Kanakuk

We have good friends who take their kids to Kanakuk camp each year. We started considering the camp last year, and were convinced after going to our friend's house to listen to the owner of the camp in the Fall. The camp is basically a 2 week long Christian sports camp in Branson, MO. My boys were sold on the idea from the beginning despite the fact that they had never been away from the family for that long.

Matthew had two good buddies going to the same session of camp, but Thomas knew no one his age going. He had no fears going by himself and I love how willing he is to try new things! At 3:20 am on July 30th, we headed up to Dallas to drop the boys off at their chartered bus. They gave us a hug goodbye and were off!

We loved getting to see pictures of the kids everyday on their secure website, and loved getting letters from the boys as well as their counselors. Seeing how happy they were in the pictures made the time go by quickly for us. They play sports all day and have to choose a sport to specialize in. Thomas picked basketball, and Matthew chose tennis, which was surprising since he had never tried it before. He told us later that had wanted to learn a new skill!

We drove to Branson last Friday and celebrated Mary Beth's actual birthday on the road. The boys were thrilled to see us, and we were amazed at how much scripture they had memorized. They seemed to have a new fire for God and want to live out the theme for camp, "I Am Third" (God first, others second, me third). The counselors were incredible. They all seemed so happy to be there and doted on the kids. Mary Beth had no interest in going until she saw the camp herself. Now, she can hardly wait to go, and the boys are looking forward to next year already! Here are a few pics from when we picked them up:




There was a huge family picnic on the evening that we picked them up. Mary Beth was happy to see her brothers!
Showing off his new skill...tennis!
Matthew got the award for best all around tennis player.

Thomas chose basketball for his sport.

These are the pictures we saw on the computer every day....