Family Camping
by Scott Ruark, FBC member
My wife Dale and I used to be pretty serious campers and hikers back in the days before we had children. We always knew that someday we would introduce Gigi (6) and Scotty (4) to the joys of pitching a tent in the middle of God’s great outdoors. Last fall we planned our first family camping trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We were a little skeptical at first about how they would do; we prepared ourselves for the possibility of a couple of long, sleepless nights. But they actually slept better than we did. Now rarely a week goes by that the kids don’t ask, “When can we go camping again?”
We saw many positive changes in the family dynamic as a result of spending quality time in nature. Our children quickly abandoned the few store-bought toys they brought from home in favor of simple objects of God’s creation which were trans-formed by their imaginations. Smooth rocks scattered near the stream magically transformed into a family of ducks by stacking and balancing them in just the right way. A stick became a pirate ship by simply sticking a leaf to it and tossing it into the water. Camping also allowed us to interact with each other and with other campers when we did have problems. When we had trouble getting our fire started, other campers quickly helped. And our family was able to overlook the fact that none of us had bathed for 3 days!
We’re looking forward to our next family camping trip—not just for the stories by the fireside or the roasted marshmallows—but for the renewal of our spirits which can be hard to find in today’s fast-paced society. Just as Jesus went into the wilderness to pray and be renewed, we also find renewal as a family in going to the mountains, slowing down the pace, spending time with each other, and listening to God in nature.
Also in the October 25, 2007 Issue of The Evangel
» Frank and to the Point
» Anniversary Reception for Frank & Rus
» Mark Edwards' Retirement Celebration Photos
» Habitat for Humanity Photos
» Welcome to the Payne Family!
» The Power of a Simple Gift
» Trunk or Treat
» Give Flowers for Worship in 2008
» Fall Ministry Projects Continue
» Predators Night
» What Room in the Inn Means to Me
» Seminary Student Update
» Family Camping
» This Week in Worship
