-Day 1-
Barefoot’s first-ever day camp has begun! Our first day here went well. With over 150 children coming in from Franklin and surrounding areas, it was an energetic little crowd! Campers arrived and were put into their republics to meet their counselors and come up with a republic name and chant. Next was the “all camp meeting,” where they had a chance to meet the camp director and perform their republic chant for everyone. 1st and 2nd graders began their first round of specialty classes; they will cycle through a few different specialties so that they get to try different activities this week. Our 3rd-5th graders were able to sign up for two specialty classes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Basketball, football, extreme sports, stomp, and soccer were held outside while the other classes were held inside. 
Everyone headed outside after specialty I to compete in some silly messy games! Campers had to dig around a pie pan of whipped cream with their noses to find a gummy bear and spell words with alphabet soup. Each republic showed great team spirit and cheered their fellow republic-mates on! After lunch and specialty II came free time. Campers were able to choose between a few different activities- a favorite was the inflatable moon walk. Campers should sleep well tonight; we have a full day planned for them tomorrow!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DAY #1 HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QM0kAD7M4k&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=4&feature=plcp
-Camper + Staff Interviews-
Israel | Age 8 | Illinois
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s really good. We do fun stuff like skating, singing, and other cool stuff like that.”
What is your republic like?
“They are really, really good because they’re nice and they help us out (the leaders). I play with them and I say nice things to them (campers).”
Meileah | Age 9 | China
What do you think about camp so far?
“It’s great! We get to do art in here, and I get to do Stomp, and have lunch and stuff.”
What is the silliest thing you did today?
“Um, get the gummies out of the pie with my mouth.”
If you were trapped on a desert island, what two things would you bring with you?
“Water and food.”
Jude | Age 10 | Franklin, TN
What do you think of camp so far?
“It’s been going great. My specialties and teachers have been really nice. My republic- the counselors are nice and we’ve been doing a lot of fun stuff.”
If you were trapped on a desert island, what two things would you bring with you?
“Probably a boat and a TV.”
What are you most looking forward to this week?
“I’m excited about trying film because I haven’t tried it before.”
What’s the silliest thing you did today?
“Definitely the messy games. You had to stick your face in gummies and whipped cream.”
Sydney | Age 6 | Tennessee
What have you had the most fun doing so far?
“Doing art. We drew flowers and hearts and fields and we put string on it and we made insects and animals out of them.”
Have you made any new friends?
“I met a girl with a white dress and random pink flowers on her dress but I forgot her name though.”
What have you learned about God today?
“I know a few things about God: He’s with us wherever we are and wherever we go.”
If you were an animal what would you be?
“A butterfly. They fly …and when I was little- I was like 4 – I always tried to jump off the couch and fly.”
Jasmine | Nashville, TN | Counselor in Training
What is unique about Barefoot?
“The diversity. That’s the most unique part…and how everybody is comfortable around each other in their own skin and not trying to be what they’re not.”
What has been your favorite moment from camp?
“My favorite moment is getting attached to the kids- how they just warm up to you and open up to you.”
What has been your favorite part of today?
“My campers; I love them! They’re so loving and sweet. That’s my favorite part of today.”
Why do you come back to Barefoot year after year?
“I feel welcomed. I feel at home.”
What kind of experience do you want the campers to have this week?
“I hope they have a lot of fun, make new friends, and become closer to Jesus.”
-Day 2-
Today our campers laughed, smiled, and bonded even more with each other. They are having lots of fun in stomp, basketball, vocal performance, making of the band, extreme sports, and more! Today the campers split up into two groups to do some fun team building activities. One of the games is a Barefoot tradition: boy-girl pull. They also had to arrange themselves in their republic lines by date of birth; whichever republic could do it the quickest won! 
Our 1st and 2nd graders were able to try more specialties today; they are getting to experience some activities they have never tried before! During free time, some campers went on pony rides, some campers jumped on the moon bounce and slide, and some hung out inside playing music or climbing on the tree fort. At the end of the day, daily awards (barefoot bracelets!) were handed out by staff to campers. Some of the awards were given for good listening, being selfless, or being kind. It’s been a successful day and we are looking forward to tomorrow!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DAY #2 HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNkrEKJbqRU&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=3&feature=plcp
-Camper + Staff Interviews-
T.J. | Age 11 | Tennessee
What has been your favorite part of the week?
