-Day 1-
The week has started and the fun has begun! Campers arrived this afternoon with lots of luggage, smiles, and excitement. Each republic met in their cabin to come up with a name and chant to represent their group. Next was our all-camp meeting, where campers got a chance to learn cheers, meet the leadership staff, present their chants, and hear the camp rules. Today, campers were able to preview both of their specialty classes to get a taste of what they would be learning throughout this week. With awesome classes like basketball, drama, stomp, music production, and soccer, our campers are sure to stay busy! After dinner, everyone headed down to the amphitheater for evening program. We sang some great worship songs, gave out daily awards, played a stage game, and listened to our camp speaker, Jess, give her message on Proverbs 27:19. Each republic had a little time to reflect on what they had heard and discuss it as a group. Our last event for the evening was messy games. Inspired by the Olympics this year, our relays contained wet clothes, dizzy bats, and more! The campers will sleep well tonight!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DAY #1 HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zOFWWQyjMU&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=1&feature=plcp
-Day 2-
The campers learned how to work as a team and are having a blast today! After some fun, upbeat worship this morning, campers and staff participated in 10 minutes of silence to pray or read the Bible. Next was family devotionals, where each republic gathered in the cabin to study God’s Word and continue to bond as a group. The low ropes course was our next destination, with challenges including the spider web, the mohawk walk, and the whale watch. These stations tested each republic’s ability to work as a team and trust each other. 
The campers learned some valuable lessons about communication, patience, and leadership. Today was our first full day of specialty classes; we are excited to see the campers grow this week in soccer, outdoor adventure, extreme sports, visual arts, and more! Our group competition had two parts today: angle ball and crab apple derby. The campers are doing a great job encouraging and cheering on their friends! The choices for today’s free time activities included archery, water sports, basketball, paintball, and even a film elective. After dinner came evening program, where representatives from each republic competed in a stage game. Whoever got the most cotton balls in the bowl by only using their vaseline-covered nose won! Our camp speaker, Jess Hansen, continued speaking to the campers about the importance of the heart after we worshiped and heard a testimony from one of our republic leaders. To cap the day off, campers will get to enjoy sno-cones, popcorn, and a movie outside!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DAY #2 HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8mgxNAU1os&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=1&feature=plcp
-Camper + Staff Interviews-
Kalpana | Age 11 | Nepal
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s good. You get to hang out with friends and make new friends.”
What is your favorite part of camp?
“All of it. I want to ride the boat on the lake.”
What did you learn during team building today?
“I learned how to trust friends, communicate, and help people.”
Have you learned anything about God yet this week?
“Yeah I did. I learned God will be in your heart. God loves us.”
How is your republic getting along?
“They are so cool. It’s amazing…all the other countries people came here from and making friends- it’s amazing. We can learn other people’s culture.”
Daniel | Age 9 | Oak Hill, TN
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s awesome. Last night we did the races, which was really fun. All my cabin mates are really awesome.”
What are you looking forward to?
“Paintball and the competitions tonight.”
What have you learned about team building today?
“We did really good in teamwork today. We helped each other at the spider web challenge at the low ropes course and figured out how to get everyone on a 3×3 board. We would stop and give everyone a chance to share their ideas and see which one worked the best. One person on our team would always want to go first and we had to talk it out.”
Jadyn | Age 10 | Franklin, TN
What makes you come back to camp every year?
“I get to have fun while learning about Christ. I’m surrounded by people who make it fun to learn about Christ. They’re kind. It’s just fun to come back every year and experience new stuff.”
How has Barefoot changed your life?
“My first year, I wasn’t really comfortable. I didn’t know how to react to the setting as a camper. But as it went on, I confessed my heart to God the second year I came. God just changes your heart and the people here talk to you and help you through it and it’s really fun. This is my third year as a camper.”
What has been your favorite moment from the week so far?
“Worship. I really like worship. It’s fun. We sing a lot of really cool songs.”
