The W!LD - Emma's first trip to camp

The piney woods of east Texas is home to several different well known faith based camps.  Shortly after moving here last year we learned about The W!LD,  part of Carolina Creek.  The W!LD side of camp is just for kiddos ages 5-11.  We knew it was an opportunity that we didn't want Emma to miss!  The camp is less than ten miles from our front door and the counselor to camper ratio is 5:1.  After being on a waiting list for several weeks we received the call that she was IN!!!  We were given a private tour of the grounds and Emma fell in love!  The rest is history :)

On a rainy Sunday afternoon (July 21st) we dropped her off.  She stayed in the zebra cabin and was thrilled beyond words to be assigned to a top bunk :)  We made her bed, dropped off her bag, kissed her goodbye and that was that.  My prayer for her was that she would enjoy every minute and make fast friends.  It was a little nerve wrecking not being able to communicate with her for three days but I felt confident that she would be just fine :)  She is incredibly independent, social and wants to learn more about her heavenly Father.

The camp has a Noah's ark theme and is so well thought out.  Upon entering the grounds there is a gigantic ark (inside is a full basketball court and large stage).  The photo below gives you an idea of its size.  Each cabin is an animal and was designed by a Disney artist.

Owen missed her like crazy and begged to go get her everyday.  At pick up (Wed June 24) he ran to her cabin and gave her a huge bear hug.  Although she was excited to see us one of the first things she told me was that she wants to stay longer next year!  During cabin awards she received the "desire" award.  Her counselor, Shelby, said that she was very attentive, participated in discussion and asked lots of questions.  We are so proud of her for making the most of this experience :)

The theme for the summer was "One of a Kind".  Emma came home and told me that she learned the word "omnipresent", meaning that God is everywhere.  It was fun to see the kiddos do praise and worship, just like they had each morning!

I sent my small camera along with her to camp.  Here are a few clear shots she captured :)

Camp selfie :)

Snail mail from her favorite mom & dad (we also included enough glow sticks for everyone in the cabin....little did we know the electricity would go off on the last night and they would NEED them!)

A couple fellow zebra cabin girls

The camp did such a GREAT job of uploading photos each evening.  After over 36+ hours of dropping her off it was very reassuring the find this smiling face :)  I knew she was having the time of her life!

She had numerous fun camp stories about her newest best friends.  There was SO much fun and learning packed into those three days at camp.  She participated in archery, zip line, the huge pillow bounce, praise and worship, train rides, boat rides and an enormous jungle gym.  "The Ocean" was an on site water park that was two and a half feet deep max.

Camp Carolina Creek hosted over 10,000 campers this summer.  Emma is already registered and is looking forward to attending again in June 2014!  At that time she will stay for an entire week!  :)