3rd-5th, June 7-11 — Barefoot Republic

Day 5

After dinner last night, the camp gathered together for a very special last evening program. Campers wrote down things they wanted to “give to God”, let go of, or pray for on large paper lanterns. Inspired by the Disney movie Tangled, all six republics gathered together in the field, lit their lanterns, and watched them float up into the heavens. We then gathered around a big bonfire and ate s’mores. Then everyone headed up to the DC for a rockin’ awesome dance party!

Sadly, today was our last day of camp, but we went out with a bang with our specialty showcase. The making of the band specialty put on a great show with two songs, the sports specialties came up and talked about what they did throughout the week, the stomp did an awesome routine using scraps found at the dump, we watched the weekly video made by our intern Elysia, and more. It has been an incredible week here at Barefoot Republic- and even though it was sad to see the campers that we have gotten to know so well pack up their bags and leave for home, we know that they had a fun and memorable experience here learning about their place in God’s “puzzle.” And hopefully, we will see many familiar faces return next summer!

Day 4

Wow! I can’t believe it’s already nearing the end of day 4 of camp! It’s been a super packed day. Last night’s republic showcase was a big hit- all six republics did a stellar and creative job. After the first specialty class today the campers put their 2011 camp T-shirts on for some group photos. The fantastic Mr. Dave Braud took republic photos, individual shots, and a camp-wide photo. After more awesome free time activities including paintball, canoeing, slip n’ slide, and foursquare in the D.C., Barefoot staff and campers prepared themselves for the week’s biggest event (second only to the showcase tomorrow)….BRAVEHEART.

With epic music playing in the background, campers attempted to protect their counselors from the onslaught of flying macaroni and cheese, oatmeal, flour, baked beans, and noodles thrown by opposing republics. After the judges deemed one pair of male counselors and one pair of female counselors the cleanest, the not-so-clean campers headed to the hosing station to get somewhat cleaned off. The day was not over, however! Tonight after evening program campers headed to a big bonfire to give testimonies, send shout-outs,and eat s’mores.

It has been a great week and we are all looking forward to the specialty showcase tomorrow morning!

~Camper/Staff Interviews~

Tytianna | Age 9

Things you have never done before that you have done at Barefoot:

“Slip n’ slide, sing on a stage”

Favorite instructor/counselor & what did they teach you?

“Lauren- not to be afraid of your dreams”

Miro | Age 17, Counselor in Training

First thoughts when arriving at Barefoot:

“I was so excited for the campers to arrive and to get to know them all.”

What is special/unique about Barefoot?

“It pulls kids from different ethnic and economic backgrounds together to worship and teaches the kids the significance of diversity.”

Ways camp has influenced your life:

“Barefoot reminded me that Jesus is the light in my life and inspired me to live by that and spread the word everyday of my life.”

Josh | Age 9

First thoughts when arriving at Barefoot:

“I thought, ‘Wow this is cool!’”

Has your relationship with God been strengthened this week?

“Yes definitely!”

One thing you have learned this week:

“That we are all pieces of God’s puzzle”

Milton | Age 23 | Male Head Counselor

“Some awesome things that I’ve done this week include: coaching basketball, teaching campers how to fish, and learning to play four square.”

“I feel that my relationship with God has been strengthened as He’s teaching me to interact, pray, and lean on diverse people for support and guidance. God has truly been awesome in the prayer time shared between me and my fellow Brothers-in-Christ who serve as camp counselors.”

Favorite counselor/staff member/instructor and why: “I really admire this week’s camp director, Rayna Stewart, because of the leadership skills and charisma that God has given him. Through his example, he’s teaching me how to lead not only a group of people with grace but also a family. I have taken note of Mr. Stewart’s strong relationship with his children who are participating as campers.”

Kenya | Age 9

Has your relationship with God been strengthened?

“Yes because I have faith in God.”

Something you have never done before that you did at camp:

“Stick my head in pie to find a gummy worm”

Have you made any new friends this week?

“Yes, all of them are my friends now”

Aalijah | Age 8

Something FUN and AWESOME you have done this week:

“Iron man”

Have you made new friends?

“Yes”

Something you had never done prior to camp this week:

“Paintball”

Katiria | Support Staff, Puerto Rico

Favorite part of camp:

“My favorite part of camp is during free time. I get one-on-one time with the kids and learn a little more about them.”

