2024 Family Camp Recap
Family Camp at Big Lake, near Geer Arizona, took place from June 8th to the 11th. Our LifePoint families loaded their vehicles with tents or trailers, kids, dogs, and gear and headed up to much cooler weather. So much fun and fellowship were had by all 120 plus in attendance! This was LifePoint’s 8th year for family camp, and it gets better and better each year.
Campfire Devotions
We had a great time with the campfire devotions each night. Worship was incredible, you could hear the voices of all ages singing together in unity. After a short message delivered by Pastor Douglas, we had discussions, and it was amazing to see the children get involved and share as well. We talked about surrendering fully to Jesus in every part of our lives and holding nothing back.
Camp Craft
This year’s craft included a study on the scripture of the Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13: 1-9, 18-23 and Colossians 2: 6-7. For the craft, we painted flowerpots and planted little succulent plants. This activity is a favorite for many returning campers, and each year Mrs. Nicole Calvert plans and leads these efforts.
Outdoor Camp Skills
You can’t be in the woods camping without learning a few outdoor skills. Mr. Curt Calvert led these lessons with help from a few of the camp dads for all the kids at camp. The kids participated in many activities like learning how to cast a fishing line, shoot a bow and arrow, knot tying, and how our Father has placed us in the role of caring for this Earth and all the living creatures.
Family Hike
This year’s hike was filled with adventure, of the bug kind. Even though our hikers had to struggle with an unusual number of mosquitoes this year, there was still fun to be had by all. Even a few campers said that the hike was a highlight for them. Mr. Kyle Taigen and Mrs. Jessica Taigen led these efforts by loading everyone up and carpooling to our favorite hiking spot and supporting everyone on this journey.
Campfire Raffles & Icebreaker
This was our second year having prizes for raffles at the campfires. The prizes ranged from family camping games like life-size checkers, badminton, and field games, to a travel fishing pole, beanie hats with built-in lights, and campsite décor/ tools. Each family was entered per their registration for camp, and we were blessed to have an abundance of prizes, so a few lucky families won more than one prize. Our icebreaker questions are a lighthearted way to get to know one another before we dive into devotional discussion. All family members were encouraged to participate and they did!
Cornhole Tournament
The Cornhole Tournament went well. With 16 teams of 32 participants, we had many close games that were nail-biters and exciting to watch. Pastor Tim and Pastor Joe (Team Name The Uncles) ended up beating out Pastor Nathan and David Noel (Team Name The Calamities) and winning the Championship at the Finals By Firelight game. They were very excited to win the tournament, as this was their 3rd time making it to the finals. Pastor Joe’s kids, Avery and Augie won the kid’s tournament and had a chance to play against their dad in the first-ever kids versus the adults after the tournament’s final round. Pastor Tim and Pastor Joe held onto their title of champions and beat out the kids as well. Next year we will be introducing a kid’s cornhole tournament trophy, to model our adult’s trophy.
Sunday Worship Service in the Pines
Sunday morning, Pastor Nathan led our service in the pines. All the campers, children, and even the dogs gathered to have camp church outdoors, under the pine trees. Pastor Nathan introduced our summer series, Summer of Good News. He opened with a powerful message and prepared us campers for this summer series once we were back home. We participated in worship and sang out our love of the Lord for everyone in the neighboring camps to hear.
We want to recognize and thank the Camp Committee, who put a lot of thought, planning, and work into this event. Their hearts for this event each year, is to make this a wonderful time for the families of LifePoint, that they feel welcomed as they gather in the woods and grow in their relationships as a family and fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. Thank you to The Calvert Family, The Haas Family, The Kopatz Family, The Noel Family, The Taigen Family, and Pastor Douglas for your hard work to make this another successful year at Family Camp.
Save the date for next year’s Tents ‘N Trailers Family Camp; Big Lake Edition ’25, June 19th through June 23rd. Space is limited, so watch for when the registration opens, and sign up early to secure your campsite.
To view and upload photos of this year’s family camp visit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1shG3JP_CAt5Skk4wRxfHJKgfFg4QvIKB?usp=sharing
Angela Noel