Family Camp!
Families from all over the southeast (from Orlando, Florida to Raleigh, North Carolina) were at Swamp Camp this past week for Family Camp 2022. Family Camp is such an amazing time to retreat and connect with God and one another. For today’s blog, we thought it would be great for you to meet a few of these families! So here they are…
Click the link below to watch a video of Jake and Joey (9yo) Jensen from Conway, South Carolina answer a few questions on the last day of camp and then read about a few more families below.
https://campswamp.wistia.com/medias/kje3vv5d06
The Barkley Family from Snellville, GA
Daryl, Joi Barkley, Josiah (12), Joshua (7), & Sydney (5)
1.What are your favorite things to do as a family?
Ever since the pandemic, we’ve really enjoyed bike riding together. Our favorite places to bike ride include the Atlanta beltline, Mountain Park, and the residential community that we live in. Sometimes we explore new parks!
2. Please share your first experience with camp swamp?
Our first experience was the Mother/Son Retreat in March. We were completely unfamiliar with Camp Swamp. We heard about it from a colleague and were pleasantly surprised with how AMAZING camp was. We particularly enjoyed how spirituality was delicately woven throughout our experience but not forced. There were exciting games and activities as well as opportunities for reflection. The camp counselors were INCREDIBLE and had great energy. They connected well with our boys and made them feel at home. It was so great that we decided to register for Family Camp!
3. What is your favorite memory from family camp this week?
Our favorite memory was almost tipping over on the canoe while my son and I tried to synchronize our paddling. We also enjoyed celebrating our kids' birthdays and experiencing all of the love and well wishes from campers. Everyone was so welcoming and embraced us with open arms. Lastly, our family enjoyed learning how to play 9 squares. All of family camp ROCKED! We can’t think of a better way to spend a vacation together!
The Adam’s Family from Raleigh, North Carolina
Brian, Marilyn, Bradley (19) & Simon (17)
1.What are your favorite things to do as a family?
Board games, vacation together, visit zoos, watch Marvel movies
2. Please share your first experience with camp swamp?
We first came to family swamp over ten years ago with some friends from triangle and they haven’t been able to get rid of since then, we loved singing outdoors to God, have been amazed with the camp counselors and the hearts of everyone for the kids
3. What is your favorite memory from family camp this week?
Early morning porch talks that connect me with the brothers. - Brian
We enjoyed playing 9 square in the pool and under the pavilion. We liked playing ping pong and learning new board games. The food is AMAZING, especially taco Tuesday. The Bible talks are engaging and thought provoking. The most memorable memory THIS year is all the dads doing the group dance, he-he.- Marilyn
The Angle Family from Acworth, GA
Vayn, DeAnna, Cayson(12), Cooper(12)
1.What are your favorite things to do as a family?
Hiking, camping, movies, sports events
2. Please share your first experience with camp swamp?
I (DeAnna) was a counselor from 1994-2002. Cayson and Cooper’s first time was Father Son when they were 5
3. What is your favorite memory from family camp this week?
Ping pong, dodgeball
Cindy Bunch and her granddaughter, Livvy (11) from Buford & Flowery Branch, GA
1.What are your favorite things to do as a family?
We love having Livy and her brother Caleb spend the night every week. Sometimes we go out to eat (usually pizza) and we like to play games together.
2. Please share your first experience with camp swamp?
The first time Livy and I came to Family Camp was June 2021. It was great!
3. What is your favorite memory from family camp this week?
Livy’s favorite memory from family camp this week includes the awesome pool and slide, the starlight devotional and the singing devotional. My favorite memory has been the time to connect with new and old friends this week. I love having the time to build special memories with Livy and the opportunities to connect with families from around the Southeast. It’s such a beautiful setting and refreshing on so many levels.
Well, we hope you can visit us for family camp next year! And if you haven’t already signed up for summer camp for your kids, week 4, 5 and 6 are still open! Here’s the link to register for camp… https://www.campswamp.com/youthcamp/registration/summercamp/
A huge thank you to Angelica Yim for taking care of the blog this week! That's all for us this week! :)
As usual, I'll be praying for each of you to have a safe and encouraging week!
Much Love,
Bri <3