We Have Arrived at Camp

We made it! We have arrived at Camp Lookout, and everyone is in their rooms. I haven't heard anything from the boys room for the last several minutes, so I think they may actually be sleeping. Not hearing any noise from the other chaperones in my room either.

Our mission actually began with a concert at Clairmont Place. We all met there to sing just after dinner. I snapped a picture in between songs.

You know this is in between songs because they are looking at me. Because I asked them to. During most of the concert, my view looked more like this:

Honestly that's not fair. They looked up more than it appears here (though not as much as they will!). And let me just say this. They. Sounded. Amazing. There really isn't anything better than the sound of a good children's choir. Nice and light. Good singing, in tune, and not forced. Just beautiful.

We sang for a mostly full dining room, and they were appreciative. There were more than a few Oak Grove folks in the audience, and it was nice to meet them! Some of them can't attend church anymore, but they were quick to add they worship with us every week on the live stream. Technology can be an amazing tool.

After we sang, the kids went out to visit. There was some natural hesitation, especially with the younger ones, but everyone participated. It really is heartwarming to see them put themselves out there and be present for our audience. As great as the music was, this really was the best part.

After we visited for a while, we headed to church to eat dinner (Chick Fil A). Then we loaded up the bus and headed for Chattanooga. The bus was not quiet.

I tried to take a before picture with all the kids, but it just looks like empty seats, so I waited until it got dark and took this picture. It's a very cool bus. Turns out it's only 8 months old. That's what Mark told me. Oh. You don't know Mark. He and I go way back. He's been driving my youth choirs for...many years. We haven't done a trip together since the pandemic, so it's a treat to see him again! I'll introduce him later.

We arrived at camp and sent everyone to their cabins to settle in. I don't know what happened over in the girls' cabin, but over here in ours, I went into the boys' room and said, "Alright, alright, alright. Joke time. Each of you is allowed one joke." Aren't they a little young for dad jokes? Well, I'm a dad, so I laughed at them of course, and then I turned off the lights. They settled in nicely.

As I'm typing this, a storm is rolling in. Looks like it'll be here in another 30 minutes or so and last for a couple of hours. Quite the light show. Wonder if it will wake up the boys. Hope not.

Early morning tomorrow. Breakfast is at 8am, then we have some activities before we leave for the second concert of our mission!

You guys, this is SO. MUCH. FUN.