Home day today, we went for breakfast at 8 am as usual. After that we
started packing up all our stuff, cleaning, mopping, and vacuuming all
the rooms.
Once we were done we all headed down to the
river and went on canoes. The river was faster than usual today, so the
camp directors stressed that it was important we stayed in the middle
of the river to avoid flipping over. It was a pretty smooth ride for the
most part, except my partner was slacking and not paddling while I did
all the work. Made me paddle both sides! She also decided it would be
fun to jump into someone else's canoe while we were heading down a fast
part of the river. Funny thing is, she was so scared about flipping over
before we got on the canoe. Now all of a sudden she decides to stand on
the canoe, which is never a good idea and the boat kept rocking back
and forth. I was really hoping and praying that I would not flip over
and get wet...I already packed all my clothes. Anyways we survived, and
headed back to shore where the camp directors picked us up and drove us
back to the dining hall for lunch.
After lunch we
sang/danced a thank you song to all of the staff there who were super
friendly and awesome. (they even let us go on the canoes free of charge)
Went back to the lodge and everyone started heading home.
What
an amazing week it has been for me. I've learned so much from all the
coaches there, as well as from God. Going into training camp I was
really nervous about camps. I was so worried about how everything would
run and how I would lead things. But God has just reminded me this week
that he is with me through all this, and there is nothing that I cannot
do with his help. Everyday I had to go out of my comfort zone this week,
to do things I've never done before. But as Bev told me, that everyone
needs to be stretched to grow. This week I believe that God has
stretched me and I've already grown in a matter of a few days, I can't
wait to see how much more growing I will do this summer and how much
further God will stretch me. God has already poured so much into me,
and this summer I'm looking forward to pouring back out to all the
campers, churches, billets, and volunteers as well!
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Coach training (Day 4) June 25th
Had a super hard time waking up today because of how late I slept yesterday (or technically this morning). Definitely something I need to work on soon, sleeping earlier and getting rest.
After breakfast we talked about volunteer orientation and how to interact with coordinators and churches. How to get an idea of where the church is in terms of spiritual growth, etc. That took until lunch time.
After lunch we went for the last bit off on field training, and played some world cup with each other.
Later we went back to the lodge and Bev gave us all an hour to just meditate on John 15 so we could discuss later. I remember Jason pointing out that the chapter title was called the "the true vine" which implies that there are many false vines in the world. It was a good time of reflection for me, to see what are some of the vines I have attached myself into, that are not bearing fruit. Vines that I need to cut myself away from. Also to focus on the vine that does allow me to bear fruit, which is Jesus, and to allow God to prune me so that I will bear even more fruit.
After dinner we presented coach's corner for each day, went through the skits and memory verses etc.
Later we all sat around the lodge and Bev told us to provide encouragement for each other. So we went around the whole group discussing every individual's strengths and spiritual talents. I found it to be quite helpful, and I was able to realize some of the talents and gifts God has blessed me with. It was just a time of great encouragement for everyone. After we finished that, our coach training had concluded.
Only one more sleep til home time, and tomorrow morning is just hanging out
After breakfast we talked about volunteer orientation and how to interact with coordinators and churches. How to get an idea of where the church is in terms of spiritual growth, etc. That took until lunch time.
After lunch we went for the last bit off on field training, and played some world cup with each other.
Later we went back to the lodge and Bev gave us all an hour to just meditate on John 15 so we could discuss later. I remember Jason pointing out that the chapter title was called the "the true vine" which implies that there are many false vines in the world. It was a good time of reflection for me, to see what are some of the vines I have attached myself into, that are not bearing fruit. Vines that I need to cut myself away from. Also to focus on the vine that does allow me to bear fruit, which is Jesus, and to allow God to prune me so that I will bear even more fruit.
After dinner we presented coach's corner for each day, went through the skits and memory verses etc.
Later we all sat around the lodge and Bev told us to provide encouragement for each other. So we went around the whole group discussing every individual's strengths and spiritual talents. I found it to be quite helpful, and I was able to realize some of the talents and gifts God has blessed me with. It was just a time of great encouragement for everyone. After we finished that, our coach training had concluded.
Only one more sleep til home time, and tomorrow morning is just hanging out
Coach training (Day 3) June 24th
After 8 am breakfast we headed back to the lodge where we decided to have worship. One coach knew how to play piano, but other then that none of us were really musically talented. We sang a few hymns and that was about it.