“Sports. Football and basketball have been going great. We played rocketball and I had a fun time.”
What have you learned about God this week?
“That He is always with you.”
What are you most excited about doing that hasn’t happened yet this week?
“Getting an award. I’m gonna work really hard.”
What is unique about Barefoot?
“It is creative.”
Why is it good to have lots of different people here together?
“Because I can have a lot of friends to play football or foursquare with.”
Paislee | Age 9 | Nashville, TN
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“I think that it’s fun because you get to have fun with all the counselors.”
What have been your favorite parts of the week so far?
“Free time and big group. We talk and sing songs and dance.”
What has been the silliest thing that you’ve done so far?
“Outside they have this jumping thing (inflatable) and I got on it.”
How are you getting along with all the girls in your republic?
“I’m getting along really good with them. They’re nice. I think it’s fun to meet new friends because I had one friend and she moved.”
What are you most excited about doing later in the week?
“I want to do pony riding.”
Luke | Age 6 | Nashville, TN
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“It’s good. Art is going good.”
Have you made any new friends?
“I like Bobby- he’s funny.”
What has been the silliest thing you have done so far?
“Probably dipping my head in the whipped cream.”
How can we reflect Jesus in our lives?
“By being nice to our parents.”
Victoria | Age 7 | Tennessee
What do you think of Barefoot so far?
“It’s fun. You get to do fun things and you get to go to fun stations. You get to sing and worship and know about God.”
What have you learned about God?
“God made everything.”
How are you getting along with your republic?
“We’re having fun together and we’re working as a team.”
Justin | Mississippi | Republic Leader
What has been your favorite moment from this week?
“I had this kid and he was having a hard time getting into it. He was upset, he was crying a lot, and one of my other kids put his hand out like ‘be my friend’ and it touched my heart just a little bit.”
What does God teach you through being on staff at Barefoot?
“Humility to the max. He’s given me every opportunity to die to myself and do for others.”
What do you hope the kids take away from this week?
“The Bible says some plant and some water but God gives the growth. So I hope to plant and water so God might give the growth.”
-Day 3-
Our campers had a blast today! We started the day off with some morning worship and a really fun stage game. Campers had 60 seconds to slip as many clothes pins as they could on their partner. Whichever republic had the most when the time was up won! Each republic spend time in their family devotional times talking about God’s word and getting to know each other better. Once again, specialty classes were held in the morning and the afternoon.
We will have a student showcase on Friday where parents will get an opportunity to see what their campers have been working on all week! Today’s team building activities consisted of two short games that helped the campers work together as a republic. During free time, kids jumped on the bouncy houses, played basketball, skateboarded, and played on the jungle gym inside. We are looking forward to having even more fun tomorrow!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DAY #3 HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYpFw-jmwzs&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=2&feature=plcp
-Camper + Staff Interviews-
Ava | Age 7 | Nashville, TN
What do you think about Barefoot so far?
“I loved it. Everything is fun. I liked music. We sing songs. I really liked the stomp we did.”
What has been your favorite thing this week?
“Bible study. We learned about reflections.”
What have you learned about the Bible this week?
“The Bible is God’s word.”
What do you think about your republic?
“Yes, one of my friends is Laura. I don’t actually remember all of their names correctly. I really like my teacher; she’s really nice.”
What have you been doing with your group?
“We’ve been playing soccer and basketball.”
If you were an animal, what would you be?
“A bluebird.”
How awesome is Barefoot? Can you measure it with your hands?
“Really awesome. I can’t.”
Santiago | Age 10 | Florida
What do you think of Barefoot?
“I think Barefoot is awesome and every kid should come here.”
What have you done this week?
“We have gone to extreme sports, soccer, basketball, and we’ve gone to the bouncy house.”
What have you learned this week?
“I have learned a lot about Jesus’ Word. He gave everyone creativity.”
