In a world where there are 41 countries banning religious groups, we are fortunate to be where we are today. There are countless riots, explosions, disasters, and families being ripped apart. Yet we worship together every day here on campus, unafraid. This last weekend we were able to attend Bible Camp at Camp Au Sable with our entire student body and staff. Keep reading to hear how it all went.
We loaded our buses Friday afternoon and left campus. The staff told us that the temperature would be in the negatives up north, and it sure did feel like it. Although it was obvious the temperatures dropped, the bus ride was still smooth and warm. I’ve never traveled much until I came here. Now it seems like I go somewhere every month. It’s nice to have opportunities to talk to people I normally wouldn’t. I’d like to think that after Bible Camp a lot more people can walk around the halls a bit more confidently after getting to know people better.
Rahel Wells gave the talks during Bible Camp and it was so intriguing. She talked about an incident she had, causing one of her legs to break very badly and the “encouragement” she received afterwards. Why do we tell people “it’s a part of His plan” when trying to comfort them? Mrs. Wells taught us to comfort instead of preach when we’re with someone going through a vulnerable time. She also taught us the skill of being okay – even when we’re not okay. Jesus loves us despite the angst we experience on a daily basis. He even loves us when we can’t get out of bed in the morning, or when we don’t feel like ourselves. He loves us at our worst with a love so deep, as if we are at our best.
At Great Lakes Adventist Academy, we are always having fun and trying to bond closer together. Saturday afternoon we all met with our individual classes and had good conversations along with good laughs. After we met with our classes, it was free time until the afternoon. Many enjoyed a walk along the boardwalk with their friends, singing praise songs in the auditorium, or taking a nap in the cabin. I received a rubix cube from a staff member, and during Bible camp, I could not put it down. I refused to get frustrated and I did not want to quit. I probably talked to a dozen boys trying to figure out how to solve it. Multiple people came up to me during school asking if I had solved it yet. Who knew trying to learn a rubix cube could be a ministry and draw me closer to people? (It took me five days to solve it by the way).
After we closed the Sabbath on Saturday, we enjoyed games that the Bible department on campus created. The teams were by cabin and it was a friendly competition to see who could win the most games. We had games like who could flip a water bottle the most, how many oreos could you slide from your forehead to your mouth, and who could blow all of the confetti out of a bowl. After playing games against each other, we played a game together. Each cabin had a piece of paper and a long marker with multiple pieces of string attached to it. The point was to draw a picture all together at the same time. At the end of the night, we had drawings that looked more- how do you say…abstract looking.
It was really nice to have a scenery change and to be surrounded by people who are constantly supporting each other. We are so blessed to be where we are, and I’m so grateful that I get to write to all of you about my experiences here. If you haven’t seen our Facebook and Instagram lately, check it out! We’re always posting and updating on our newest events. Our Academy Days event is coming up so if you or your children are interested in attending Great Lakes Adventist Academy, please come to Academy Days! You can get a glimpse of what it’s like here and meet other people in your grade. You can even register by clicking this. Thanks for reading and have a great day 😀
Great Lakes Adventist Academy 