Steven the Squirrel

Steven the squirrel lives at Camp Willow Run. Steven the squirrel loves fall. He enjoys climbing from tree to tree knocking off acorns, watching them fall and then running after them before they get lost in with browning leaves. Steven the squirrel loves to collect these acorns and see how many he can shove in his mouth before he explodes. Every year he tries to beat his record from the year before. Currently Steve holds the record for cheeking 11 acorns. Steven the squirrel’s uncle is one of the most famous Grey Squirrels on the East Coast. At Crossroads Summer Camp every year, they sing about Steve’s Uncle. Perhaps you have heard the song before? “Grey squirrel, grey squirrel, shake your bushy tail. Grey squirrel, grey squirrel, shake your bushy tail. Put your face between your toes. Wrinkle up your little nose. Grey squirrel, grey squirrel, shake your bushy tail!” Steven is a nice squirrel too but has never had a song written about him. Perhaps you could write one for him…DO NOT DISSAPOINT Steven the Squirrel. (Write a song for him and sign up for fall retreat!).
-Ryan Doherty (studentLIFE associate)

What Are You Waiting For?

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in the 7th grade at Apex Middle School and our class was scheduled to go on a field trip to the North Carolina Zoo. Our teacher had sent reminders home with us (the students) to give to our parents about the field trip, and had even gone the extra mile and sent a new thing out called an "email" to those who had it. I was never one for submitting assignments on time, but this i knew to be of the utmost importance. Yeah, I forgot it. I showed up at school on that day and had the self realization that I was going to get "left behind" (thank you Kirk Cameron) while everyone else went to the flippin zoo. LIFE AS I KNEW IT WAS OVER. Luckily however, my pops Bo Duked it over to the school and signed the release form just in time for me to get on the bus.

Here's the catch...there's not that much time left for YOU to sign up for Fall Retreat. Not only that, there is no way your mamma or daddy can get you signed up at the last minute, because once those spots are filled.... you get left behind, and we don't want that to happen to you.

"Well Jason, how do I get signed up NOW!?!?!?" I'm so glad you asked. Go here and get your hind parts signed up for camp... really...go now. NOW!

Fall Retreat is one of my most favorite times of the year! Sure, I like the fall weather, the changing colors of the leaves, and being in the woods next to the lake. But there is something about getting away with y'all that touches my heart. It's an amazing time to get away as a community of believers to listen to God, to be encouraged by one another, and to grow in Christ-likeness.

This year promises to be no different. We will spend time worshiping the Lord through song and studying the Word. We will enjoy one another as we scale the climbing wall, soar through the air on the giant swing, and kick whatever various ball is on the field.
Disclaimer: If you are scared of heights and the thought of running makes you tired, there are plenty of other ways for you to enjoy the weekend. :)

One of the things that makes me most excited about Fall Retreat this year is that we will be going with groups of students who are already meeting in our 2.42 groups studying God's Word together.
Disclaimer: If you aren't connected to a 2.42 group yet, don't worry there are plenty of students who still need to be connected. This will be a great time for you to get plugged in. But don't wait until Fall Retreat to get plugged in. Go to the link above to find out where your 2.42 group meets.

We have been praying for you and will continue to do so as we enter in to Fall Retreat!

-Shannon Simoneau
studentLIFE Associate, Girls' Ministry Coordinator

Introduction

This blog has been set up for all parents, leaders, staff and students to share their stories, anticipation and prayers for Fall Retreat 2008. Check daily as we'll be updating frequently.