Crusader's Camp 2012- Aboard the Discipleship

Every year I go to Crusader's camp, I have to ask myself why in the world am I taking off work and skipping a paycheck, to go pay to work at a camp full of little kids who don't like to take showers, brush their teeth, or look for a clock instead of asking you what time it is every 5 minutes. Every year, once I get there I am reminded why I do go.

Because it's for the kids. Because there is nothing more awesome than overhearing the conversations like I did this year. (One little guy was hiding with his friend under the eaves of the cafeteria, and as I drove by on the golf-cart, he was asking his friend "So, what did it feel like to get the Holy Ghost" I wish I could have heard the answer to that one...) Because I love meeting my old friends all over again, and making all kinds of new ones who care about kids as much as I do (or else they wouldn't be there). Because there is nothing like seeing these little kids praying in the alters and seeking God, and being touched by God. Because there is nothing as awesome as watching the miracle of a little kid speak in other tongues with tears going down their faces and to come away knowing without a doubt that they have been filled with the Holy Ghost. Because kids are awesome, and easily inspired, and inspiring. Because I don't know all the real reasons I am drawn to work with little kids, I just know that all the years I have gone, I end up going away feeling much better than I did when I come. (minus the sheer exhaustion) Because it's worth it.

And that is why I end up paying to come to take pictures of these little kids year after year.

This year was... different. I am not sure how to describe it, other than different. For multiple reasons. The first being I was determined to have everything done (like I did last year) and looking nice (the part I didn't have done last year... lol) before the people who ordered it left on Friday. In this aspect, I have to say it did happen... but not without a sleepless Thursday (which I have self declared myself to old to do anymore... Friday was rough!), but hey, it did happen! :grin: I was able to have the ones pre-ordered available for pick up before camp let out Friday. (If you are one of the people who were not able to order your DVD set before you left, and are interested in one, please let me know, or you can order one on the side of this page.)

The only reason I was able to do this was because I had help. Thank you to the wonderful help of Michael and Tamara Boatman for their designing and photographing talents they let me borrow (and equipment), and Toni Fowler's awesome organization and secretarial work, friendship, and help in the late hours of Thursday night- Friday morning, they looked great! There is no way I could have done it this year, (or any other year) without these guys.

Another difference is that I decided to not include the Friday information on the DVD sets that are bought at camp... but rather to put them online (which is another huge reason the DVD sets were able to be finished on Friday morning before the award ceremony) If you are interested in ordering a DVD of just these Friday pictures to complete your set, please let me know, and I will add it to my options of things you can order. If you are looking for these pictures... they will be located on my Facebook site. The address for that site is www.facebook.com/chelbertina.photography

So why else was this year different? Some people got "Sea-sick" while on the Discipleship...including me.  There was a few really busy nurses, matrons, and deans taking care of some of the campers who got sick with some virus that was going around... it never lasted very long, but it looked pretty intense when it was there. I went and visited the gals stuck in dorm 8, and was totally impressed with all the head matron over there had done to keep those guys comfortable and hydrated.

Camp was awesome, thanks to all the people who pulled together and worked together to get it all done. Thank you deans, matrons, workers, teachers, cafeteria workers, music workers, and even bounce house workers! You guys helped these kids make memories that if they are like me, will stick with them the rest of their lives, especially if they are one of those 45 that got the Holy Ghost for the first time there, or even if they were one of those many others that got re-filled, and touched.

~ Chel Dubois

Church In A Day- College Station

I absolutely love these events. It restores my hope in humanity- watching people work together so seamlessly, getting things done so efficiently, knowing that there are tons of people there who have no idea what they are doing, or what the final project is going to look like... but are content just this once following instructions and trusting in the person who does know the plan and blueprint.

The general laborers are what makes this whole project work. Yes, there are teams of people who know what they are doing, and do it very well, and almost exclusively- like the framers, roofers, AC guys, etc... but there are so many other things that these awesome people grouped into the general labor category did. Like holding the walls up, handing up needed tools, hanging insulation, helping keep the grounds clean, handing out water and drinks (the kids were awesome at this one too!) putting down floor coverings, covering finished pieces getting things ready to paint,helping pick up and set the porch, carrying heavy items from one place to another, sweeping, and so many other things!

I also like these events because I always meet so many friends that I have made in past events, and always end up making a few new ones during the course of it as well... and who can't use a few new friends? :grin:

If you ever get a chance to go to one of these... you need to. Even if it's just to drive by and see a before and after shot so that you know personally that it really does happen.

~ Chel