The wet end to the week continued on Friday but didn’t dampen the campers spirits as we ended the week on a high with a great day of teaching, games and an epic closing ceremony worthy of any Olympic host nation.

Following a fun last day “meet the leader” with Matt and Brian (which is becoming a new camp tradition), John led our the final teaching session on Leviticus. Some were in trepidation at such a dry subject for a last talk but John fabulously showed us the reasons that the sacrifices were required, how they were limited and how they point to Christ who as the perfect Lamb fulfils everything that the law requires. After a disrupted year of lockdowns and isolation it’s been amazing to study and a joy to worship God together.

The weather prompted a change to lunch plans but after an inside picnic we headed into Ambleside for the afternoon’s activities. Campers had a challenge to take photos representing various Olympics sports. Points were awarded for creativity and execution with some fabulous results such as running past the church for steeple-chase, sliding down some railings for skateboarding and balancing on a swing with a coat for a sail for wind surfing.

After the game the campers had free time to shop, some bought presents for family and friends but I think they’ll be some puzzled sales people in the confectionery businesses wondering why their was a large spike in the sweet sales today!

Back to camp the campers finished their preparations for the closing ceremony. Campers dressed up in costumes representing sports, the Olympic Games or countries, then each tent presented an exhibition sport. The highlight was the Caterpillar Race (camper wriggling in sleeping bag) which may or may not make it to the next games in Paris.

Medals were given to campers for their contributions to camp, some humorous, some more serious. the medal table gave the final points to the Tent of the Year competition and despite closing the gap no tents were able to overtake the early leaders, Katatsumrui (the snails) who took the prize. Lastly there were Camper of the Year awards for overall contribution to and benefit from camp – such a hard decision this year with so many enthusiastic campers who threw themselves into all the activities, contributed to the teaching and tent prayers and grew through the week. After much deliberation between the leaders the Campers of the Year were Emily and Jonah.

As the Closing Ceremony and festivities ran late into the night we’re writing this last blog post as we pack up on Saturday morning. It’s been an amazing week and we’ve learned so much. we pray that the campers will go back home having had a fun time, made new friends and with a deeper understanding of the gospel and relationship with God.