Day 6
This morning many parents and friends came to show support for their campers during the highly anticipated specialty showcase. We handed out weekly awards and returning camper/staff awards. We started off the youth productions with the making of the band specialty, who rocked the house! They were followed by basketball, film, drama, stomp, and much more. The campers all did a great job and we enjoyed seeing the diverse talents of all the students.
Although it is sad to see this wonderful week come to an end, many good memories were made and we hope to see many familiar faces next summer!
Day 5
We started off the day right with a good hearty breakfast and some morning praise and worship led by Thomas and Dita Rose. Then, with camp shirts and smiles on, we took republic photos and a huge “all-camp” photo. Campers participated in the last full day of specialty classes, learning more about their specialties and preparing for tomorrow’s specialty showcase. This afternoon, Barefoot’s biggest event of the week happened right outside the paintball field: BRAVEHEART.
Braveheart is a huge food fight between all six republics. The goal is to protect the counselors from the flying cheese sauce, flour, noodles, and tomato sauce being chucked by other republics. Whoever finishes with the cleanest counselors wins!After everyone was hosed off and fed dinner, we headed down to the amphitheater for a very special final night. After praise and worship, each republic was given a couple of big paper lanterns. They were encouraged to write down prayer requests or praises on the lanterns. Inspired by the movie “Tangled,” everyone joined together in the field to light the lanterns and watch them float off into the night sky; it was a powerful symbol of our prayers “going up” to Heaven. After sharing some incredible testimonies at the amphitheatre and making s’mores over a big bonfire, campers headed to bed. It’s been a good last day and we are excited about the showcase in the morning!
~Camper/Staff Interviews~
Aaliyah | Birmingham, AL | Age 13
Maddi | Franklin, TN | Age 14
(Aaliyah) “Me and Maddi have been friends – well, sisters – since last year at Barefoot during the last session on junior high.”
(Maddi ) “We kept in touch for the whole year- we usually texted about every day and talked about once a week.”
(Aaliyah) “We had to make sure this year that we were gonna be at camp the exact same week.”
Name something special about your friend:
(Maddi) “Aaliyah’s probably the sweetest person I know. She’s so happy all the time and she can never put anyone down. She’s just a sweetheart.”
(Aaliyah) “She’s so nice all the time and she’s like me – she talks a lot! I love to talk. I can talk to her about anything.”
Derean | Birmingham, AL | Age 17
Tomaz | Nashville, TN | Age 17
Why did you come back to camp this year?
(Tomaz) “I love it here.”
(Derean) “Yeah I miss camp. I miss everyone and meeting different people.”
Why is the diversity so important here?
(Tomaz) “Because it gives people a chance from different races and different places to all come together and rely on and connect with each other.”
How do you feel like your relationship with God is strengthened through Barefoot?
(Tomaz) “When they speak, I feel like they’re speaking to me because it really touches my heart and I love learning about God. That’s why I love this camp so much.”
What has been your favorite thing so far this week?
(Derean) ”So far, team building, because it helps you trust your teammates.”
Kylie | Nashville, TN | Crewmember
What’s special or unique about Barefoot?
“One thing I love that Barefoot Republic stands out in – they’re able to evangelize the lost children who might not know about Jesus Christ to where they want to have a better relationship with Jesus Christ and to understand their purpose in life that God has for them. It gives those with diverse backgrounds and cultures the ability to come together as one- to create unity and team-building skills through organizational planning to help facilitate and direct whatever they need to become positive citizens.”
A favorite memory from this week?
“Seeing the smiling faces on the kids and the fact that they’re participating in group activities, seeing how well they can come together as one, and help to be supportive to one another. Everybody has different backgrounds and different issues. Just hearing group discussions… just the love that’s being shared throughout this week from one another to help encourage someone and uplift someone… When they’re feeling down and out like there’s no hope, it’s me sensing that they will provide – it’s just something that’s really beautiful, something that’s really enjoyable to see.”