Do you feel like your relationship with God is stronger because of Barefoot?

“Yes, I feel that I have gotten closer to God and I feel that being here I am serving God in so many ways whether it be serving food or helping out with praise and worship.“

Something you have learned this week:

“This week I have learned to be patient. I have also learned to put faith in God no matter the situation.”

“The unity that the campers have with one another is amazing. No matter what race, color, or ethnicity they are. They all unite as one to give praise to God.”

Marsena | Age 17 | Counselor in Training, Tennessee

First thoughts on arriving at Barefoot:

“I was excited. I come here to get refreshed in the Word by working with the campers and helping them see their talents.”

Fun things you’ve done so far:

“I am teaching Stomp. It is my first time teaching this and I was nervous about how many kids we would have and if they like the routine. But now it is so amazing to see them take to the routine and everything come together.”

Favorite counselor/instructor/staff member and why?

“Milton, he is our head counselor and he has taught me that we can have a lot of fun even though we are Christians. He is the person who truly lives in the gospel and has exemplified our theme of ‘pieces.’”

Day 3

We started off the day with some awesome, high-energy praise and worship led by worship leader Dawna. The outdoor adventure specialty class had a successful night camping in tents, braving the wild outdoors and conquering their fears. In addition to canoeing and slip n’ slide, campers enjoyed fishing, paintball, and some serious foursquare during free time today. Campers and counselors alike geared up for one of our biggest events: IRON MAN. This 15-leg relay included canoeing, kicking soccer goals, throwing frisbees, running up and down hills, unscrambling Barefoot Republic- related words, and more! After the relay was won and the winners were medaled, campers settled down for evening program.

In evening program, Pastor Eric Van Zee spoke about relying on the armor of God for power rather than on our own strength… And, at this very minute, all six republics are performing in the much anticipated REPUBLIC SHOWCASE. Campers are battling it out with their best skits, dances and songs. Their goal is to represent their republic well and impress our panel of judges. In a few minutes, we’ll know who has been chosen as the best boy’s and girl’s republic. It has been a great day and the kids seem happy to end it on this fun note.

~Camper/Staff Interviews~

Amari | Age 9, Nashville, TN

Fun and awesome things done so far this week:

“The games, free time, and specialties”

Have you made any new friends?

“Yes! Mikailia, Olivia, Shaye, Ellie, Mycah, Julia, Iya, Isabella, Karinne, The people in my specialties, and the the counselors”

One thing learned this so far this week:

“That Barefoot is AWESOME!”

Gin | Age 11, Burma

Fun and awesome things done so far this week:

“Playing guitar, learning new things about the Bible, soccer”

One thing you’ve learned this week:

“All people have value and a purpose”

Favorite counselor/instructor:

“Mr. Blane taught me how to play guitar and drum. He was nice to me”

Taylor | Age 22, California

“I have been blown away by the seamless reconciliation and diversity of the camp kids, who are growing in an environment where they are not imprinted with racism or sexism or favoritism. They see that all belong and are united in Christ… My favorite memory has been sharing the first all-night campout with the outdoor adventure crew. S’mores, flashlights, stars and an open fire. Can’t get better than that.”

Day 2

Hey parents! These past two days have been a blast here at Barefoot Republic Camp! Our week started off yesterday as dozens of campers arrived at check-in, unloaded their luggage into our awesome tree-house cabins, and began getting to know their “Republic.” Each Republic came up with a name, chant, and flag to represent them throughout the week. The kids came up with republic names like “16 Pieces of Christ” and “United Humble Pieces.” With our diverse group of campers comes a diverse selection of specialty activities. The campers spent today making music, painting pictures, running basketball and football drills, brainstorming films and dance routines, and much more! This morning our campers were challenged to trust each other and work together towards solutions through team-building exercises on our low ropes course.

Each afternoon we’ve had hilarious messy games where students got soaking wet, ate strange things and competed in goofy challenges. Every meal and group competition has been filled with chants sung and shouted at the top of their lungs! We even had a “drive-in” movie tonight and watched Toy Story 3. Most important to the staff at the end of the day, our students have had meaningful times building friendships with each other and their counselors. Growing closer to God and to each other is our greatest desire for them at camp. They’ve studied the Bible with their Republics. They enjoyed listening to our camp pastor teach about the Gospel and God’s purpose for each of us. And of course, we sang worship songs, praising and thanking God together.