In the past week, I spent almost 28 hours on Interstate 80. I wish that could be an exaggeration, but I fear that that's the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. However, it was worth every minute of it! On Palm Sunday, Julie, Mary Lou and I began the great adventure east. We were on our way to Cannedensis (the place where Canadians Dance) Pennsylvania. This lovely little town in the Poconos Mountains is the home of Spruce Lake Retreat Center. This would be the backdrop for my first Mennonite Camping Association. Our featured speaker for the weekend was Bob Kobielush, the President of the Christian Camp and Conference Association. That's pretty much the top of the top of Christian Camping. The theme for the week was "Breaking Through Walls--Ephesians 2:14-17" The worship times were voth inspiration and educational. Way to go Bob!
In addition to worship times, there were 3 different workshop times. I loved these. I attended all programming workshops and loved brainstorming, sharing and laughing with all the other program directors. I can't help it that we are just a bunch of fun people! Through these workshops I learned the fine art of creating adventure and using it as a tool for ministry, I added to my list in progress of camp games and how to help campers and staffers process events that just happened. I took a lot of notes and I have a lot of new ideas. However, the best part of the workshops were the connections and relationships that developed out of our time together. Even though the workshop ended at 2:00 on Tuesday, the sharing, dialouging and learning didn't end until the last minutes of the the convention on Thursday.
It was also wonderful to be able to visit such a well established, fully developed and extensively staffed camp. They have 36 full time employees. 36! They are able to do so much programming because of this. I had to remind myself not to compare the programming schedules because the 6 of us are simply not able to do the work of 36. But it was inspiring to see what all they did and think about how we could bring that back to Crooked Creek.
As an added bonus, I met a lot of my extended family! I found a 2nd cousin, a cousin's aunt and a whole family of 4th cousins (some were once removed.) If I had thought that my days of making random Mennonite connections had ended when I finished college, I was proven wrong beyond reasonable doubt this week.
All in all, it 2 and a half days of convention were worth all 1,920(ish) minutes spent traveling.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Smells like Spring!
About a week ago, we had a great thaw and a taste test of spring, and it was wonderful! I didn't say anything because I didn't quite trust it. My hesitations turned out to be well-founded because it snowed the next day. But today, I have a little more faith in Spring's battle against Winter. We've had three nice days in a row and I think Spring is gaining a foothold! As I walked to my car this morning, I noticed something new in the air. At first I thought it was actually a lack of something in the air. True, it wasn't freezing cold and the air didn't bite your insides with every breath, but that wasn't quite it. As I took another delicious breath, I realized it was the smell of spring! The mud and new growth and everything that is Spring filled the air around me. Once I finally moved beyond the smell, I could hear the birds! Oh, it's a whole new world out here!
It's been a while since I've read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, but I remember towards the end when the White Witch is finally defeated, Winter is defeated along with her. It is a glorious day as the snow begins to melt and Spring slowly takes over. After what seems like a lifetime of Winter, the Narnians were in desperate need of Spring. To say they are overjoyed with the change of seasons would be an understatement. I'm not saying that Winter is our enemy, (see previous blogs for my defense of winter!) but it can definitely wear on one's soul. Perhaps it's in the bundling up in warm clothing or in the hiding inside for warmth and protection, but by the end of a monotonous and frigid season, my very soul and spark of life seems to wane with the fading sunlight. And just like the bulbs that wait in the frozen ground, my spark is eager and ready to spring forth with the warm weather. It feels great to get outside, get a little mud on my shoes and feel the sun's untarnished warmth directly on my skin. I can feel something inside me begin to grow and flourish with the crocus', hyacinths and tulips.
