VBX

Yet another fun VBX in the books. As we are in the year of many transitions, this year's VBX added another 'new' experience for our family. While Lehr was still in charge of music, and I was mostly behind the camera, and Eli was playing drums all week, Maddux joined the volunteer ranks and Ruby attended as an official camper for the first time!

When we first talked to Maddux about where she might want to volunteer, she said she wanted to do the motions on stage, for sure. That was a no-brainer, as many of the youth do that in addition to their other roles. However, last summer Maddux was exposed to a song that she knew would be great for VBX. So we kept it in our pocket all year and when it came time for Lehr to pick songs, she campaigned hard for "Royals". It worked and Lehr chose it, but what was even better is Maddux and I worked together to come up with the motions for that song. She took a lot of pride in it, and was even able to help out the volunteer in charge of teaching the dances. So fun!

And it should come as no surprise that Maddux chose working with a group of kids as a 'group guide' as her other (main) job. Also not shocking was that she wanted to help in Ruby's group. This was perfect, as we were not sure how to ensure a successful camp for Ruby without one of us present.

But without us even mentioning that to Maddux, she stepped up. (In the end, Lehr ended up working with that group as well.) I loved seeing Maddux help the kids in her group - while she was there for Ruby, she gravitated towards two other little girls more often. She has such a beautiful gift!

Ruby had a great time, eating and playing with her friends. Maddux had a blast, dancing and getting to know new kids in the youth group and 'guiding' her kindergartners. And Eli loved playing drums and working with two of his 'big' friends as a water boy.