-Day 1-
Today our first group of 3rd-5th graders arrived! Some of them looked a little unsure about being at Barefoot Republic Camp at first, but by the end of today all of them were pumped up and excited for the days to come! Each republic gathered for the first time in their cabins to discuss a name and a chant to represent their group. Everyone then met in the Sparrow Amphitheater to meet some head staff, learn some traditional Barefoot chants, and to perform the chant they themselves had created. Next, the kids broke up into their specialty I and II groups to get a small preview of what their classes would look like this week.
After an awesome Chinese-themed dinner prepared by chef Rhonda, the kids headed down to the first evening program of the week. We were led in worship by Thomas and Dita Rose. After a messy group competition that involved whipped cream and cheese puffs, campers listened to a message given by our camp pastor this week, Eric Van Zee. After everyone’s Bibles were put away safely in the cabins, each republic again headed out to compete in a series of messy competitions. They cheered loudly for their republics and encouraged their cabin-mates well. I’m sure we will have even more fun tomorrow!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DAY #1 HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5eygR21VSA&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=1&feature=plcp
-Day 2-
Our first full day of the week was filled with chants, awesome specialty classes, and big smiles from all of our campers. This morning each republic met in their cabins with their counselors for family devotionals. Kids were able to participate in their two specialty classes for the full hour and 45 minutes this morning and this afternoon. The “Making of the Band” specialty began working on their songs, the photography specialty took cool photos, and the visual art specialty created some awesome art! 
Everyone headed down to the low ropes course to tackle some team building activities including the trust fall, spider web, and the elevator escape. Campers had to trust their cabin-mates in order to finish each challenge. During free time, archery, soccer, volleyball, paintball, and many more activities were offered. This afternoon’s group competitions consisted of monsoon volleyball, angle ball, and crab apple whiffle ball. Each republic has been impressively energetic and supportive of their republics during group competitions, cheering as loud as they can! At evening program, kids sang worship songs, competed in a stage game, and listened to Pastor Eric talk about the story of the Prodigal Son. Last but certainly not least, campers brought out their pillows and grabbed popcorn for tonight’s movie: Toy Story 3. They will definitely sleep well tonight!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DAY #2 HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6u3sYVEk6O4&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=1&feature=plcp
-Camper + Staff Interviews-
Lanice | Age 10 | Gallatin, TN
What do you think of Barefoot so far?
“It’s fun. You get to do lots of things: slip n’ slide, drama, dance, songwriting.”
How is your specialty class going?
“Good. We made lots of songs.”
How are you getting along with the girls in your cabin?
“We all get along good. TyTianna and Jamya- I knew them for a long time… they’re like my cousins. And Aurelia is my cousin. Annie’s been like my best friend at Barefoot…and Kate- on my top bunk, and Maggie- she’s so energetic.”
What did you learn today?
“Work as a team- you can’t always do things without a team. Have good communication and don’t scream and yell at each other.”
Richard | Age 11 | Nashville, TN
What made you come back to Barefoot this year?
“All the activities, all the nice counselors, and meeting new friends.”
What has been your favorite part of the week so far?
“Making new friends and being nice to everybody.”
What are you looking forward to the most?
“The food fight and iron man!”
What have you learned this week?
“How to trust God …and about the story of the prodigal son.”
What do you think about the guys in your cabin?
“They’re very nice. They’re really hyper and I like that. We get along well.”
Harley | Age 9 | Scottsville, KY
What do you think about your cabin-mates?
“Well they’re really nice and friendly and nobody is mean at all.”
Have you made any new friends?
“Yes. A lot.”
What has been your favorite thing so far?
“I can’t choose!”
What have you learned so far this week?
“I’ve learned a few verses from the Bible. Teambuilding was really fun. It was hard at some parts. It taught me teamwork.”
Sherrell | Nashville, TN | Counselor in Training
Why did you come back to Barefoot this year?
“To give back to the camp. I’ve been a camper, so I guess it’s time for me to be a volunteer!”
How is God working in your life through being on staff at Barefoot?
“To be honest, it’s really an incredible experience. Just to be around the girls…to hear their points of view. It lets me see that God can push someone even that little deeper.”
What do you hope that the campers get out of camp this week?
“Some of them have trust issues…forgiveness issues- not forgiving others. Hopefully they walk away from Barefoot this week learning how to forgive.”
Davis | Franklin, TN | Counselor in Training
What made you come back to Barefoot this year?
“I felt more involved this year. I was a camper 2 weeks ago and I really loved it, so I said, ‘hey it would be cool to be a counselor!’ So that’s why I’m back.”
What is unique about this camp?