After that we prayed for the Alberta head coaches, and then the head coaches prayed for their teammates individually after that as well. What a blessing it is to have someone lay hands on you and pray for you specifically.
After lunch we had some more on field training, trying to get familiar with the schedule of camp and things like that.
We then returned to the lodge where we had the head coaches tell their testimonies (kid version), also known as the version that they would be sharing with the kids during coach's corner. All the rookie coaches got a chance to see what that kind of looked liked, and Bev told us that we had to prepare our own and present it after dinner. We were given some time before and after dinner to prepare, I went into my room and prayed that God would reveal a story in my life that could relate to the theme of the day. I sat there for about half an hour just trying to recall something that I could use, but I was completely stuck. I panicked and stressed out for a while but, as I was walking to the dining hall for dinner I was reminded of a story I could use, what a relief. I tried to eat my dinner as quickly as possible so that I could go back to the lodge and prepare for my testimony. After another half an hour, it was time to present. If you know me...oooo boy, you know that I'm absolutely terrible at presenting or speaking to a large group. I'm a very anxious person and public speaking has always been one of my weaknesses. I tend to stutter a lot, talk too fast and usually I speak very quietly as well. This was also the first time any of our rookie coaches had done this, so we were all nervous. Before I left my room to present I just prayed to God for courage and boldness to be able to speak the right words during my testimony, not just for this presentation but as I do each camp during the summer as well.
I was one of the first few to present, and it was nerve racking for me. However as soon as I started presenting I felt this calmness that I've never felt before. I had written down my testimony and story down on 2 pages of loose-leaf paper but I didn't even have to look at it, yet the right words just came out of my mouth without thought. I could just remember thinking to myself as I was presenting "wow! where is this coming from?" I have no doubt in my mind that what happened was the work of the holy spirit, it was just this unbelievable experience for me. When it was time to give feedback and advice, I was told that I spoke very clearly and projected my voice really well. Honestly, that is the first time anyone has ever given me that feedback when I've presented...anything really. After that, the rest of the rookie coaches presented as well, and Bev told us that this was the best coach's corner presentation she has ever heard from a group of rookie coaches. That was just so encouraging for me to hear, and really gave me more confidence. At that moment I just had an overwhelming feeling of joy. Joy in the fact that I have no power or ability in my own but when I rely on God's power, he can do amazing things through me, even through my weakness. That was such a moment of relief, it felt like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. It just reminded me that we were created by a power God who can do anything. It reminded me not to worry, not to have this fear of incompetence I had. The fear that I couldn't lead the skills/drills or coach's corner because I've never done it before. I was reminded that if I just remain in Jesus, he will remain in me and his glory will shine through me. That if I remain faithful in Jesus, he will give me everything I need to do these camps. Reminded to be totally dependent on Jesus, because "No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me" John 15: 4. And that is the goal this summer, to bear fruit, to bear fruit that lasts.
After that we practiced our coach's corner session again and that finished off the night. Our group went off to practice some juggling, when Travis sunk his tooth into Lane 's forehead(my teammate) by accident. (they were both trying to head the ball) There was so much blood, that his entire forehead was covered in blood, and it would not stop gushing out. The sink pretty much turned red as well but we were able to bandage him up after it stopped bleeding.
After that we played soccer/tennis/volleyball on a beach volleyball court, which was a pretty fun bonding experience. It got dark out, and everyone went to sleep except for me and 2 other coaches. We played UNO until 1, which was a terrible idea because now it's 2 am and I have to wake up at 7:45 again for 8 am breakfast.
After that we prayed for the Alberta head coaches, and then the head coaches prayed for their teammates individually after that as well. What a blessing it is to have someone lay hands on you and pray for you specifically.
After lunch we had some more on field training, trying to get familiar with the schedule of camp and things like that.
We then returned to the lodge where we had the head coaches tell their testimonies (kid version), also known as the version that they would be sharing with the kids during coach's corner. All the rookie coaches got a chance to see what that kind of looked liked, and Bev told us that we had to prepare our own and present it after dinner. We were given some time before and after dinner to prepare, I went into my room and prayed that God would reveal a story in my life that could relate to the theme of the day. I sat there for about half an hour just trying to recall something that I could use, but I was completely stuck. I panicked and stressed out for a while but, as I was walking to the dining hall for dinner I was reminded of a story I could use, what a relief. I tried to eat my dinner as quickly as possible so that I could go back to the lodge and prepare for my testimony. After another half an hour, it was time to present. If you know me...oooo boy, you know that I'm absolutely terrible at presenting or speaking to a large group. I'm a very anxious person and public speaking has always been one of my weaknesses. I tend to stutter a lot, talk too fast and usually I speak very quietly as well. This was also the first time any of our rookie coaches had done this, so we were all nervous. Before I left my room to present I just prayed to God for courage and boldness to be able to speak the right words during my testimony, not just for this presentation but as I do each camp during the summer as well.