How is your cabin getting along?
“It’s really cool how even though it’s the second day, we’ve already made friends. We cooperate really well together and work together really well.”
Aalijah | Age 9 | New York
Why did you come back to camp this year?
“Because it was awesome… all the songs and the chants.”
What have you learned at Barefoot?
“As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the man.” (2012 theme verse)
What has been your favorite part of the week?
“Playing football.”
What did you learn at team building today?
“It’s hard if you don’t work together but it’s kind of easy if you talk it through and communicate. Say their name instead of ‘hey you.’”
What are you looking forward to?
“Braveheart, because it’s messy.”
Mae | Age 8 | Seattle
How do you like Barefoot so far?
“I think I’ve had a really awesome experience even though I’m going to have more fun in the future here because I have like three more days. I’m really excited about it and I hope that I can come back next year.”
How is your cabin getting along?
“A lot of the people are really nice but some have a hard time following directions…but they’ll get it by the end of the week.”
What did you learn during team building?
“We learned that it takes teamwork to do everything, pretty much. You need teamwork to build a house, you need teamwork to balance, and you also need teamwork in getting along in a cabin with 14 other girls.”
Why is diversity cool?
“I think that it’s really fun because we get to meet different people from different countries or states.”
Donna | Franklin, TN | Camp Nurse
What makes you come back to Barefoot every year?
“The atmosphere, the campers, and the fact that they come from different areas. I like how things work here and the movement of God and the Holy Spirit. I like to see all the different kids come and respond to each other the first day; I like to see by Wednesday how they’re really getting along with each other. By Thursday or Friday night- how God really works within them as a group. They bring a lot of stuff with them to camp but they leave it here. Not only do they leave it here, they gain a whole bunch of love from God and love from strangers who will become their friends and who understand them- from high school even down to elementary. I love that process. I love to be where God is present. Where God is working, that’s where I want to be. In the presence of God there is joy.”
What has been one of your favorite moments from camp?
“My theme is reconciliation- among the campers. There were two girls last week who were fighting. They were adamant. They were not going to make up. On Friday, at evening program, they hugged each other, ate together (after they said they wouldn’t do it) so I did one of those high-five-click-your-feet jumps. I didn’t think I had the ability to do that. That was one of my highlights. I also love the horses and how beautiful they are… how the kids warm up to them- those that were afraid. It was nice to get to know the animals and help the kids out.”
Matt | Trenton, IL | Facilities Director
What has been one of your favorite moments from camp?
“Getting to know the staff closer and to see the kids really develop through some of the lessons I’ve taught at paintball and other activities.”
What has God been teaching you at Barefoot?
“God has shown me that reliance on Him and patience is key. Isolation is something not to be desired. You need community and teamwork to get the job done.”
Why is Barefoot special?
“The most special thing about Barefoot is the Barefoot family. Everyone comes together and works together, no matter what race or color. We all just bond and unite for the one mission that we have together.”
What do you hope the kids walk away with this week?
“That they fully know the depth of how much Jesus loves them and how much we all need each other to make it in this life.”
-Day 3-
Today’s activities included more team building, more awesome specialty classes, and one of our most highly anticipated events. The morning began with breakfast, worship, and 10 minutes of silence. Specialty classes came next; campers are hard at work preparing projects and performances for Saturday’s student showcase. During free time, campers participated in slip n’ slide, water sports, the skate park, and much more! Next came the highly anticipated event, IRON MAN! This huge relay tests each republic’s ability to work together to accomplish many tasks and finish as a team. Some of the events were volleyball, rock climbing, flag painting, and the dizzy bat. 
