Jeff & I took the kids camping at Little Galilee in Clinton. It's a Christian-based camp on hundreds of acres of forest. It's one of the most peaceful places I've ever enjoyed.
The kids especially enjoyed paddle-boating on the lake. I don't think they've ever done that before...and they preferred it to the tipsy canoe. The lake is 17 feet deep and full of snapping turtles, fish and algae...so wearing life jackets are a must before coasting along the water!
Jeff encouraged them to also fish along the bank of the lake. I was so grossed out by his splitting the worms in two before hooking them on the poles. I really think it's cruelty to worms!
Max kept saying, "I'm the king fisherman! Grandpa says so!" He caught a total of three fish while Laney caught two. I don't care for fishing myself but it was nice to enjoy the peace and quiet of the lake and watch other families spend time together.
The hiking trails were outstanding in their lush greenery. Every path was surrounded by a forest of trees and a lookout point to the lake. I enjoyed sneaking away every now and then to listen to music in my iPod and observe nature.
Sometimes Jeff and I would go off by ourselves when the kids were occupied playing games with their friends on the field...we brought the game bag and played Elasund. I beat him for the first time! A big bonus about the camp is that there are tons of counselors and trustworthy adults on hand to keep an eye on the kids. I felt completely safe letting them run around.
Being a Christian-based camp, every morning kicked off with prayer and a devotional at the flagpole on this field. A pastor from Lincoln led the group in singing and a scripture lesson. From 8-9am every day we enjoyed a wonderful breakfast and then split off into adult Bible lessons/kid crafts and games until noon.
Of course, the one day that Jeff and I decided to skip the second Bible session and go canoeing, a storm brewed and we got stuck in a downpour in the middle of the lake. It was hilarious! We were soaked. Jeff kept asking, "Is it safe to be out here in the thunder and lightening?" My clothes are still wet!
The outdoor pool was freezing at 72 degrees and the kids shivered while they swam but they insisted on staying poolside and sliding down the magnificent slide contraption. Jeff tried it, too, even though it hurt his back.
Speaking of backs, I hurt mine by falling on a slippery spot...right after getting my sprained ankle bandaged in the first aide station! Needless to say I was in a world of pain upon our return from camp. But I had such a wonderful time with the kids overall, I can't wait to return next year!
This time I intend to reserve the premier lodge on the property a year in advance. I'm done with sleeping in the dorms! It was like a germ-fest with girls packed in bunk beds like sardines! It's way too roughing it for me. Laney loved it and made a new friend. But I was not raised to enjoy dirt and germs. In this picture I look dazed and drugged...I had Jeff take me to Wal-Mart for sleeping pills to get some rest!
Tonight I will be grateful for my pillow top bed, hot shower and a husband who will hopefully wait on me hand and foot as I recover from my weekend injuries. But boy did we have a blast...now we have a treasure trove of memories to draw from until we have the courage to camp again.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Memorial Day weekend!
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