“The diversity for sure. I’ve been to other camps and it’s usually just rich white kids. Here you’ve got Asians, White, Black, yellow, green, red- we’re all the same and it doesn’t matter. The kids- they don’t care.”
What kind of experience are you hoping for the kids to have this week?
“I don’t really care that they know my name, as long as they know Jesus’ name- I feel like it would be a good week… a mission accomplished.”
-Day 3-
Today, campers continued building trust with each other down at the low ropes course. Each group had to work together to lift each other up, over, and through obstacles within the challenges. During free time, some kids played paintball for the very first time, played volleyball, learned a song in making of the band, or splashed down the slip n’ slide. A much anticipated republic competition happened this afternoon: IRON MAN! This huge relay race consisted of several legs: a mental puzzle, soccer goals, archery, running, rock wall climbing, and much more. 
Once every member of the group had finished, the republic was required to build a pyramid, hold it for 10 seconds, and then walk/run across the soccer field to the finish line without unlinking arms. Everyone did their best and played hard. After dinner, republics headed down to evening program. Thomas and Dita Rose led us in worship, kids competed in a stage game, and Pastor Eric talked about God’s love for us. They were able to practice their showcase performances one last time before meeting in the D.C. to show us what they came up with! I’m sure we will see some creative performances tonight! Our last full day of camp is fast approaching, so make sure you check in with us tomorrow!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DAY #3 HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jExsybQ3Th4&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=1&feature=plcp
-Camper + Staff Interviews-
Ethan | Age 10 | Nashville, TN
What was your first impression of Barefoot?
“I thought it was gonna be my favorite camp ever. The kids are nice and there’s really fun activities.”
What are you most excited about?
“Well, I have never camped outside at a camp, and later on tonight I am with the outdoor adventures (specialty).”
What have you learned so far this week?
“I learned a lot of people’s names! …and different ways to have fun and meet friends.”
What do you think about the guys in your cabin?
“I think they’re probably the best kids ever to hang out with. The leaders are super cool. Probably Peter Pan is my favorite. He’s a really fun counselor.”
Nyasunday | Age 9 | Phoenix, AZ
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s really fun. It’s fun to be where everyone is nice to people.”
What are you most excited about doing this week?
“Horseback riding.”
Tell me about the girls in your cabin? Do you get along?
“Sometimes when we have something to do all together they tell us to work together. At first we don’t work together then we finally start working together and get it! At first (during team building) we all would speak at the same time and we couldn’t hear each other. Then they told us to use teamwork- so one at a time each told something and that’s how we did teamwork.”
Kendall | Age 9 | Franklin, TN
What made you come back this year?
“Everything. Everybody’s really nice and I love all the activities.”
Favorite moment so far:
“Probably when I first got here just meeting everybody.”
Tell me about your cabin:
“Well my cabin is cabin #5, and I’m having lots of fun. Everybody is really nice and I’m having a super fun time! I have lots of new friends- pretty much every girl in my cabin I’m already friends with.”
What have you learned this week?
“I learned how to trust people more. I’ve learned that Jesus is always there for you.”
Rick | Maryland | Republic Leader
“I’m just one of the counselors in the cabins with the guys, helping to guide them, helping to protect them, and just nurturing them into becoming young men. I help lead Bible studies and get them hyped up to lead together as a team. I also teach the music production class where we learn about making beats, engineering, sampling, songwriting, and all kids of cool stuff like that.”
“What is unique about Barefoot? What made you come back this year?”
“I think the obvious is the diversity. Definitely even in my community there’s not such a tight-knit group of diverse people. Different church backgrounds… ethnically different. I love the diversity and the opportunity to serve. I love the arts too. I grew up going to sports camps; I never really had the arts side. I like how it’s kind of bringing two things together.”
What is God teaching you through being on staff?
“I think the Lord is definitely teaching me grace and humility. We’re all different- that’s obvious. We have different ways of communicating and our own ideas. But what’s important is first we glorify God, what’s best for the kids, and what’s best for the group. I’m learning to lead in humility. I don’t always have to be heard vocally… sometimes just leading in silence. I’m just trying to walk out what I’m teaching the kids. We are challenged with that as counselors.”
What is your greatest hope for the campers this week?
“Specifically for the young men: many of them do not have fathers in the home… do not have a strong male telling them ‘I love you.’ They do not have a strong male telling them what it means to be a man. My biggest hope is that these young men understand what it means to be a godly man. To be a godly man you need to know God and have a relationship with Him… with Jesus Christ. So ultimately, salvation.”
Mary Kate | Birmingham, AL | Republic Leader
What has been your favorite moment in the past couple weeks?
