Gabby's Big Adventure

Our kids have never gone to camp before, so it's kind of ironic that in just one week, Gabby went to her first camp and then Caelan left for a weekend training at a camp to be a camp counselor. Gabby enjoyed her political/government immersion camp so much, that she's thinking about applying for staff, so she can be a camp counselor! Pretty funny for a couple of girls who waited this long to find out what camp is all about :)

Gabby's camp was very special. She's been wanting to attend since she first learned about it at a homeschool conference several years ago. We planned to sign her up . . . but covid hit. When we looked ahead for the next class, they were booked full six months in advance! Gabby applied for the waiting list, and after waiting almost five months, found out she'd gotten off the list and in to the camp. Yay!

While I was packing for vacation, she was packing for camp. All of her clothes had to be business-professional. It is not easy to find those types of items right now. In fact, she had to look at five different department stores before finding a pair of black dress flats! Unbelievable! She spent most of our vacation filling out the extensive pre-camp homework which included writing bills to submit for camp legislative approval, memorizing scripture, and if she had time, contacting local representatives.

Back from vacation, she put the finishing touches on the necessary bring-along items. However, when it came time to check in at the camp, she realized that a pillow did not make it into our collection of bags and bedding. Thankfully, my mom was only about 15 minutes away, so Gabby and I grabbed a quick lunch, mom delivered a pillow, and then we rushed back to her first meeting and the parent orientation at one of the government buildings in our capitol city. 

Gabby's week was filled with learning parliamentary process, visiting with a supreme court justice, sitting in the speaker of the house's chair, interviewing lobbyists, and running for office on her committee. She met some unique, focused, Christian kids who I pray God uses in powerful ways for the future of our country.

The mom who volunteered to be her cabin's chaperone also took photos throughout the camp of the students in action. I've been eagerly awaiting that glimpse into the week, and also a chance to share those here.

We are overall impressed by the youth who organize, staff, and run these camps all over the United States. What a cool, professional way for students to engage in the future of our country and to learn so much firsthand! We're super proud of Gabby and her interest in serving our country (somehow :) with God's perspective and design as her foundation.