Tell me about your republic:
“We all work really well together and we all have fun while we do it.”
Phoenix | Age 8 | China
What is Barefoot like?
“It’s fun. I’ve done lots of fun stuff and drama is really fun. We got our parts for our play. Today in film we acted out some parts of the movie that we’re gonna do.”
What have you learned about God or the Bible this week?
“I’ve learned stories.”
What is your favorite part of worship?
“Singing.”
Tell me about your republic:
“We’ve been playing, having lots of fun, and lots of stuff. My leader is fun. I like lots of people who are fun.”
If you were an animal what would you be?
“A dog because I would want to see what it’s like.”
What are the best parts of Barefoot?
“Hanging out with new friends, getting to know other people, and the treehouse is really fun.”
Warner | Age 8 | Sudan
What have you done this week?
“Extreme sports and photography.”
What was your favorite part of the day?
“Free time. I played tag and went on the monster truck slide.”
Tell me about your republic:
“Well, they’re nice and they’re kind.”
What are you most excited about doing this week?
“Soccer. I want to learn more stuff about soccer.”
Why is diversity a good thing?
“So we can be friends. We all have different stuff and we do different things.”
What have you learned about working together?
“That working together is good, not just doing it by yourself. If you work together you can finish it quicker.”
Camille | Age 7 | Tennessee
“I think Barefoot is to like express your feelings and do what you want at free time. When you get to do dancing class, you get to express yourself and who you are in dancing.”
What have you learned this week?
“I learned that sometimes you always have to face your fears- because sometimes you’re gonna have to get on stage.”
What have you learned about God?
“You always have to praise God; you should pray anytime you do anything.”
Tell me about new friends that you have made:
“I made a friend out of my group- almost everybody in my group is my friend. Everybody that’s in my dance group is my friend.”
What do you think about worship time?
“I think that’s awesome because you get to get all your energy out and you get to sit down and learn.”
Liz | Nashville, TN | Art Instructor
What makes you come back to Barefoot every year?
“It’s so full of life and it’s life-giving. You think that you’re coming to work but in reality you just get fed.”
What stands out to you about this age group?
“I think just the amount of fun that the kids are having. They are having a blast.”
What does God teach you through being on staff at Barefoot?
“Well, patience…and also the idea of having child-like faith… and watching kids in this really innocent state quickly grasp simple truths that we as adults sometimes struggle to weave into our lives.”
What has been your favorite moment from today?
“Seeing the kids excitement when they walked into the room and saw the bouncy house! That was awesome.”
-Day 4-
The fun continued today in our awesome specialties, family devotionals, free time, and more! After lunch today, campers competed in a traditional Barefoot game called Survivor. We prepared several dixie cups filled with various foods- some yummy, some a little strange. One at a time, campers from each republic ran down to the table to eat one cup of food. The republic that had emptied all the cups first won! 
It is encouraging to see how the kids continue to bond throughout the daily activities. They are playing together in the bouncy houses, on the basketball court, in the dance classes, and in worship. During our all-camp meeting this afternoon, campers were awarded Barefoot bracelets in recognition of their Christ-like attitudes and helpful spirits throughout the day. We hope you can make it to the student showcase tomorrow at 2:30!
WATCH THE VIDEO FOR DAY #4 HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOWuo-iuPcg&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=1&feature=plcp
-Camper + Staff Interviews-
Faith | Age 5 | Tennessee
Why is Barefoot fun?
“Because we get to do fun stuff like playing on the play set.”
What was your favorite part of today?
“Dance. It’s hip hop moves.”
What have you learned this week?
“About Jesus. We have to respect God.”
If you were an animal what would you be?
“An elephant.”
Quinn | Age 6 | Tennessee
Tell me anything you want about Barefoot:
“Well, yesterday I learned how to ride on a skateboard and now I’m riding on it again and it’s really, really fun. I’ve never skateboarded before.”
What else have you learned about this week?
“God… well there’s a lot of stuff. There was a man who had 300 people against and army of thousands and they used a really creative strategy to defeat the army. God told the man that 1000 was too much and then he got rid of some and then he got rid of some more and He said to use a creative strategy- it was with trumpets and jars with torches in them.”
