This past weekend, our GEMS girls club went to Camp Tecumseh for our year end celebration. I had never been camping before, so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. This was also a first camping trip for my daughter. Of course I had to be there with her. I am a “helicopter mom” – I hover. Sometimes a little too closely, but I think I did a pretty good job this weekend in giving her the space she needed. She had a great time with her friends and got to do many activities she had never done before.

Actually, I had a really nice time too. The leaders from our GEMS girls club did a wonderful job of planning and organizing – reservations, snacks, skits, devotions, campfires, trip instructions – every detail was carefully planned and carried out. It was also very nice to have some time together with the other counselors. It was great to get to know them and share stories.

The camp was really nice – clean facilities, great staff, and cool activities for the kids. Our cabin slept 14, bunk bed style. There were 3 toilets, 2 sinks, and 3 showers. It was basic, but nice. I was just thrilled to be sleeping indoors, with indoor plumbing that was located in my very own room.

The girls had so many activities available to them. They went canoeing, paddle boating, and horseback riding. They tried riflery, archery, and climbing walls. Slid down tube slides in sacks, went through obstacle courses, and played Gaga, a ball game I had never heard of.

I thought the staff there was great. They were very friendly and funny. They knew their jobs well, and I felt the kids were safe under their instruction. At the campfire, they did some really funny skits, encouraged participation, and taught some positive, moral lessons. A skit performed during their chapel service also taught the girls a great lesson – life is not just about winning the race. We must stop and help others along our journey. They taught God is first, others are second, self is third. During meal times, the girls took turns setting up our tables and chairs in the dining room. Everyone pitched in and took turns serving and cleaning up. We also prayed as a group for each meal – unique prayers led by the camp staff. Helping and serving others was reinforced at this camp.

I was happy I was able to have this experience with my daughter. I loved seeing her have so much fun with her friends, trying new activities, and working together with others in a group setting. I also experienced some new things, including loosening the reins a little bit (and I’m not talking about horseback riding). I think we both grew a little this weekend.

Camp Tecumseh is a YMCA Christian camp located in Brookston, Indiana. It sits on 500 acres of woodlands, meadows, riverfront and lake. Their mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. To find out more about Camp Tecumseh, you can click on this link. http://www.camptecumseh.org. It is a really nice place.