Day 4
For team building today the campers and staff did a very powerful exercise called the “right foot left foot line.” The point of this exercise was to illustrate our diverse backgrounds through a series of questions about the circumstances in which we grew up. It was an eye-opening experience for many and it brought all us of together as one. Campers continued learning in their two specialty classes today; we are all excited to see what they have in store for us on Saturday! 
One of our biggest events of the week also happened today: IRON MAN. This is an epic, 17-leg race across the entire 110-acre property that tested the strength of the campers both mentally and physically. The victors have bragging rights for a year. After Iron Man we enjoyed some praise and worship led by Thomas and Dita Rose and listened to pastor Sherman speak. Right now we are wrapping up the republic showcase. Each republic is competing to see who has the most entertaining, funny, creative, and theme-based presentation of all. So far, so good! It has been a great day and we are all excited about the fun that tomorrow will hold!
~Camper/Staff Interviews~
ReRe | Nashville, TN | Age 17
Merina | Charleston, SC | Age 17
What’s one special thing about your new friend?
(ReRe) “That no matter what anybody say about her she’ll find a way to help someone.”
(Merina) “She can cheer anyone up!”
Do you have a favorite memory from the week so far?
(ReRe) “One of my favorites was when we were playing capture the flag and Merina was running everywhere. I thought that was very funny. She got everybody free.”
What do you think about the diversity here at Barefoot?
(ReRe) “It’s like somebody’s favorite ice cream. That person is gonna get tired of their favorite ice cream- so if they’re diverse they’re gonna have sherbert, they’re gonna have vanilla, a little chocolate, and some dark chocolate for the healthy people.”
(Merina) “If everyone were the same it would be boring!”
What’s one thing that you and Merina have in common?
(ReRe) “We both like to laugh! We both are helpful. We both like to dance.”
(ReRe) “For Merina, I let her wear one of my favorite shirts. I probably wouldn’t let anyone else wear it. I let her wear it because they were talking about how small her shirt was and that really irritated me. So I brought her all the way down here and told her to put on that shirt and trust me, don’t she look pretty?”
William | Dixon, TN | Age 16
Chol | Sudan | Age 15
How did you two meet?
(Chol) “When we went down to worship God, I started feeling good and started feeling happy and tears came out. William was right beside me to help me out with the things I felt. I thank him very much for that.”
What is something special or unique about your new friend?
(Chol) “He’s an outspoken leader and can show by actions and words.”
(William) “He’s very athletic and he doesn’t let anything that bothers him get to him- he goes through it.”
What do you two have in common?
(Both) “We both like sports- we’re both competitive.”
What do you think about the diversity at this camp?
(Chol) “You get to meet people other than you so you get to step out of your comfort zone. It’s good and fun to meet other people and know something about them and how God created everybody different.”
(Chol) “He’s like the closest friend I got at this camp and I trust him with anything- and Barefoot’s the best camp I ever had.”
(William) “Barefoot’s been the best camp I’ve ever been to- it’s the first camp I’ve ever been to. Chol is a very good friend, I trust him with anything I tell him and that’s the way it’s going to be.”
Scott | Nashville, TN | Camp Director
What do you think about your week so far here at Barefoot?
“My week so far here has been awesome. It’s been very different than what I thought it was going to be like. It’s been both unbelievably rewarding and stretching in a lot of different ways. With my job, I kind of walked into a situation I wasn’t really sure about so it’s just been a great time of exploration into being really flexible and taking control at the same time. I’ve been afforded a lot of grace, which I’m really thankful for – but I’ve also been given a lot of freedom to do some new things and to do it my way. I’ve really enjoyed working with the whole staff and working with the kids. I think the relationships with the kids… I didn’t bargain for that they would become this close this quick…in terms of kids just responding to me and kids who don’t look like me or act like me being very open about being friends, talking, and being together. I’ve really appreciated that a lot. It surprised me.”
What do you think is unique about Barefoot?