I was one of the first few to present, and it was nerve racking for me. However as soon as I started presenting I felt this calmness that I've never felt before. I had written down my testimony and story down on 2 pages of loose-leaf paper but I didn't even have to look at it, yet the right words just came out of my mouth without thought. I could just remember thinking to myself as I was presenting "wow! where is this coming from?" I have no doubt in my mind that what happened was the work of the holy spirit, it was just this unbelievable experience for me. When it was time to give feedback and advice, I was told that I spoke very clearly and projected my voice really well. Honestly, that is the first time anyone has ever given me that feedback when I've presented...anything really. After that, the rest of the rookie coaches presented as well, and Bev told us that this was the best coach's corner presentation she has ever heard from a group of rookie coaches. That was just so encouraging for me to hear, and really gave me more confidence. At that moment I just had an overwhelming feeling of joy. Joy in the fact that I have no power or ability in my own but when I rely on God's power, he can do amazing things through me, even through my weakness. That was such a moment of relief, it felt like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. It just reminded me that we were created by a power God who can do anything. It reminded me not to worry, not to have this fear of incompetence I had. The fear that I couldn't lead the skills/drills or coach's corner because I've never done it before. I was reminded that if I just remain in Jesus, he will remain in me and his glory will shine through me. That if I remain faithful in Jesus, he will give me everything I need to do these camps. Reminded to be totally dependent on Jesus, because "No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me" John 15: 4. And that is the goal this summer, to bear fruit, to bear fruit that lasts.
After that we practiced our coach's corner session again and that finished off the night. Our group went off to practice some juggling, when Travis sunk his tooth into Lane 's forehead(my teammate) by accident. (they were both trying to head the ball) There was so much blood, that his entire forehead was covered in blood, and it would not stop gushing out. The sink pretty much turned red as well but we were able to bandage him up after it stopped bleeding.
After that we played soccer/tennis/volleyball on a beach volleyball court, which was a pretty fun bonding experience. It got dark out, and everyone went to sleep except for me and 2 other coaches. We played UNO until 1, which was a terrible idea because now it's 2 am and I have to wake up at 7:45 again for 8 am breakfast.
Coach training (Day 2) June 23rd
Woke up at 7:45 am to get ready for 8 am breakfast. After that, all the head coaches and coaches headed back to the lodge and we discussed about how we can inspire believers and how to face adversity. After lunch, the Ontario and BC head coaches packed up and headed off to their regional trainings. Meanwhile, the Alberta teams started practicing running drills and games for the first time. We got a lot of good advice and ideas from both head coaches, as well as Jason who was a head coach last year (who has an amazing coaching ability by the way).
We split into our teams after to plan coach's corner. This is part of the day where we tell kids about Jesus and the gospel, skits are also performed and coaches tell their testimonies or stories. Obviously this is the most important part of the day, and we spent lots of time assigning roles preparing for it.
After dinner we had some discussion on how to deliver the gospel to children. Brainstormed some ideas like the 6 Cs (creation, corruption,covenant, cross, choice, coming) and the illustration of the gap between man and God which only Jesus Christ the cross could bridge.
Afterwards Bev asked if any coaches needed prayer, if they had anything in their hearts that now would be a time to share. One of the coaches shared something that really moved me. She told us how her brother and dad who were Christians have recently left their faith. Now they mock her mother and herself for being a follower of Christ and it's created a divide in between the family. She was crying and she said it was especially difficult because her brother and dad were the 2 men she had looked up to the most growing up. This coach was also someone I've known for several years now and developed a good friendship with, so seeing her like that was really difficult for me. So we prayed for her and her family, that God would bring her brother and dad back to Christ.