I think it is very appropriate that Easter is usually in the beginning of Spring. The last days of Jesus' life must have been one nasty snow storm. And for Jesus' followers, seeing Him on the Cross must have been the ice storm to end all storms. However, just as the Lord of Heaven and Earth is the only one who can control the winds and the rain, He is also the only one who has power over life and death. God has not left us to live in winter now, just as He did not let His only Son remain trapped in the tomb forever. And if the smell of spring now brings joy to our lives, then seeing Jesus alive again after watching Him die on a cross must have been infathomable ecstasy. Maybe that's part of what Spring smells like. The mud and new growth are brought together with the promise of new life. Even though the great victory over Winter's hold on our life happened 2,000+ years ago, the scent lingers, never to be forgotten, never to be ignored, never to be conqured. The weather may rival conditions from Antartica, but Spring and the promise of new life will always come.
It's been a while since I've read The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, but I remember towards the end when the White Witch is finally defeated, Winter is defeated along with her. It is a glorious day as the snow begins to melt and Spring slowly takes over. After what seems like a lifetime of Winter, the Narnians were in desperate need of Spring. To say they are overjoyed with the change of seasons would be an understatement. I'm not saying that Winter is our enemy, (see previous blogs for my defense of winter!) but it can definitely wear on one's soul. Perhaps it's in the bundling up in warm clothing or in the hiding inside for warmth and protection, but by the end of a monotonous and frigid season, my very soul and spark of life seems to wane with the fading sunlight. And just like the bulbs that wait in the frozen ground, my spark is eager and ready to spring forth with the warm weather. It feels great to get outside, get a little mud on my shoes and feel the sun's untarnished warmth directly on my skin. I can feel something inside me begin to grow and flourish with the crocus', hyacinths and tulips.
I think it is very appropriate that Easter is usually in the beginning of Spring. The last days of Jesus' life must have been one nasty snow storm. And for Jesus' followers, seeing Him on the Cross must have been the ice storm to end all storms. However, just as the Lord of Heaven and Earth is the only one who can control the winds and the rain, He is also the only one who has power over life and death. God has not left us to live in winter now, just as He did not let His only Son remain trapped in the tomb forever. And if the smell of spring now brings joy to our lives, then seeing Jesus alive again after watching Him die on a cross must have been infathomable ecstasy. Maybe that's part of what Spring smells like. The mud and new growth are brought together with the promise of new life. Even though the great victory over Winter's hold on our life happened 2,000+ years ago, the scent lingers, never to be forgotten, never to be ignored, never to be conqured. The weather may rival conditions from Antartica, but Spring and the promise of new life will always come.
A few days ago we were treated to the sight of over a dozen bald eagles. Here's one picture, but it hardly tells the story of the afternoon! These birds are magnificent creatures who can fly over fields as though it were nothing but a tuft of grass. It was great to watch them!Tuesday, February 26, 2008
It snowed . . . again.
It seems to snow every single week. And not just a light dusting, but 2+ inches every time. And it can never just snow, there has to be ice and lots of wind to go with it every time. If I were a teacher, my lesson plans would have been out the window 2 months ago! It's getting dreary to have to bundle up so tightly just to go outside to get the mail and waddle like a penguin for fear of slipping on the constant layer of ice that covers the parking lots. I would hate to have to do snow removal. It would feel like the ultimate Sisyphusian Challenge! (Sisyphus is a man of a Greek legend. He is said to have been punished by the gods and condemned to spend the rest of his life pushing a boulder up a mountain, only to watch it roll down and do it all over again.)
As much as the snow is starting to get on my nerves, there are times that I feel the little child within me bubble to the surface with the hope of snow on the horizon. It's been 6 years since I've had a snow day, and still, I wait with baited breath to hear the official word on a two-hour delay or even better, cancelled! And now I get double the pleasure because I listen for my Alma Matter's delay and the local school! It's really quite exciting, even as I'm getting to go to work regardless of the snowy conditions.