The republic to cross the soccer field to the finish banner first, without unlinking their arms, won the competition. The campers worked hard, made sacrifices for the team, and encouraged the other republics. After a brief awards ceremony, campers headed to the cafeteria for a quesadilla dinner. Daily awards were handed out to campers who had shown a selfless, respectful, or helpful spirit throughout today. Next came evening program, where we worshiped and listened to our camp speaker. It is encouraging to see the campers begin to bond together through worship! To end the night, we have one more competition in store: republic showcase! The campers have been working on their showcases a little bit each day, aiming to have the skit, song, or dance that best represents the mission of Barefoot and this year’s theme, Reflections. We are excited to see what they have created!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DAY #3 HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb1xWlDwzc8&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=2&feature=plcp
-Camper + Staff Interviews-
Sudarson | Age 11 | Nepal
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s good. I’ve done water sports and soccer. We played on a tube and boat.”
What do you like about evening program?
“It’s a good thing to have all the people there and dance.”
What have you learned about team building?
“We say ‘one people talk and the others have to listen,’ and we found what worked.”
Why do you love Barefoot?
“Because it’s fun and they have good things.”
Carey Mae | Age 9 | Nashville, TN
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“I love it. It’s really fun. You get the breeze in your hair and you get to make new friends.”
What has been one of your favorite moments from the week so far?
“Everything, pretty much. Outdoor adventure. Last night we all went camping out in the wilderness.”
What have you learned about teamwork?
“You should always have someone helping you, like a partner. If you need help, you’ll always have help right next to you. You shouldn’t be alone.”
What have you learned about God?
“That He doesn’t think you’re pretty on the outside; He thinks you’re pretty on the inside.”
Why is diversity cool?
“You get to make new friends and come together.”
“You should come to Barefoot because it’s lots of fun and you get to meet new people. You might not be interested in being friends with them at first but then you see that they’re really nice.”
Cal | Age 9 | Nashville, TN
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s cool. It’s awesome. A lot of my friends are here, so I’m having a good time.”
How is your republic getting along and working as a team?
“We’re getting along pretty well. You all have to communicate. Let other people talk.”
What are you looking forward to?
“Water sports.”
What have you learned this week?
“Do the best you can. Go hard, be hype, and listen.”
What have you learned about during family devotional time?
“Forgiveness. Forgive everyone.”
Isabella | Age 11 | Columbia, TN
What makes you come back to camp every summer?
“I love meeting the new people that come.”
What has been your favorite moment from this week?
“Team building. I’ve learned to work together with the people in my cabin.”
Why is diversity cool?
“It’s good to have a lot of different people here, so that you can get to know them and get to be friends with them.”
How has Barefoot changed your life?
“It really has changed my life. I’ve gotten closer to Christ. I’ve learned that God accepts us all, even if we’re different from everyone else.”
What have you learned during family devotional time?
“We should accept everyone’s ideas and be patient.”
Sam | Age 9 | Nashville, TN
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s really fun. At my old camp there were only like a few activities but this has like everything, like paintball and soccer.”
What have you learned this week?
“When you accept God, He comes into your heart.”
What have you learned from team building?
“I learned to use teamwork. We let everyone share an idea and we could vote which one is the best.”
What are you looking forward to?
“Well I just signed up a few minutes ago for paintball!”
Why is Barefoot special?
“Because it has people from all over the world, like Nepal.”
What have you talked about during family devotional time?
“We did this little skit. Rick, our counselor, he reads the Bible and then a certain group of people will act it out.”
Iya | Age 11 | Cairo, Egypt
What makes you come back to camp every year?
“The fun…like horseback riding.”
What has been one of your favorite moments from this week?
“When we have praise and worship.”
What did you learn during team building?
“That we all can work together. We should talk to each other the right way and use kind words.”
How has Barefoot changed your life?
“I used to always be mean to people. Now I’m really nice and I care about people.”
What are your leaders like?
“Amanda is really fun, Morgan is really nice, and we play games with Marsena.”
Dolan | Age 11 | Franklin, TN
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s really great…all the stuff you do…my favorite is probably the skate park. You can get a bike and just ride around. It’s awesome.”
What have you learned this week?
“There’s a lot of stuff I’ve learned. My favorite is probably when we learned about the heart and why it’s the most important. When you accept God, that’s where He goes- into your heart. That means you are saved.”