Later that night we all sat around the campfire and each of us told our testimonies. There were so many powerful testimonies; one in particular was that of my teammate Brittany. She had lost so many important people in her life over the past few years, and she was so angry with God. Only recently has she begun to trust God again, and while she still struggles with that we all told her that God will still use her for great things. As I was listening to testimonies, I just found it so amazing how God uses people from different walks of life for the same purpose. There were all types of different stories about how God brought these coaches through tremendous adversities, and from different cultures and backgrounds. Yet we were all here for the same purpose, and that was to serve God through the AIA ministry. I was also reminded during this time that you should never underestimate the power of your own testimony, even if your testimony is not a dramatic life change or an amazing story of how you were once a serial killer and now a follower of Christ. God will use your testimony to change lives and when you underestimate the power of your own testimony, you underestimate the power of God and what he can do.
After heading back to the lodge, everyone pretty much went to bed except for myself and a few other rookie coaches. We just hung out and sat around talking. We had only known each other for a day and a half but our whole group was really close and tight knit,
We split into our teams after to plan coach's corner. This is part of the day where we tell kids about Jesus and the gospel, skits are also performed and coaches tell their testimonies or stories. Obviously this is the most important part of the day, and we spent lots of time assigning roles preparing for it.
After dinner we had some discussion on how to deliver the gospel to children. Brainstormed some ideas like the 6 Cs (creation, corruption,covenant, cross, choice, coming) and the illustration of the gap between man and God which only Jesus Christ the cross could bridge.
Afterwards Bev asked if any coaches needed prayer, if they had anything in their hearts that now would be a time to share. One of the coaches shared something that really moved me. She told us how her brother and dad who were Christians have recently left their faith. Now they mock her mother and herself for being a follower of Christ and it's created a divide in between the family. She was crying and she said it was especially difficult because her brother and dad were the 2 men she had looked up to the most growing up. This coach was also someone I've known for several years now and developed a good friendship with, so seeing her like that was really difficult for me. So we prayed for her and her family, that God would bring her brother and dad back to Christ.
Later that night we all sat around the campfire and each of us told our testimonies. There were so many powerful testimonies; one in particular was that of my teammate Brittany. She had lost so many important people in her life over the past few years, and she was so angry with God. Only recently has she begun to trust God again, and while she still struggles with that we all told her that God will still use her for great things. As I was listening to testimonies, I just found it so amazing how God uses people from different walks of life for the same purpose. There were all types of different stories about how God brought these coaches through tremendous adversities, and from different cultures and backgrounds. Yet we were all here for the same purpose, and that was to serve God through the AIA ministry. I was also reminded during this time that you should never underestimate the power of your own testimony, even if your testimony is not a dramatic life change or an amazing story of how you were once a serial killer and now a follower of Christ. God will use your testimony to change lives and when you underestimate the power of your own testimony, you underestimate the power of God and what he can do.
After heading back to the lodge, everyone pretty much went to bed except for myself and a few other rookie coaches. We just hung out and sat around talking. We had only known each other for a day and a half but our whole group was really close and tight knit,
Tuesday, 26 June 2012
Coach training (Day 1) June 22nd
The training camp was at deer valley meadows in alix, which is almost a 2 hour ride from Edmonton. All the Alberta coaches were expected to arrive there by 7pm but I got dropped off earlier at around 3 pm. When I got there, no other coaches were there except for the 6 head coaches (2 AB, 2 BC, 2 ON) who were having head coach training. I met up with Bev (Alberta coach coordinator) and she told me to finish some paperwork in my room and then come out and join the head coaches on the field. I definitely felt quite intimidated since I was the only coach there. What made it even more terrifying was that Clarke (BC coach coordinator) had the head coaches play 1v1 and had me join them as well.
Fortunately I knew about half the head coaches already so it wasn't difficult to get reacquainted. Actually all the head coaches were really awesome and easy to talk to, each of them actually came up to me and made conversation which really helped me feel more comfortable and settled in. After dinner the rest of the AB coaches arrived and all of us went onto the field for training in the heavy rain. The AB coaches got to know each other better and we socialized until it was time to sleep.
On team AB 1, there's my head coach kaitlyn, as well as Lane, Brittany, and myself. On team AB 2, the head coach was Amy, the other three members were Travis, Jason, and Angela.
Fortunately I knew about half the head coaches already so it wasn't difficult to get reacquainted. Actually all the head coaches were really awesome and easy to talk to, each of them actually came up to me and made conversation which really helped me feel more comfortable and settled in. After dinner the rest of the AB coaches arrived and all of us went onto the field for training in the heavy rain. The AB coaches got to know each other better and we socialized until it was time to sleep.
On team AB 1, there's my head coach kaitlyn, as well as Lane, Brittany, and myself. On team AB 2, the head coach was Amy, the other three members were Travis, Jason, and Angela.
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