“My favorite moment so far was probably last week, when I was kneeboarding alongside some of my campers. A spiritual favorite moment would be the lantern ceremony. It’s where all the kids can freely write all their problems, let that go, and let the Lord really take hold of their lives.”
What’s unique about Barefoot?
“God’s Kingdom- It’s a step toward representing it in the fullest. It’s a small step, but it’s taking society and amalgamating everyone. This is what God intended. It’s how it’s supposed to be. It’s diversity, it’s community… this is how we’re supposed to live.”
-Day 4-
This last full day of 3rd-5th Session I has been a blast! After group pictures this morning, each specialty class wrapped up what they were working on in their specialty classes in preparation for tomorrow’s specialty showcase. Parents are invited to come see what their campers have been working on this week. There will be stomp routines performed, songs sung, drama acted out, and more! This afternoon each republic competed in a modified version of our traditional food fight “Braveheart.” Despite the modifications, every competitor (including counselors) was covered in flour, oatmeal water, and colored water. Today our winning republics for the week were announced and rewarded with an ice cream party after dinner. 
During evening program, campers were invited to share what God had done in their lives over this week. For our lantern ceremony, campers wrote down any problem or prayer they had on the side of a paper lantern. Together, everyone walked out to the field to light the lanterns and watch them slowly float upwards. Even more beautiful than the lanterns was the testimony time that followed. It is incredible to see how even young children can recognize God loving them and having a hand in their life. To end the day, everyone enjoyed s’mores beside a big bonfire in celebration.
-Camper + Staff Interviews-
Atticus | Age 7 | Philadelphia, PA
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s really fun. I like how we get to do all the cool things.”
What were you most excited about this week?
“Water sports.”
Tell me about the guys in your cabin:
“We get along well. I have a new friend and he’s really nice.”
What have you learned this week?
“I’ve learned how to play drums.”
How would you convince someone to come to Barefoot?
“I would tell him it’s a Christian camp, it’s really fun, and we get to do slip n’ slides and stuff.”
Hannah Britt | Age 9 | Nashville, TN
What do you think about Barefoot?
“I think it’s really fun and you get to learn a lot of stuff.”
What have you learned this week?
“I’ve learned some dance stuff, drama stuff, and a lot of other stuff. I learned that God loves us and we’re all different but God always thinks that we’re His children.”
How are things in your cabin?
“Well they’re all really nice and I’ve made a lot of friends …and the teachers help you.”
Larry | Age 9 | Atlanta, GA
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s a really good camp. It’s always so fun. The counselors are so active with us.”
What has been your favorite moment from the week?
“I have to say when I was really meeting everybody and we were having fun the first day… and when I first got to do BMX sports.”
Why is it important to have diversity at Barefoot?
“Because if there’s only one different person, and then it’s all one race, then they might pick on him or make fun of him. Here you get to meet new different types of people and not everybody’s the same.”
What have you learned this week?
“I’ve learned about archery- when you shoot your arrow, you tilt your bow to the left. In outdoor adventure I learned how to make a fire.”
What do you think about evening program?
“It’s really cool how he (Pastor Eric) is a fun pastor. He’s fun, and he’s young. He’s not just all serious and talking and talking making me want to fall asleep. He’s been talking about how there’s different kinds of people in the world- they should be together and we need to worship one God.”
Maggie | Age 10 | Nashville, TN
What made you come back to Barefoot this year?
“It’s just an amazing place- all the diversity. You can be hyper and excited anytime you really want to-except, well, you know when counselors are talking. It’s important to listen. It’s an amazing place to be…I’m so excited to be here!”
What has been your favorite moment from this week?
“I wrote this original song called “Reflecting” for camp, specifically. I sang it because we’re thinking of making it part of our showcase tonight. I sang it to my cabin and they all cheered and clapped. It felt really good because everyone liked it. It made me feel really nice.”
What have you learned this week?
“Well, it’s really important to be nice to others. Respect others and respect yourself. We need to act like God does and Jesus does.”
Nathan | Age 11 | Franklin, TN
Marley | Age 9 | Atlanta, GA
How did your friendship begin?
Nathan: “We were sleeping next to each other- our bunks were next to each other.”
Marley: “We kind of started talking and we kind of became friends like that.”
What has been your favorite moment from the week?
Both: “In the Iron Man. We threw the football.”
What are your favorite things about each other?
Nathan: “Well he’s really nice. He’s funny and very friendly.”
Marley: “Well Nathan, he’s a really nice guy and he likes to talk to me and stuff. When I talk to him he listens to me.”
What is most special about your friendship?
Nathan: “We work as a team.”
Marley: “Yeah, we use teamwork a lot.”
