Teen Camp 2019 "Lost and Found"

Hello everyone! A couple weeks ago, our teen camp "Lost and Found" took place in the mountain village of Tuk in Mrkopalj.

A view of our lodging from the back

There were around 30 kids ages 12-19 and 7 volunteers this time around. If I'm not mistaken it was the largest number of teens and the smallest number of volunteers to date. I'm not sure if I've ever had as many responsibilities at one camp before, but I loved it all the same (maybe more even).

As an icebreaker game, I led a version of the game "assassins" where they had to stick someone's name on their back to get them out (and avoid getting their own name stuck on their back).

Savannah and I had been preparing for this camp for some time. I wrote lessons, planned games, sports and worship time, and Savannah planned crafts and organized get-togethers with the teens earlier in the summer/year.

Our theme this year was "Lost and Found," based on the parables about the lost sheep, lost coin, and prodigal son. We talked about what "home" means and how God loves, values, and accepts us.

Our days went something like this: Wake up, eat breakfast, sing, quiet time, bible class, group time, sing, room reports, eat lunch, rest, team games, electives (sports, crafts, or board games), clean up, dinner, evening worship, evening lesson, group time, a special event (movie, camp fire, etc.), room time, and then bed.

Lunch time!

Lunch time from the other side of the room!

One of my favorite moments of the camp started when a guy from my room told me he wanted to skip evening worship. He's an older guy who's been coming to camp almost since it began. He was tired and asked me, "Zach, can I take a nap instead of singing? You know, I don't really like singing, and I've heard all the songs before anyway."

I told him, "well you can't skip it, but you know, I'm in charge of worship this time, and I brought some new songs, so just come down to the basement and check it out." Afterwards, he came up to me and excitedly said, "Hey Zach! I was singing!" I don't know if he realized it at the time, but I couldn't have been happier.

Praise God because I was praying hard that the teens would be able to really worship, and He answered.

A short bit of midday singing on the patio

Another highlight of the camp comes from Savannah.

Late in the week, she overheard a girl crying in the bathroom of her room. She was new to the camp, a friend of one of the long-time campers. Her friend went in to check on her and talk with her.

Savannah couldn't quite tell what was wrong. She had been trying to encourage the new girl throughout the camp, and it seemed like she had been having fun, but now Savannah wasn't sure. Later Savannah learned that she was crying because of how special the camp was to her. The atmosphere, the feeling of family, the closeness with God, they just overwhelmed her. I know the feeling.

Box/lightbulb/fan decorating, one of the many craft stations Savannah came up with

Another craft station with some ping pong in the background

In typical teen camp fashion, I was also the subject of a small prank. What the guys in my room didn't know is that I am probably the worst person in the world to prank because (as they later said) my "chill level is really high."

They woke me up in the middle of the night and convinced me I was late waking up. They had set the stage quite well, so (to their surprise) I believed them. When they revealed it was actually 3am, I (again to their surprise) just said "oh, ok." and went back to sleep.

I love the guys in my room. They helped me lead in group time, we shared a bit of our faith stories with each other, and became pretty close. I'm looking forward to them becoming counselors one day.

Our view from the lodge during sports time. We're playing a game I invented that's kind of like basketball.

The camp talent show

The reality here is that this camp is the only youth group experience that most of these teens get. If it wasn't for youth group in my life, I doubt I'd be a Christian today; I doubt I'd have overcome depression or found a purpose.

This camp means so much to them and to us. We love them like they're our own family. Please never stop praying for them.

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That's 2 camps down and 1 to go! Family camp is in less than a week. We're looking forward to the camp and to sharing it with you. As always, feel free to email us at Shaffermissions@gmail.com or talk to us on Facebook. Thank you for all your prayer and support!

Peace.