Journalism write up

Camp Palisades Senior High Camp2009
“3D Life”

By: Mallory Wheeler

This year at Camp Palisades, we followed the last three days of Christ. Director and speaker Eric Jackson planned many activities that took the campers through Jesus’ last three days on Earth. Such activities included a re-creation of the Passover Seder, the washing of the disciples’ feet, and painting cabin doorways red with the “lamb’s” blood.
There was a very good turnout for Senior High Camp this year. For many who attended, this was their first time to camp. They said it was an experience they would never forget. Many said they plan on attending camp again next year.
As well as learning about the last three days of Christ, we participated in Camp Wars. This activity was made up of various challenges during each day at camp. The four self named teams: Team Awesome, Team Kokomo, Team Fiery Pumas, and Team To Be Determined went head to head in challenges that required teamwork and cooperation as a whole. The water balloon launch, Extreme Tug of War, capture the flag, and Soaker Dodge Ball were only a few of the challenges we faced.
The rafting trip this year was quite an experience. We arrived at the rafting site a couple of hours early because of a communication error. Luckily we found ways of entertainment to pass the time. When we finally did get on the rafts, the entire trip was amazing. The river, which usually runs about 50 to 60 cubic feet per second (CFS), was running at around 110 CFS. The entire trip down the river was fast paced and once over, there wasn’t a dry spot on anyone that went on the trip.
We had our plates full up at camp this year, literally. The food up at Palisades is one of a kind. Delicious and never ending. Every camper that appreciates the time and hard work the cooks put in to make sure we were well fed.
Molly Shipley led worship for both camps. At Senior High camp, Shyler Mayerhofer and Henry Funk brought their guitars to camp as well. By the end of camp they were helping with worship.
Saturday evening we made the hike up to the cross. As usual, some of the campers ran up the mountain and were there a lot sooner than others. There was a lot of teamwork on the way up the mountain. Small support groups developed, and campers stuck together, encouraging each other up the mountain. Once everyone was at the top, there was a devotional and some worship. Then everyone headed back down the mountain.
Later that night, after dinner, we watched the Passion of the Christ. After going through the trials and Jesus’ last three days, watching the video meant so much more and was more easily understood because we had been studying the scene.
Sunday we were all up early to pack our things and get ready for the ride back home. After breakfast, there was a Sunday camp service in the lodge, and the cabin leaders shared some advice with us campers.
“Take what you learned up here off the mountain.”
“Share your faith with others,”
“Live for Christ. Live a 3D life.”