What are you looking forward to?
“I really want to do water sports.”
Why is diversity cool?
“You get to make new friends.”
Broderick | Age 10 | Georgia
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s amazing. You can do everything. I played paintball and basketball. I’m about to do archery. I am having a good time.”
What have you learned during the team building exercises?
“It’s good. We’re having teamwork. We need to stick together and learn more about each other so we can work together better.”
What else have you learned this week?
“God is always on your side and He will forgive you no matter what.”
Why is diversity cool?
“Then we can experience more things about different people and we can just have a great time with other people that we don’t know.”
Amanda | South Carolina | Counselor
Tell me about your experience this summer:
“It was definitely not what I was expecting. It takes a lot out of you emotionally I think, but by the end of the week you’re so excited and happy that you did it. It helped me grow better as a person; it helped me grow a lot closer to Christ. It’s helped me definitely learn to trust in Him. It’s a great feeling knowing that He’s chosen you to be one of His vessels to help spread His Word and the Gospel. It’s an amazing feeling. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I love it.”
What has been one of your favorite moments from this summer?
“All the diversity. I’ve had girls from a lot of different places. I’ve never seen kids from Egypt, Nepal, Puerto Rico, the Congo, Sudan…so many different places. I’ve learned different phrases in different languages and I’ve gotten to watch girls who barely speak any English speaking with girls who can speak English- just the way that they interact and have been making friends with each other is just amazing.”
What do you hope your girls walk away with this week?
“Accepting and loving others who are different than them, and learning to forgive others.”
Nate | Nashville, TN | Counselor
Why do you come back to Barefoot every summer?
“Because I love to put God’s Word into kid’s hearts.”
What do you hope your guys walk away with this week?
“Just working as a team and learning that everybody’s your brother and sister.”
What has been on of your favorite moments from the week?
“To see my guys knuckle down, without me even having to ask them, and to work as a team.”
What has God been teaching you this summer?
“To just have patience. You’re going to have your trials and tribulations but if you have your faith in Him, He’ll get you through it.”
What is your favorite part about serving at Barefoot?
“The kids. That’s the only reason I come back: to help the kids. I want to help those like me, who have had to struggle in the past…to help them get closer to God.”
Kate | Cullman, AL | Camp Videographer
What stands out about Barefoot?
“The diversity aspect definitely stands out to me, especially since I’m from Cullman, Alabama because we’re primarily white. I think emphasizing diversity is really special because nobody else does that.”
How has God worked in your life through being on staff this summer?
“I grew up a Christian and I’ve had my ups and downs with God. Before I came to Barefoot, my faith was really weak and I was just very doubtful. The first two weeks that I was here were very emotionally intense for me because God really just grabbed me and tried to put me back on my feet. I think what I realized is that everybody has baggage and we can’t fix ourselves before we come to God. God fixes those things for us. Each week since the very first week I’ve grown closer to God and my faith has become so much stronger. I really see God here at this camp.”
What has been one of your favorite moments from the summer?
“My favorite moment from the whole summer was the camper testimonies from the first week because it was really intimate and emotional. I felt really close to all the staff and campers.”
What brings you the most joy at camp?
“Being in a community of Christians who are on fire about God. It helps me in my walk with God and brings me closer to God. I know it brings everyone else closer to God too. Being around other Christians who might not be at the same place in their walk with God but are here for the same reason I am, and that’s to worship God.”
What would you say to prospective staff for next summer?
“You’re going to make a lot of friends here. I just think this camp is unique because we do focus on diversity. If you come here you’re going to have a great experience and it’s not going to be like anything you’ve ever done.”
