our Jr High Mission trip at Pinecliff is a terrific way to get me to focus on what's important - helping our Youth become Christ's Body in helping others while forming lifetime friendships with each other.

I thoroughly enjoy watching our Jr High Youth grow closer to our Lord while doing various projects at Pinecliff: be it praying with them before doing a project which goes way beyond their comfort zone (ie - climbing in a window well to clean the inside of the window where there are dead bugs which for a Jr High girl can be very traumitizing. But after praying with them asking for God's strength, knowing that Jesus will be with them the whole way and that they will never be alone - they are then able to conquer their fears and do God's work and feel good about what they've done!! This mission trip helps in building confidence for future mission trips further away from home. God is good and He takes care of His children!!

AJ

2009-06-13T12:28:00.003-06:00

"It's really fun cutting brush down with machetes and hatchets down by the river. I've enjoyed making new friends and hanging out. I'm ready to go swimming!"

Conner

2009-06-13T12:27:00.005-06:00

"It's tiring, but fun at the same time because we get to use hatchets and machetes to clear brush by the river. It feels good to be doing something for somebody else. I want to go swimming! I made a lot of friends this week!"

Liam

2009-06-13T12:25:00.009-06:00

"It was fun here. I enjoyed collecting the rocks and getting to drive the tractor the most."

Tim

2009-06-13T12:25:00.008-06:00

"It's excting! I'm here preparing Pinecliff for somebody else to enjoy camp this summer. It feels good doing something for somebody else. Right now I'm blazing the trail by the river and I think this helps so others can enjoy the river's beauty!"

Mandy

2009-06-13T12:22:00.011-06:00

"I loved everything about camp. The kids were awesome doing service projects, chores and activities without any complaints. Barb was extremely organized with food, fun games and devotional time.

Liam, my 10 year old son, came with to help out and had an awesomely good time too.

Food was great, kids were great, Barbara and Steve, (the caretakers at Pinecliff) were great, Barb and David (chaperones) were great and the cabins were cozy. I honestly cannot think of anything that needs improvement.

Tristan

2009-06-13T12:22:00.008-06:00

"I had to breath in the cleaner while I was cleaning the inside of the window well in the dining hall, but otherwise it felt good being Christ's Body helping Pinecliff!"

David

2009-06-13T12:19:00.002-06:00

"Christ's body in the world is His church. Like any body it has many parts. I felt like a useful part of the church helping fix up Pinecliff Camp making the place better for all those who use it in their quest to find a deeper relationship with Christ and a more loving relationship with all of God's children. I felt so happy that all the Jr High youth that came were willing to work hard with each other in this group. I enjoyed being part of Christ's Body and His Church - and know great things are yet to be accomplished!!!"