This morning as I drove to work, I couldn't help but fall in love with the snow all over again. It had once again covered the earth and softened its edges. It was as if the earth itself was bubbling up with a child's joy. Bushes and shrubs were softened in the snow to look as though they were nothing more than a giant pillow to fall into. The trees glistened in the bright sunshine. The sky was big and blue and the sunshine lit it up brilliantly. Even the fields were playing along! It's as though they decided to play dress up and became the great white ocean. The drifts along the sides of the roads were waves just about to break and as the wind swept along the fields, you could see the waves gently roll in and out of the shore. If you look closely enough, the small tufts of grass in the fields turned into sea otters as they lept through the rolling waves.
I know snow can be a dangerous disaster waiting to happen, but it's also a chilly burst of joy! As a wise woman said, "I never want to be too old to play in the snow . . . life is amazing."
As much as the snow is starting to get on my nerves, there are times that I feel the little child within me bubble to the surface with the hope of snow on the horizon. It's been 6 years since I've had a snow day, and still, I wait with baited breath to hear the official word on a two-hour delay or even better, cancelled! And now I get double the pleasure because I listen for my Alma Matter's delay and the local school! It's really quite exciting, even as I'm getting to go to work regardless of the snowy conditions.
This morning as I drove to work, I couldn't help but fall in love with the snow all over again. It had once again covered the earth and softened its edges. It was as if the earth itself was bubbling up with a child's joy. Bushes and shrubs were softened in the snow to look as though they were nothing more than a giant pillow to fall into. The trees glistened in the bright sunshine. The sky was big and blue and the sunshine lit it up brilliantly. Even the fields were playing along! It's as though they decided to play dress up and became the great white ocean. The drifts along the sides of the roads were waves just about to break and as the wind swept along the fields, you could see the waves gently roll in and out of the shore. If you look closely enough, the small tufts of grass in the fields turned into sea otters as they lept through the rolling waves.
I know snow can be a dangerous disaster waiting to happen, but it's also a chilly burst of joy! As a wise woman said, "I never want to be too old to play in the snow . . . life is amazing."
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Hallelujah, it's rainin' men!
Get out your umbrella's folks, because it really is raining men around here! It is recruiting season for summer camp. Anyone over the age of 16 with two legs and a brain is fair game. Before I handed out applications, I prayed that God would help me to trust in Him to provide the staffing needed to make camp what He wants it to be. I know that it's often a struggle to find enough male counselors and so I said a little extra prayer for willing young men to want to work at camp. God answers prayers. I have more than enough applicants and I'm now trying to figure out how to use all of their gifts and abilities to further our mission here at camp. It's a wonderful quandry!
Over the last couple of weeks, I have been out on the road to some of the Mennonite Colleges/Universities recruiting college students to come and work at Crooked Creek. It's been an amazing experience. While I don't have the masses headed towards Iowa for the summer, it was a very productive trip. For the most part, I got to reconnect with those who already have connections to camp. I talked to some people who have been counselors and would like to do it again, and I talked to others who just came as campers. It was wonderful to see how far and wide the Friends of Camp have spread.
An unexpected joy was in the chance to meet and fellowship with other camp people. Many Mennonite camps were at each of the stops and honestly, most of our time was spent talking to each other. I got to meet other Program Directors and share trials and tribulations about our jobs. We shared ideas that worked and didn't work. I also got to meet with other Executive Directors and talk about the vision of camps and what our role is in connection with the church and the lives of those who come to us. My eyes were opened to a whole new world and it was wonderful. I was truly blessed to come in contact with so many other people who have made it their life's work to serve God through camping.
Just when I start to worry about a need or a hole in my staffing list, another application comes in the mail. I had barely even thought about who to ask to help with leading drama for a week and a letter arrived from a woman who was an arts and drama teacher. She was asking to work the very week I need a drama group leader. I'm not quite sure what God is trying to teach me, but one thing is for sure, God will provide.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have been out on the road to some of the Mennonite Colleges/Universities recruiting college students to come and work at Crooked Creek. It's been an amazing experience. While I don't have the masses headed towards Iowa for the summer, it was a very productive trip. For the most part, I got to reconnect with those who already have connections to camp. I talked to some people who have been counselors and would like to do it again, and I talked to others who just came as campers. It was wonderful to see how far and wide the Friends of Camp have spread.