-Day 4-
We are wrapping up our last full day of Barefoot; it is a bittersweet day. Today everyone got into their camp t-shirts to take republic and group photos outside. Our specialty classes finished up today; many of the classes put finishing touches on their performances for tomorrow. Parents and siblings are encouraged to come and watch the student showcase tomorrow morning if possible! The campers have been working hard and learning a lot. This afternoon, our most highly anticipated competition took place: BRAVEHEART. This epic food fight tests each republic’s devotion their cabin-mates and counselors. The republic to protect their leaders the best and keep them the cleanest won! After everyone was showered off, we ate a delicious spaghetti dinner. 
Evening program was held inside tonight due to rain, but tonight’s program was very special. Campers were invited to accept Jesus into their hearts if they felt led; many heads were bowed in prayer. Campers really bonded together as the night got emotional. Our reflection time was inspired by the movie “Tangled.” Campers wrote down things that they wanted to tell God, ask God for help with, or thank Him for on the sides of big paper lanterns. Next, we all went out to the field to light our lanterns and watch our prayers float up towards Heaven. It was beautiful. The night’s finale consisted of a dance party and s’mores. They will sleep well tonight!
-Friendship Interviews-
Jitan | Age 11 | Nepal
Keshawn | Age 10 | Nashville, TN
How did your friendship begin?
Keshawn: “When I got into the cabin, I saw all these other people acting crazy but him. He was just sitting on his bed being patient and wanting to hear the instructions. I realized that he was mature enough to control himself and then I talked to him and became friends with him.”
Jiten: “He just came by my bed and we started talking and playing.”
What do you like about each other?
Keshawn: “He’s very funny and mature.”
Jiten: “He’s funny and he always plays around with me.”
What has been one of your favorite moments from the week together?
Jitan: “Iron Man. It’s fun. Keshawn’s funny and he’s a good friend.”
Keshawn: (rapping) “In the cabin cuz’ we play… we play all day ‘til we get tired and lay in the bed…yeah!…don’t delay or I’ll say…I roll with Jitan…he looks like chan but he’s really a man.”
Lilly | Age 9 | Nashville, TN
Jadyn | Age 10 | Franklin, TN
How did your friendship begin?
Lilly: “Well, it didn’t start too long ago. We sat next to each other at lunch and we just got to know each other.”
Jadyn: “And when she first came in the cabin, I helped her set up her bed.”
What do you like about each other?
Lilly: “Well she’s always just so nice and outgoing. She’s always so excited about everything.”
Jadyn: “We like the same types of things, like soccer and hiking.”
What has been one of your favorite moments from the week together?
Jadyn: “Mine would be worship.”
Lilly: “Yeah, I’d have to say worship too. We like the dancing along.”
Rocco | Age 10 | Franklin, TN
Aalijah | Age 9 | New York
How did you friendship begin?
Aalijah: “Well, me and Rocco met here. He was one of the first to come and greet me. That’s how we met.”
Rocco: “Yeah we were in the same cabin.”
What do you like about each other?
Rocco: “He’s athletic and he’s nice.”
Aalijah: “He hype when he’s supposed to be and he can go to sleep when he’s supposed to.”
What was one of your favorite moments from the week together?
Aalijah: “The movie.”
Rocco: “Yeah we were together to watch the movie.”
Jasmine | Age 9 | Nashville, TN
Susma | Age 12 | Nepal
How did you friendship begin?
Jasmine: “I met Susma in my cabin. I has started saying her name wrong and she said ‘my name’s Susma’ and I said ‘do you want to be my friend?’ And now she’s my friend.”
Susma: “She say to me ‘do you want to be my friend’ and I say ‘yes,’ so now I am her friend.”
What do you like about each other?
Susma: “She’s fun.”
Jasmine: “She tells me her language and she’s nice.”
What has been one of your favorite moments from the week together?
Jasmine: “Horseback riding.”
Susma: “Water sports.”
What have you learned about team work this week?
Jasmine: “That you have to work at the same pace and be nice to each other.”
Susma: “We have to trust each other.”
Arjun | Age 10 | Nepal
Jude | Age 10 | Franklin, TN
How did your friendship begin?