How does your republic work together?
“Well, they’ve been helping each other by just giving each other great ideas. I was in one of the competitions and there was another person that was pinning clips onto my backpack and it was really creative.”
Chase | Age 10 | Murfreesboro, TN
What is awesome about Barefoot?
“I get to make new friends and I get to worship the Lord.”
What have you learned this week?
“Lots of things…like you can use your creativity to get things done.”
Tell me about your republic:
“I’ve made lots of friends, especially one named T.J. We always like to play ninja.”
Why is it cool to have lots of different types of people here together?
“You can become new friends with different people that you’ve never known.”
Abby | Age 8 | Tennessee
Why is Barefoot fun?
“Free time. It’s really fun because people are nice and they clean up our trash and they sweep up.”
Who are some new friends you met this week?
“Ellie and Faith over there.”
What was your favorite thing that you did this week?
“Riding ponies. It’s one of my favorite things.”
What have you learned this week?
“I learned how to draw a human- a really good human.”
What are your leaders like?
“They tell us what to do and they know what’s right for us.”
Emeline | Age 12 | Burundi
What do you think about Barefoot?
“Barefoot is nice. Today I had fun. I played football and went to art.”
How many good friends have you made this week?
“Three. They play with me and we play tag.”
What have you learned this week?
“How to play football and how to ride a bike.”
What is your favorite thing to do at Barefoot?
“Dance…because it’s fun. I love to draw and I love to sing and I love to dance.”
Jake | Age 8 | Chattanooga, TN
How has your Barefoot experience been?
“Good. I like free time the most because it’s really fun and I really like coloring and drawing.”
What have you learned this week?
“Art. I drawed a wolf and colored it different colors and I put yarn on it to look great. I learned about God that He’s great and that He’s perfect.”
How are you working together with your republic?
“Really good. We did a special flag and we play games.”
Tell me about a new friend you made this week?
“I like Treasure the most because he has a broken arm and I feel sorry for him. I like hanging out with him a lot. I pulled up a chair for him since that cast was heavy.”
Dy’shawn | Age 10 | Nashville, TN
“Barefoot is really fun because you get to do extreme sports and you get to do free time. Sometimes you get to do messy games and messy games is really fun.”
What have you learned this week?
“That you should treat people how you want to be treated. You should treat them like they’re your friend or your family.”
Tell me about your republic:
“Jonathan’s really fun and Cray, I like him a lot.”
Who is the best new friend that you’ve made this week?
“Santiago, because he’s fun and a good person to play with.”
Tryleigh | Age 9 | Franklin, TN
How has Barefoot been for you so far?
“I like Barefoot because you get to meet new people and you get to see the differences in you in that person. You get more friends.”
What have you learned this week?
“There’s more that I know about Jesus. Great stories… I love the songs they do.”
What has been your favorite part of the week?
“Free time because I get to dance. I like hip hop.”
Tell me about your republic:
“We work together as a team. When we were making up our cheer we made it up all as a team; we all put stuff together and made it an awesome cheer.”
Cray | Atlanta, GA | Counselor
What has been one of your favorite moments from this week?
“One of my favorite moments has been the group competition… because whether we win or lose it’s just great to see my group come together and play as a team.”
What is unique about Barefoot?
“It’s a Christian camp… you have your fun- you have times where you can get pie in the face- but at the end of the day it’s great how Candace and Tommy are teaching the kids who God is and what forgiveness and acceptance mean.”
What does God teach you through being on staff at Barefoot?
“God has taught me a lot. Honestly, before I came to Barefoot I was really just a selfish guy. But to see the realness in people… I can see God in other people. Just being around so many real people…I’ve never really gotten a chance to experience that. People really get onto me- I never had a dad- they really show me the ropes. You got people like Rick- he taught me a lot. He taught me that things are gonna get heated at times (I mean, we’re in 104 degree weather) so you’ll have your ups and downs… but don’t let things get to you. Try your best and know what you’re here for- you’re here to serve God and you’re also here for the kids.”