An unexpected joy was in the chance to meet and fellowship with other camp people. Many Mennonite camps were at each of the stops and honestly, most of our time was spent talking to each other. I got to meet other Program Directors and share trials and tribulations about our jobs. We shared ideas that worked and didn't work. I also got to meet with other Executive Directors and talk about the vision of camps and what our role is in connection with the church and the lives of those who come to us. My eyes were opened to a whole new world and it was wonderful. I was truly blessed to come in contact with so many other people who have made it their life's work to serve God through camping.
Just when I start to worry about a need or a hole in my staffing list, another application comes in the mail. I had barely even thought about who to ask to help with leading drama for a week and a letter arrived from a woman who was an arts and drama teacher. She was asking to work the very week I need a drama group leader. I'm not quite sure what God is trying to teach me, but one thing is for sure, God will provide.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Winter Fest Success!!
This past weekend was the annual Junior High Winter Fest. It was a little different than other years because we expanded it to include grades 6-10. We had over 50 kids there and had a great time!! Luke Leichty was the speaker for the weekend and the IMS Praise Band led us in worship. Here's a picture of the awesome band!
Over the course of the weekend, Luke challenged us to rethink our image of God. Is He just a big guy in a throne with a long flowing beard and white robes to match? Or is he more than that? Luke encouraged us to think of God as our Daddy, not just some father-figure far away, but Daddy. It was a great reminder that no matter how big we get, we are still God's little children and we can run and hide in Him when things get too rough.
In addition to worship times, we had all types of activities going on. There were times to choose between crafts and games outside. The craft people made candles, cookie creations and many other things. The outdoor game people played classic camp games like 23 Skidoo, Steal the Bacon and a new favorite, Flying Porkchop. They also went over to the Frog Pond to play Broom Ball. And when all else failed, we went tubing! We also had time to take advantage of new Activity Center and had a chance to climb and just run around playing all types of games.
On Saturday evening, we all gathered together to play Ultimate Capture the Flag. However, I underestimated the mad skills of the campers and both flags were found in less than 30 minutes. So we just went to the Activity Center to play other games.
Here are the Top Ten Favorite Things about Winter Fest
10. Broomball
9. Games
8. Seeing Old Friends
7. Music!
6. Free time
5. Activities
4. Food
3. Tube Run (on the way down . . . the way back up is one of the LEAST favorite things!)
2. Capture the Flag
and the number one favorite thing about Winter Fest . . . .
1. The Activity Center!!
Monday, January 21, 2008
My Job
After hearing that I'm a Program Director, the most common question asked is, "So what do you do all day at work?" My most common answer is just a smile. =) Either my job is still too new to have an 'average day of work' or there simply is no such thing. Some days I put up/take down Christmas trees, other days I sit at my computer and send emails all day. Today, I kicked up my feet, sipped my hot chocolate, watched the snow fall outside and read a book. To be fair, it was a book about using the Prayer Labyrinth and it was a very helpful resource for an upcoming program! Sometimes my work isn't even done at work! As every good activity leader knows, it's important to have actually done the activity before trying to lead it. Soooo, sometimes in the evening, I practice my programs! I've made Rice Krispy Monsters, Candles and others from the comfort of my own home. And this all is just the tip of the iceberg of my daily work.
Every now and then I'll work on weekends too. Sometimes that means belaying for a group that wants to use our climbing wall, sometimes it means greeting groups and making sure they have everything they need. On hosting weekends I get to make a welcome speech and carry my cell phone with me 24/7. But mostly I get to eat the meals. =)
And then there are Program Days/Weekends. These are my favorites. This is why I sit at my desk and email people all day long. This is why I plan, print, edit, daydream and practice. This is where the fun comes in. No matter what type of program it is, I enjoy it! I love seeing a group of people come together for a common reason and enjoy God's play ground, if even for the weekend. It's great fun. My most favorite types of programs are those for youth. Ok, I don't actually know that about me yet. I haven't had a youth event as a Program Director. But that's going to change on FRIDAY!! Friday begins Winter Fest and boy am I excited!!