“I was a ‘camp kid’ my whole life and went to camp with a lot of kids who looked exactly like me- it was a great experience for me both physically and spiritually, and I look back on my own camp times with a lot of love for them. But barefoot throws in a whole different perspective… I think a more complete perspective, especially in terms of our faith and how God calls us to love people. When you see a staff that loves on each other like this one does and then encourages the kids to, it just adds a whole different dimension and really rounds out our faith. Often times, I think camps do a great job of talking about how God loves us but then maybe doesn’t do a good job of encouraging kids to go love other people because of how Jesus loved us first. And this one does that phenomenally well. It’s pretty cool to be a part of that.”
Day 3
Today has been a fun day, jam-packed with exciting activities! Once again, campers were participated in their two specialty classes, most of which are preparing for the specialty showcase on Saturday morning. Campers headed down to the low ropes course again today to complete some new team-building activities. They conquered challenges like the “Trust Fall” and the “Wild Woozy.” 
Right after dinner we played “Survivor”- a relay involving Dixie cups filled with a variety of gross foods such as sardines, Spam, and soy sauce. Whichever republic consumed all of the foods first, won the relay. During evening program we had a “Lion King-esque” welcome for our camp barn cat, Moses. This all was followed by some great praise and worship, a movie, and popcorn. Tomorrow’s activities are highly anticipated!
~Camper/Staff Interviews~
Miya | Nashville, TN | Age 15
Why do you think that diversity is important at Barefoot?
“Because you get to meet different people and learn different background stories. It’s a good way for people to get used to things they’re not used to. It’s just a good mixture so everyone gets to know each other.”
Do you feel like your relationship with God has gotten stronger at Barefoot?
“Absolutely- seeing kids my age and much younger lift their hands in worship is really inspiring to me. He really does come out and touch everybody. Seeing that touches me. I’ve been able to write in my journal every night with Him. My mindset’s completely different. It’s just full cleansing.”
Austin | Nashville, TN | Age 15
What do you think about your week here at Barefoot so far?
“Loved it so far- great bonding experience for all the guys you meet in your cabin- you get to know each other a lot better.”
Why do you think that diversity is important here at Barefoot?
“So you can see where other people are coming from- your background verses their background- just compare your lives.”
Do you feel like your relationship with God is strengthened at Barefoot?
“Absolutely. We have times downstairs in our groups when we read the gospel, pray, and discuss what’s going on in our lives.”
Alis | Puerto Rico | Counselor
What do you think about your experience at Barefoot so far this summer?
“My summer at Barefoot so far has been great. I’ve loved the children-interacting with them and reaching them to God. It’s just been a fun experience and I want to come back and learn some more from them.”
Why is the diversity at Barefoot so important?
“It’s very important because Barefoot is bringing different people across the world to be together. It’s not just about one race or one culture. They want to bring different people together to be united as one.”
How have you grown personally through being on staff at Barefoot this summer?
“I think that I learn a lot from the children. I’ve learned how to be patient – how to take time for myself. The children have taught me a lot by seeing them worship- the love that they have for God just made me want to have more.”
Day 2
We started the day off bright and early with a few solid rounds of our “Good Morning” cheer. Thomas and Dita Rose led us in some wonderful morning praise and worship after breakfast. Today, campers were able to experience both of their specialty classes in full; some began work on art projects, songs to perform, or basketball drills. We all met at the low ropes course for some awesome team building challenges. These activities forced each republic to rely on all of its members to complete each challenge. Campers learned to trust each other and successfully conquered “the wall,” “the spider web, “the Mohawk walk,” and more.
This afternoon campers were able to pick free time activities such as canoeing, paintball, slip-n-slide, and (new this summer) swing dancing. After dinner everyone met at Sparrow Amphitheatre for evening program. We praised God, played a silly game, and listened to pastor Sherman speak. Afterwards, the campers were able to have a trail mix snack before their big game of capture the flag. Everyone played hard and had a good time. It was a great way to end the day!
~Camper/Staff Blogs~
Aaliyah | Alabama | Age 13
What do you think about your week at Barefoot so far?
“I think it’s been fun. We did team building today. It was challenging but we conquered the things that we did. We did well with communication and planning and we had to really trust our team members that they wouldn’t let us down.”
What do you think about the diversity at Barefoot?
“Diversity is a good thing to have at camp because you get to meet new people, experience new things, and learn new things about different people.”
