A note from our director... Camp is a wonderful place to learn and grow in so many different ways.  It’s a place to try new things, gain new skills, make and develop friendships.  It’s a place to have FUN!  It’s also a place to get away from the daily distractions of life and have time to focus on God and His Word.  When I came to NeKaMo as a girl, I saw the reality of Jesus Christ in the lives of the counselors and staff.  And now as a parent and director, I watch other young girls (including my own daughters) have the opportunity to explore and learn in a safe environment and to develop into the kind of people God wants them to be. Camp life is not without its challenges.  Your child may face homesickness, a fear of bugs, or how to get along with girls from different backgrounds.  But God uses these challenges in our lives to make us look up–to Him–to see His goodness, His power, His love.  We teach girls to study the Bible and apply its truths to their lives so that they might know that “the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations” (Psalm 100:5). Debbie Morris, Camp Director Rememebering 2007... Campers, campers, and more campers!  That’s what our camping season in 2007 was about.  To accommodate some of the overflow, we purchased three tents and several bunkbeds made especially for tents.  First week the Explorer, Challenger, and Pathfinder divisions each had a tent cabin.  Second week the Trailblazers had one.  On Sunday of the first week, several of the Pathfinders weren’t too sure about staying in a tent for a week; but after a few days, they all seemed to be eager to try it out! What can we do about the growing number of campers that want to come to NeKaMo Camp Cherith?  Since we don’t own the site, building new cabins isn’t up to us.  What we are trying for 2008 is adding a half-week mini-camp for Pathfinders only.  Pathfinders will still be welcome either of our regular weeks of camp, but perhaps some would rather choose a shortened stay.  And we’ll probably need to use some of our tents again.  We are thankful to have this “problem,” and we strive to take advantage of each opportunity that God gives us to share Jesus Christ with the girls who come our way. More campers also requires more staff.  God provided a great group of women (and a few men) who worked hard and truly gave of themselves.  One way we get more staff is to “grow our own.”  Three campers graduated from our Camper in Leadership Training program last summer.  We look forward to welcoming “Scuttle,” “Ruby,” and “Kestrel” to our staff in 2008.  Our spiritual theme for 2007 was “Press On,” based on Philippians 3:12 - “I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”  We’ve chosen another verse from that same chapter for this year–Philippians 3:8  "I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things."  Last year we looked at the need to persevere in our walk with the Lord.  This year’s theme, “Count the Cost,” will look at both the cost and the benefits of following Jesus.  Please pray with us that staff and campers alike will recognize the “surpassing greatness” of knowing Him. Check out what a few of our Camp Cherith staff have been doing on missions this last year! Help NeKaMo Camp Cherith provide a place for kids to make friends, build confidence, have lots of fun and grow in their faith!