Here's my prayer request of the week: snow! Ok, maybe a little more than just snow. But please pray for Winter Fest, for the speaker and musicians, for the sponsors who make this possible and for the staff who don't get nearly enough credit. But most importantly, pray for the youth that are coming. This is a great chance to get God into their hearts' and souls'. This is a great chance to give their spiritual lives a good kick in the pants. This is a big weekend!!
Every now and then I'll work on weekends too. Sometimes that means belaying for a group that wants to use our climbing wall, sometimes it means greeting groups and making sure they have everything they need. On hosting weekends I get to make a welcome speech and carry my cell phone with me 24/7. But mostly I get to eat the meals. =)
And then there are Program Days/Weekends. These are my favorites. This is why I sit at my desk and email people all day long. This is why I plan, print, edit, daydream and practice. This is where the fun comes in. No matter what type of program it is, I enjoy it! I love seeing a group of people come together for a common reason and enjoy God's play ground, if even for the weekend. It's great fun. My most favorite types of programs are those for youth. Ok, I don't actually know that about me yet. I haven't had a youth event as a Program Director. But that's going to change on FRIDAY!! Friday begins Winter Fest and boy am I excited!!
Here's my prayer request of the week: snow! Ok, maybe a little more than just snow. But please pray for Winter Fest, for the speaker and musicians, for the sponsors who make this possible and for the staff who don't get nearly enough credit. But most importantly, pray for the youth that are coming. This is a great chance to get God into their hearts' and souls'. This is a great chance to give their spiritual lives a good kick in the pants. This is a big weekend!!
Monday, January 14, 2008
A wonderful change!
Greetings!
My name is Johanna Bontrager and I'm the Program Director at Crooked Creek Christian Camp. Did you see it? Did you see the change?! I'm no longer the new Program Director, I'm just the Program Director! It's such a wonderful upgrade in my life. I no longer feel like I'm just visiting the office, but rather I'm going to MY office! (Not to be confused with the TV show, "The Office".) For the first time in 8 months, I feel like I'm home and not just visiting. It's a good thing!
Last night I was driving around camp, locking up after hosting for the weekend, and I got to enjoy the most peaceful snow. It was well below freezing outside, but it didn't feel all that cold. The snow was floating down from the heavens with not a care in the world. Sometimes I imagine that camp looks like a snow globe from God's perspective. The neat thing about snow globes is that the residents of Snow Globe Land have everything they need, right in their little world. They may not have much, but they are more than content in their Snow Globe World. I might be a slow learner, but I think I'm starting to learn how to be content with what God has given me in my own Snow Globe World.
My name is Johanna Bontrager and I'm the Program Director at Crooked Creek Christian Camp. Did you see it? Did you see the change?! I'm no longer the new Program Director, I'm just the Program Director! It's such a wonderful upgrade in my life. I no longer feel like I'm just visiting the office, but rather I'm going to MY office! (Not to be confused with the TV show, "The Office".) For the first time in 8 months, I feel like I'm home and not just visiting. It's a good thing!
Last night I was driving around camp, locking up after hosting for the weekend, and I got to enjoy the most peaceful snow. It was well below freezing outside, but it didn't feel all that cold. The snow was floating down from the heavens with not a care in the world. Sometimes I imagine that camp looks like a snow globe from God's perspective. The neat thing about snow globes is that the residents of Snow Globe Land have everything they need, right in their little world. They may not have much, but they are more than content in their Snow Globe World. I might be a slow learner, but I think I'm starting to learn how to be content with what God has given me in my own Snow Globe World.
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