Another Crop of Certified Counselors

Last weekend, I had another chance to work with the future of Lakehsore's summers. We had a diverse group at Counselor Certification for the April session. There were several of our staff along with long time campers ready to take the next step. We had a few who were at Lakeshore for their first time too. We had a great time sharing and learning in a very busy and tiring weekend. I hope that each one of you got a great deal out of the weekend. It was a good time for me, and makes me excited for the summer where many of you will get to put these lessons into practice. Hope to see you all soon.

Cedar Crest, Our Sister Camp, is Looking for a few Good Folks for their Summer Staff

There were several of our Lakeshore faithful who missed the deadline for seeking a Summer Staff position here this summer. We have good news for you. Lakeshore's sister camp in the Tennessee Conference is coming up short in their search for staff. They are in a crisis situation where they could end up not being able to offer camp this summer if they do not find the help.

If you, or anyone you know age 18 and up, would like to pursue a summer staff job, contact the Director, James Ralston at the following address:

Camp Cedar Crest

7900 Cedar Crest Road

Lyles, TN 37098

931-670-3025

The application is online. Just search "Camp Cedar Crest" or "Tennessee Conference Camps" for the web address.

Lakeshore is Proud to Announce the 2008 Summer Staff

Aquatics Directors: Kala Keeton and Abby Myers
Challenge Course Director: Jennie Dickerson
Crafts Director: Sarah Albritten
First Aid Director: Chrissie McMillion
Lifeguards: Sarah Cobb and Jacob Ross
Music Director: Matt Stamps
Naturalist: James Powers
Oxley Director: Katie Strickland
Program Utilities Facilitator: Miranda Rose
Recreation Director: Tiffany Dowdy
Resident Counselors: Anna Claire Bilderbeck
Kristen Brandon
Kaitlin Bullwinkel
Katrina Dorse
Lisa Elder
Johnny Gall
Jonathan Gowan
Alyssa Jones
Megan Jones
Brittany Kee
Matt Moody
Tyler Reed
Justin Russell
Sarah Sharp
Josh Story
Caitlin White
Preston Wright
Wilderness Director: Danielle Miller
Wilderness/Oxley Resident Counselors: Jennie Douglas and Brian Swift

The waters, they are a risin'

It's been a little while since the river rose enough to make us worry about the docks and walkways, but it looks like, this year, the high waters have returned. As I write, the river has almost covered the fire ring, is above the concrete edge of the waterfront, and is making its way across the beach. We hope that this flooding will get rid of the green gunk that has taken over our side of the river the past two summers, so that the tying down of decks and trash containers will be worth it. I remember a year when water made its way over both soccer goals. The Canada Geese were swimming around our soccer field. I don't know if it will get that high, but if the rain keeps coming, we may be playing soccer on a kayak.

Every summer at Lakeshore lots of stuff gets left here. Some of leftovers are welcome. We don't mind getting hip new shirts, jackets or hats. And, how many of you have been saved by sheets left behind on those visits that you forgot yours? That's nice, but we just got a set of nice surprises from an item that we find and aren't really sure what to do. Recently, during a cleaning binge, we decided to develop a stack of leftover disposable cameras rather than leave them in a pile forever. When it all came back, we had an interesting group. There was a roll from Sarah Walton (now Hearn), probably from several trips. There were a few rolls from our old Urban Issues camp, but the prize of them in our eyes was the appearance of an old friend. Several pictures were taken of a group of staff floating in the river, and in many of them was then waterfront director, Mark Wiggins. These were pictures that we hadn't seen in anyone else's photo albums, and since Mark passed away almost exactly 6 years ago, it was the first new look we've gotten of him in some time. It was nice to see my old friend again and remember those times that we floated together out in the river. So, whoever took the picture, I'm glad you did, and I'm glad you left your disposible camera at camp.

Bro. Paul Turns 50 with a Plan in Hand

Who does not Love this guy in the funny hat???? That guy is the Reverend Paul Mullikin, pastor of Arcadia UMC in Paducah and the Dean of our Developmentally Disabled Camp. Brother Paul has known the need for Lakeshore to have a small shuttle vehicle to transport our less ambulatory campers back and forth from the tougher places to get to on the Lakeshore site.

Now, Bro. Paul has a plan. He is turning 50 this year and is asking folks to consider honoring his Birthday with a gift to a fund to help him purchase the much longed-for shuttle for Lakeshore.

Bro. Paul is a champion for our favorite campers of the summer. He has been deaning the DD Camp for over 10 years now and is one of the most dedicated and beloved Deans by those he serves. The staff at Lakeshore loves him too.

Would you like to help with this project and honor Bro. Paul for his 50th Birthday???? Please send a check to Arcadia United Methodist Church,261 Lone Oak Ave., Paducah, KY 42001

Happy Birthday, Bro Paul!!!!

30 Hour Famine at Lakeshore

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of being on leadership for the 30 Hour Famine at Lakeshore. We hosted somewhere around 180 people who spent most of the weekend fasting and learning more about hunger all over the world. The leadership had a great time, and I feel motivated and energized to do more to make a difference for the people less fortunate than me. There are many highlights from the weekend, but I'll let you guys mention those if you want to. I'd really like to just encourage everyone to take even just a little time or money to help hungry people. Last night, I talked to my Senior High Youth Group at Camden 1st, and they want to raise more money for World Vision. I encourage you to just do something whether it is with World Vision (www.30hourfamine.org) or your local food pantry. I'd like to hear comments from people either talking about their experience at the 30 Hour Famine this year or telling us about your efforts to help the hungry. Hope to hear from some of you soon.