Our Theme
This year’s theme of Living Water came to us as we began to dream on what gives us strength, as well as what heals us. Our desire at The Pines is that a week away from the world can change a life forever, just like the Living Water of Jesus.
Water is seen so many ways through Scripture, and it points us to our salvation history. It’s in the flood, the parting of the Red Sea, Jesus’ washing of the feet, the transformation of water to wine, and even Jesus walking on water. It’s clear that the Lord uses water as a powerful symbol to teach us the many ways we can be washed by the same substance that gives us life. Detergent or bleach may wash but doesn’t quench thirst, in the same way juice or milk cannot wash our clothes. Water does both and needs no additives. Big Tuna's Irish mother would teach you well: the best way to clean windows is pure water with a good cloth. As we think about our lives this year, what more do we need in our life than than the Living Water of Jesus that purifies and sustains? We like to believe the same about camp. It has two purposes: it cleanses through the Sacraments and through the healing that comes through them, and it refreshes the soul through true friendships and memorable experiences of joy and laughter.
Take a look at our summer logo...notice the water running below the trees that sustains without any notice. The pine tree will grow and never fade in its green pigment if it is properly fed. It thinks nothing of the water that’s giving it life, but if that water was taken away, it would quickly die. We need to rely on the Living Water as we grow from Water Village to Branch Village all the way through Fire, and beyond camp. The life that runs through us is essential to our well-being and our salvation. Meditate on this reading from Jeremiah for a moment:
Blessed are the man who trusts in the LORD
And whose trust is the LORD.
For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.
Jeremiah 17: 7-8
Let us be those trees that seek the Living Water of Jesus that quenches and heals.
Water is seen so many ways through Scripture, and it points us to our salvation history. It’s in the flood, the parting of the Red Sea, Jesus’ washing of the feet, the transformation of water to wine, and even Jesus walking on water. It’s clear that the Lord uses water as a powerful symbol to teach us the many ways we can be washed by the same substance that gives us life. Detergent or bleach may wash but doesn’t quench thirst, in the same way juice or milk cannot wash our clothes. Water does both and needs no additives. Big Tuna's Irish mother would teach you well: the best way to clean windows is pure water with a good cloth. As we think about our lives this year, what more do we need in our life than than the Living Water of Jesus that purifies and sustains? We like to believe the same about camp. It has two purposes: it cleanses through the Sacraments and through the healing that comes through them, and it refreshes the soul through true friendships and memorable experiences of joy and laughter.
Take a look at our summer logo...notice the water running below the trees that sustains without any notice. The pine tree will grow and never fade in its green pigment if it is properly fed. It thinks nothing of the water that’s giving it life, but if that water was taken away, it would quickly die. We need to rely on the Living Water as we grow from Water Village to Branch Village all the way through Fire, and beyond camp. The life that runs through us is essential to our well-being and our salvation. Meditate on this reading from Jeremiah for a moment:
Blessed are the man who trusts in the LORD
And whose trust is the LORD.
For he will be like a tree planted by the water,
That extends its roots by a stream
And will not fear when the heat comes;
But its leaves will be green,
And it will not be anxious in a year of drought
Nor cease to yield fruit.
Jeremiah 17: 7-8
Let us be those trees that seek the Living Water of Jesus that quenches and heals.
Theme Weeks
Each week, we have a specific theme that shows up in our nightly skits, night games, and Wednesday night dance! Counselors will dress up according to the theme during these activities, and there are a number of campers that dress up in that theme for the dance too! If you have something you want to bring, come rep your week's theme!
Week 1 - Looney Pines
Week 2 - Pirates of East Texas
Week 3 - How to Train Your Panda
Week 4 - Pines X Games
Week 5 - National Paradise: The Stolen Fireworks
Week 6 - Wild Wild East
Week 7 - Legends of the Hidden Campground
Week 8 - Big Sandy 500
Week 9 - Where in the World is The Man?
Week 10 - Back to the Past
Descriptions and pictures of the themes coming soon!
Week 1 - Looney Pines
Week 2 - Pirates of East Texas
Week 3 - How to Train Your Panda
Week 4 - Pines X Games
Week 5 - National Paradise: The Stolen Fireworks
Week 6 - Wild Wild East
Week 7 - Legends of the Hidden Campground
Week 8 - Big Sandy 500
Week 9 - Where in the World is The Man?
Week 10 - Back to the Past
Descriptions and pictures of the themes coming soon!
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