Update: 5th year at Camp Peniel overnight camp (Sun 3pm - 10am Sat). Camp Peniel is SO AWESOME! My boys are already looking forward to next yr! (With every yr they attend, they're stronger to voice how much this experience means to them & yes, the camp improves every year!)
Incoming high-schooler wants to attend the co-ed high school camp next summer (offered only 1 wk) for the fun, AND 2wks of "work camp" (he'd be a helper/custodian- tuition reduction since working). FYI, from another seasoned parent: HS week is AMAZING!
This wk, my boys were about FUN: "Coups" received according to efforts, skills, abilities. Independently chosen 3 areas of focus. Older son: Man's Class, Swimming, & Swords. Younger: Riflery, Swimming, & Archery. Proud of both!
Presented & optional further study of the "Tehas" Tribe/Way (God's principles/deeper faith imbedded within Camp Peniel): "Pathfinder" is 1st (offered to every camper, at least for the "resident"/week-long overnight camp) - obtainable achievement for those who dedicate "free time" to study; next level is "Brave," then "Warrior."
&, FYI, totally optional experience for ur camper to "dial-in fully" & choose to be Baptized. Sharing this: at least 3 baptisms announced at this week's Pow-Wow Ceremony.
Criticisms (of which I've never posted):
To me, Pow-Wow Circle (end of camp concluding ceremony) is SPECIAL:
1. My #1 complaint was the OTHER PARENTS!
A. Parents crowding the front: PLEASE understand that folks really want to HEAR what's being said; it's WHY we arrive early, and WHY we sit in the front row is to be able to HEAR! PLEASE don't talk when others are (serious problem this yr, and SO RUDE!). Understand if you have young children in your midst, but um - exercise some awareness (& consider excusing yourself + young one), please!
B. Driving/parking: Seriously-PARENTS NOT "getting" Camp Peniel's purpose/goal! Someone nearly hit us to "grab" the parking spot next to us AS we were backing out -why not wait?
As coaches, we've found it's so much more often issues with the PARENTS & NOT the kids - so apparent this year at Camp pick up. Plz keep that in mind, parents, - don't ruin it for others! This is a WHOLESOME camp, & a cherished moment to pick up OUR kid(s) - not just yours!
2. Feedback for Camp Peniel:
A. "MC" didn't give prior explanation that "Mmmmm" (for the Tehas tribe/Camp Peniel, audience) during the "Pow-Wow Ceremony" is equivalent to clapping. Lots of clapping this year... Apparently, lots of new parents.
B. Riflery range:
Camp Peniel: Elder son said Pow-Wow Ceremony is when "workers" get to "do" the riflery range... but DURING the Pow-Wow Ceremony? Reminder: 1 in our party was hard of hearing. She did what she could to hear counselors/other speakers. Gun shots, but coupled with the family immediately behind her who didn't stop talking made for a VERY challenging experience!
My criticism is minimal, but only to be helpful: to Parents, workers, and to positive future "Pow-Wows."
Closing comment is about "Roxy," a baby fox who's growing up at Camp Peniel. Heard a "Chief" mention they're planning to relocate her/him soon for insurance reasons for the camp(s). Though I understand insurance liability concerns, just want to point out that obviously "Roxy" has a home at Camp Peniel. To relocate this fox may impend his/her doom.
Camp Peniel: Please at least consider rabies vaccine (trapping/tranquilizing her/him) in order to keep him/her healthy! As God ultimately provides amazing Nature & surroundings, so too may Camp Peniel recognize the wonders & "challenges" presented before them (especially with a "member" of Nature who's "adopted the camp" as his/her home)! After watching Roxy's interactions & shyness immediately before the Pow-Wow Ceremony (& everyone's responses), I personally believe that she/he has a LOT to impart to every camper, counselor, guide, and Director. PLEASE consider Roxy's situation & potential before merely relocation! My husband and I were sick with the consideration of relocation vs the positive potentials Roxy could be to Camp Peniel!!! read more