Why is diversity important here at Barefoot?
Nathan: “Because if everybody was the same then it would be kind of boring. It’s good to meet new people.”
Marley: “Like he said, if everybody was the same, it would be kind of boring because if everybody looks the same…is doing the same things… then you don’t really have people with different looks and different thoughts.”
Angel | Age 8 | Nashville, TN
Grace | Age 9 | Nashville, TN
How did your friendship begin?
Grace: “We first came here and I thought she was a nice person so I asked her if she wanted to be friends and she said yes.”
Angel: “We were riding on the bus… she’s the best friend I ever had.”
What has been your favorite moment together this week?
Angel: “When we got to play the wet clothes game together.”
Grace: “When we went out to the lake to water ski.”
What are some of your favorite things about each other?
Angel: “She’s nice. What makes her a good friend? She protects me and doesn’t let me get hurt.”
Grace: “Angel talks to me at lunch when nobody else does.”
Michael | Age 10 | Goodlettsville, TN
Reagan | Age 10 | Poughkeepsie, NY
How did your friendship begin?
Michael: “Well at first we met at the bus when we came.”
Reagan: “…and soccer.”
Michael: “Yeah and soccer. We were waiting for the bus and everybody was thirsty and then we started to talk on the bus. We got in the same cabin.”
What do you have in common?
Reagan: “We like the same foods!”
Michael: “We like air hockey… and paintball!”
What are some of your favorite things about each other?
Reagan: “Well Michael likes the same things that I like.”
Michael: “He’s trusting. He’s funny… and he never ever, ever, ever, ever, gets tired.”
Why is diversity important?
Michael: “So that people that are different can come together.”
Heather | Age 10 | Franklin, TN
Faith | Age 10 | Atlanta, GA
How did your friendship begin?
Heather: “When we just came in the cabin and figured out that we were both on top bunks, we started talking about things like what we had in common. We had a lot of things in common and then we just became friends.”
Faith: “Then we would sit by each other all the time. We would pass notes at night talking about what we were gonna do in the morning…”
What do you have in common?
Faith: “We both like to write music.”
Heather: “Dance.”
Faith: “Yeah we both like to dance. We both love each other.”
Why is diversity important?
Faith: “So everybody can make friends no matter what skin color, height, or weight.”
Heather: “God loves us. Everybody can come no matter the color of skin or anything else- they can just come in and be friends.”
Jared | Nashville, TN | Assistant Facilities Director
What makes you come back to Barefoot every year?
“Service… getting back into the spirit of serving is good. It’s something I try to maintain year round, but coming to Barefoot every year definitely helps boost that. No matter what role you’re in, you’re serving and you’re making sacrifices to do so. It’s always a good motivator to come back every summer and be right there in the thick of it.”
What has been your favorite moment from the week?
“I really liked the drive-in movie. I remember looking out and thinking, ‘man there’s a lot of kids- all of them different colors, different sizes- and they’re all just sitting here watching Toy Story.’ Of all the things to bring people together…Toy Story.”
What is God teaching you personally through being on staff this summer?
“It sounds cliché, but patience. I’ve been real short-tempered this summer. I’m still working on it; the smallest things can aggravate me sometimes, and I’m trying to tone that down. I feel like God puts me in an environment like Barefoot, where you have to be flexible and patient, so that I have to lean on Him.”
Maggie | Pennsylvania | Counselor
What has been your favorite moment this week?
“I guess my favorite moment from any week is when the girls start to open up to us. This week it happened like the first night. They were all like in tears. They just opened up and trusted us.”
What is God teaching you this week?
“This week He’s teaching me patience. These kids are young and I didn’t realize how much patience it requires.”
What is unique about Barefoot Republic Camp?
“I think Barefoot makes the girls feel uncomfortable sometimes in situations such as the line that we do (right foot left foot line) and having to do things that they’re not usually doing, like the showcase. I know that in my life, the times when I’ve been uncomfortable have been the best, most rewarding times.”
-Day 5-
This morning’s showcase was awesome! Some parents and siblings were able to make it out to watch the awards ceremony and specialty performances. Dancers danced, singers sang, actors acted, athletes were awarded for winning contests, and stompers stomped. It was great to see the fruit of all the work the campers had put into their specialty classes this week.
We had “cardboard testimonies” as well this morning. Campers each had a piece of cardboard with a “before” side and an “after” side. They presented these on stage; some of the responses went from “no friends” to “friends,” “sad” to “joyful,” and “not trusting God” to “trusting God.” It was so encouraging to see these brief testimonies from 8, 9, 10, and 11 year olds. This has been such a blessed week! We are hoping to see many familiar faces from this week next summer!
