Archery, Fireside, and Good Food!!!

Howdy Everyone! We have had another exciting day here at YAA. Your kids have been keeping us busy as ever. We once again started our day off with an optional hike, which saw a few less participants than the hike yesterday morning. Those that did do the hike did a very good job on it. Pastor Jim came along and he talked to us about the different birds on the hike and the calls they make. It was quite interesting.

After the hike we lined up and watched as they rose our nations flag. Directly after that we went down to the field and had a relay race with our teams. Each member of the team had to put on some shorts, two shirts, and some sort of headgear and then proceed to run down the field and throw two hula hoops over one of the counselors. The "Jumping Jackalopes" soared into first place in this event.

We then went to the dining hall and got to partake in a delicious breakfast cooked by our awesome cooking staff, not without singing a song first of course. This is where "Cabin Hulk" relinquished the Grimmer they had carried for the past day. It was once again up for grabs. The cabins quickly went about furiously cleaning their cabins in hopes that they would win the Grimmer.

Chapel followed this cleaning where we got to hear Pastor Jim talk about Pilgrim and what happened when he reached the Shining Gate. We heard how Jesus died on the cross so that we could become part of his family. Overall it was a very good message.

After chapel had concluded it was off to our morning skill builders. I teach the archery skillbuilders. Your kids are learning all they need to become the next "Robin Hoods". It went very well. Others had fun making crafts and climbing on the climbing wall. From what I hear fun was had by all.

We then proceeded on to the dining for another amazing meal prepared by our cooks. This is where the Grimmer was awarded from the cabin clean-up. "The Pink Panda Peace Peeps" won it this time, but "Cabin Hulk" is looking to come back and regain the title.

Some quiet time in our cabins followed where we all got some much needed rest. Then they had some freetime. The last skillbuilder was next and I was once again teaching another group some archery. Some of the other were doing some camp crafts, which is about setting tents and building fires and such, while others went and learned how to draw with Pastor Jim.

After the skillbuilders the girls went on the zipline and judging by the screams they had a good time. The guys went on a hike and played some capture the flag.

Lowering our flag was our next task and then we went and had another amazing meal. Some of the kids, as well as staff recieved the letters you all wrote them and had to sing "I'm a Little Tea Pot" to get them. It was quite enjoyable for all of us, well except maybe for those that had to sing. Though they were all excited to hear from home and get some of the goodies you all sent.

We then played some capture the flag and had some free time. Right now your kids are over at fireside getting ready to hear some more about a missionary named Mary from Scotland. The kids have really enjoyed hearing this story and are always anticipating the next part.

I thank you all so much for allowing us to be a part of your kids lives for this week. They have definitely made an impact on my life. Well I better get to fireside.

Thanks again,

Nathan Brown
(Cabin Hulk counselor and the guy in the green sweatshirt in the photo)