Has Barefoot changed your life?
“Yes. Last year I gave my life to Christ here.”
Chol | Sudan | Age 15
What made you come back this year?
”All the fun, getting together with Jesus, listening to the talk, and learning from others.”
What do you think about the diversity here at Barefoot?
“You can understand where other people come from and relate to it.”
How do you think your relationship with God gets stronger because of Barefoot?
“It gets stronger every second- every minute – because I’m around people that pray. It’s like a big, happy family.”
Rob | Chicago, IL | Audio Intern
What do you think about your time at Barefoot so far?
“My experience has been amazing. Coming into camp, I did not know what to expect but since I’ve been here five weeks so far it’s been a great experience for me- just the whole spiritual aspect of it and the community that we are as a staff has just been really awesome. I’ve never been a part of that before.”
How do you feel like God is growing you as a person through Barefoot?
“He has given me opportunities to expand my spirituality, which is awesome. I’ve never really done anything like this before. He has really brought me closer to Him this summer.”
Day 1
Our first day of camp was great! As soon as the campers arrived with their luggage and got settled into their cabins, they were introduced to their counselors and republic. Each republic picked a name and a chant to represent themselves throughout the week. This week we have names like “P3” and “United Brotherhood.” Camp director Scott led us in some camp cheers and representatives from each republic competed in an oreo-eating contest during the first all-camp meeting. 
Specialty classes were introduced to the campers so that they could get a taste of what their two classes would be like for the week. After dinner, we met again for some great praise and worship led by Thomas and Dita Rose followed by our camp pastor Sherman Bucher. After evening program, it was time to get messy! Campers competed in a “backwards lemonade” game, a “find the bubblegum in the flour” game, and a “dizzy bat/wet clothes” relay. We had so much fun today and we can’t wait for tomorrow!
Day 2
We started the day off bright and early with a few solid rounds of our “Good Morning” cheer. Thomas and Dita Rose led us in some wonderful morning praise and worship after breakfast. Today, campers were able to experience both of their specialty classes in full; some began work on art projects, songs to perform, or basketball drills. We all met at the low ropes course for some awesome team building challenges. These activities forced each republic to rely on all of its members to complete each challenge. Campers learned to trust each other and successfully conquered “the wall,” “the spider web, “the Mohawk walk,” and more.
This afternoon campers were able to pick free time activities such as canoeing, paintball, slip-n-slide, and (new this summer) swing dancing. After dinner everyone met at Sparrow Amphitheatre for evening program. We praised God, played a silly game, and listened to pastor Sherman speak. Afterwards, the campers were able to have a trail mix snack before their big game of capture the flag. Everyone played hard and had a good time. It was a great way to end the day!
~Camper/Staff Blogs~
Aaliyah | Alabama | Age 13
What do you think about your week at Barefoot so far?
“I think it’s been fun. We did team building today. It was challenging but we conquered the things that we did. We did well with communication and planning and we had to really trust our team members that they wouldn’t let us down.”
What do you think about the diversity at Barefoot?
“Diversity is a good thing to have at camp because you get to meet new people, experience new things, and learn new things about different people.”
Has Barefoot changed your life?
“Yes. Last year I gave my life to Christ here.”
Chol | Sudan | Age 15
What made you come back this year?
”All the fun, getting together with Jesus, listening to the talk, and learning from others.”
What do you think about the diversity here at Barefoot?
“You can understand where other people come from and relate to it.”
How do you think your relationship with God gets stronger because of Barefoot?
“It gets stronger every second- every minute – because I’m around people that pray. It’s like a big, happy family.”
Rob | Chicago, IL | Audio Intern
What do you think about your time at Barefoot so far?
“My experience has been amazing. Coming into camp, I did not know what to expect but since I’ve been here five weeks so far it’s been a great experience for me- just the whole spiritual aspect of it and the community that we are as a staff has just been really awesome. I’ve never been a part of that before.”
How do you feel like God is growing you as a person through Barefoot?
“He has given me opportunities to expand my spirituality, which is awesome. I’ve never really done anything like this before. He has really brought me closer to Him this summer.”