Jude: “Well, we were in the cabin and we just talked to each other and became friends.”
Arjun: “When I first met him, I didn’t know who he was, but when I started to know him better I became friends with him.”
What do you like about each other?
Jude: “He’s nice and very friendly and kind.”
Arjun: “He’s nice and friendly and kind.”
What is one of your favorite moments together from the week?
Jude: “Probably Iron Man. It’s fun to do a relay race. Never give up.”
Arjun: “The spider web was my favorite part.”
Katelyn | Age 10 | Nashville, TN
Rebecca | Age 10 | Egypt
Rebecca: “We met in the cabin.”
Katelyn: “I had to move my bunk bed because somebody wanted to sleep there and so I moved above one of her friends. She was down there doing face paint. I said ‘hi can I join?’ and she said ‘sure!’”
What do you like about each other?
Katelyn: “She’s nice and she’s got cool hair…and it falls out sometimes.”
What has been one of your favorite moments from the week together?
Katelyn: “Just talking and playing.”
Rebecca: “The video we made.”
Katelyn: (to Rebecca) “I love you!”
Rebecca: (to Katelyn) “I love you too!”
Ricky | Birmingham, AL | Republic Leader
What has been one of your favorite moments from this summer?
“The first time we won Iron Man. It was like the monkey-off-the-back experience, so to speak. It was something that was a long time coming; we had a lot of second place finishes in the Iron Man and then we finally won it during the first 3rd-5th grade session. That was really exciting.”
What do you hope your campers walk away with this week?
“I just hope they walk away with some tangible things they can take back, as far as being ambassadors for Christ. We talked about that in our family devotionals, just being lights in their respective schools as they go on to the next level.”
What do you feel that God has taught you personally this summer?
“He’s been teaching me patience, definitely. I was kind of thinking about myself after graduation. I came here, expecting to go with the flow, go through the motions. But I’ve been learning how to be patient, especially with the 3rd-5th grade groups. You have to tell them stuff over and over, over and over, over and over…”
What makes Barefoot special?
“Just it’s overall mission- to reach all different types of people. Also, just how humble they are.”
What has been your favorite part of the summer?
“Teaching guys to play basketball and meeting different kids in my cabin. There’s over 100 kids that I’ve hopefully reached or affected.”
Elysia | Texas | Support Staff
What made you want to come back to camp this summer?
“The community that is here.”
What has been one of your favorite moments from camp?
“Last week, on Friday night when they do the testimonies, it was really nice to see kids accepting Christ in their lives. This week, it was really good to see old staff from last summer.”
How has Barefoot affected you personally?
“It has made me realize that I need more community in my life and that I need to be in a positive environment. Barefoot is a very positive environment.”
What makes Barefoot special?
“It’s like one big family…and everyone is accepted into that family.”
-Day 5-
Our summer at Barefoot has come to a close; it has been an awesome, successful summer and we are sad to see it end! This morning we held our last student showcase. This year, we have been doing something called “cardboard testimonies.” These are a powerful way to see the transformation in campers throughout the week; campers hold a “before” side and then flip it to reveal the “after” side. It was encouraging to see campers go from “shy” to confident,” “bored” to “having fun,” and more. Parents and siblings came out to watch their campers participated in stomp, music, drama, and dance performances. Our camp programming director and camp director awarded weekly awards to campers who exemplified Christ-like qualities. We are so proud of our campers. Everyone then met in the D.C. to hear about visual arts, film, and photography. We also watched the weekly video (link below), created by our awesome video intern, Kate. Campers packed up their bags and headed back home. Hopefully we will see many of those familiar faces at camp next year! We are so thankful to God for blessing this week as well as the whole summer. Hundreds of campers have been impacted in these last seven weeks and we pray that Barefoot Republic Camp will be able to continue being a place that declares God’s love to all people, no matter what size, color, age, or background. God is good!
WATCH THE WEEKLY VIDEO HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9X9dMV3wFE&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=1&feature=plcp