-Day 5-
Our week here at day camp has come to a close, but the memories made will last much longer! Campers wrapped up what they have been learning in their specialty classes today and continued having fun during free time this afternoon. At 2:30, our student showcase began. Parents and siblings came to see what their campers have been working on this week. Dance, stomp, making of the band, music production, and vocal performance showcased what they learned this week! 
Our programming director and our camp director handed out special weekly awards to deserving students. We even taught the parents a few of our Barefoot cheers! The “cardboard testimonies” were a chance for students to show how they had experienced change this week at camp. Each camper had a piece of cardboard with a “before” side and an “after” side. They included “not very many friends” to “lots of friendsIt has been a great week, full of fun and excitement. Several new friends were also made this week as well. Check out some of those friendships below! We hope to see many returning campers next summer!
WATCH THE WEEKLY VIDEO HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNm6MyoSGU8&list=UUfSJdrsPBOqK-03uDaXiDug&index=2&feature=plcp
-Friendship Interviews-
Jake | Age 7 | New Orleans, LA
Brady | Age 7 | Nashville, TN
How did your friendship begin?
Brady: “Well, we were in the same group, group #3, and we just came up on each other. It’s kinda weird- we were just nice to each other and we just did.”
Jake: “We were in the same republic and we play a lot with each other.”
What do you like about each other?
Jake: “He’s funny.”
Brady: “I like that he’s kinda funny and he’s very nice.”
What do you both like to do?
Jake: “Skateboarding.”
Brady: “Sit together in the big room.”
How are you going to keep being friends after Barefoot is over?
Jake: “Remember.”
Brady: “We might run into each other sometime. My mom could get his mom’s phone number and then maybe we could have a play date sometime.”
Kennedi | Age 7 | Nolensville, TN
Journey | Age 5 | Tennessee
How did your friendship begin?
Kennedi: “On the first day. She asked me if I wanted to be her friend and I said yes…and she said best friends and I said yes.”
Why do you like each other?
Kennedi: “She’s nice.”
Journey: “She’s sweet.”
What do you have in common?
Kennedi: “We both like going in the big slide.”
Journey: “And we both like going in the treehouse. Friendship is good.”
Majyran | Age 7 | Nashville, TN
Tresure | Age 7 | Nashville, TN
How did your friendship begin?
Majyran: “I was upset and then…”
Tresure: “He was upset because he wasn’t with his brother and then he went to the corner…and then a couple minutes later he stopped crying and he came out to the middle of the room and I put my hand out and said ‘do you want to be my friend?’ and that’s how we became friends.”
What do you like about each other?
Majyran: “I think he’s funny. We’re best friends.”
Tresure: “We’ve been sharing bikes and taking turns and everything.”
Hannah | Age 10 | Sierra Leone, Africa
Katie | Age 10 | Franklin, TN
How did your friendship begin?
Hannah: “Basketball at Barefoot.”
Katie: “We were the only girls at basketball so we just started talking. We’re in the same group, also.”
Why do you like each other?
Hannah: “Because she’s nice and kind. She has one sister like me, she has three brothers and I have four, and she’s a twin- which I am a twin too.”
Katie: “She’s exactly one week older than me. She’s nice… also because we’re alike. In some ways we’re the same and in some ways we’re not, and it’s cool.”
How will you keep your friendship going after Barefoot ends?
Katie: “We might write letters.”
Hannah: “We might invite each other over to our houses, maybe today if it’s possible!”
Katie: “Yeah she lives near me!”
Luke | Age 8 | Michigan
Carson | Age 7 | Illinois
How did your friendship begin?
Luke: “It was at camp. When we went out to the skate park. We met and then we started to have fun…and then the next day we played basketball.”
Carson: “Together.”
Luke: “We were on the same team in basketball.”
What do you like about each other?
Carson: “He’s nice. I just like to play with him a lot.”
What do you have in common?
Luke: “Do you like soccer?”
Carson: ‘Yeah I love soccer!”
What are some of your favorite moments from this week?
Luke: “Playing basketball and hanging out with Carson and my friend Peter.”
Carson: “It’s really like the same thing as his. Playing football together…and we like playing basketball together. We’re really like the best guys playing on our team.”
