North Georgia Christian Camp

Camp was a grab bag this summer: Eli signed up to go to NGCC with the kids from FUEL, but had to switch weeks because of his Ohio trip, and he was wait listed for Woodlands, but never got in. Maddux was wait listed for Woodlands and got in at the last minute, and also got to go to NGCC. They love Woodlands a lot, but I think NGCC is their favorite because of the familiarity. They know some of the staff, so much of our church goes there, and they've both been several times.

Maddux had a great time, hanging out with the daughters of our pastor that now work at the camp, swimming as much as possible, and learning all of the songs and dances she could. Eli didn't think he'd know anyone since he wasn't going during the week that his youth group attended, but it turned out that about five other boys from church were in the same boat, so they all ended up bunking together. Eli had SO much fun as well, thoroughly embracing the 'summer camp' spirit this summer.

Summer Golf

When we were trying to decide where Eli would attend Middle School, one of his 'pros' for the private school was the fact that they had a golf team that he could participate in as a 6th grader. He has really come to love the sport, so Lehr found a few tournaments he could play in over the summer. The first was in June and Lehr took the day off to join him/caddy for him. They were paired up with a kid who was amazing, both in his talent and in his tendency to compliment and build Eli up as he was way out of his league in this tournament.

In July I was able to join/caddy for Eli in another tournament. We had a crazy day full of pop up storms, delays and intense heat. The golfer we were paired up with was really good as well, but he kept to himself more, which didn't help Eli's morale. Especially on a day where nothing went right for Eli. (Seriously sometimes I had to chuckle because of the extra putts required or sand trap hits made...he couldn't win that day no matter what he did.)

All in all, these tournaments were good investments of time. Mostly we learned that there are some really good young golfers in our area, and that if Eli wants to pursue it, this is a sport that is supported. (But he has to practice a lot more!)

Eli's Big Trip

Eli received the coolest of invitations this summer: the chance to go to Ohio for a week as a praise band member and junior counselor for a summer camp. Beyond that, he would be traveling with a family from church and a few other kids.

Oh, and by kids I mean teenagers. Full on, 15+, all in high school and college teenagers. (Just as a reminder, Eli is 11.)

There is no real worry here; these teenagers are good kids, kids we've seen grow up and kids Lehr has spent a lot of time with in various capacities at church. But it is a whole week (SEVEN days) where Eli will not be with us, and with no means of communication. The mother traveling with them asked if Eli had a device (he doesn't) because she wanted to warn me that he wouldn't have access to call or text because the service at their camp is spotty at best.

The main job Eli had was to play drums in the worship band with the group of kids that he played with for VBX (most of the same songs too). When he wasn't doing that, he was helping the counselors out. I assume that mainly meant comic relief as the ages of kids attending were 3-5th grade. Hopefully that allowed for the campers to be able to related to Eli better since he is barely older and likely not taller.

Eli had a blast. An absolutely amazing time. He was quick to tell us that his curfew was midnight each night, that the campers had to be in their cabins with their counselors at 10, but he and the band and some others got to stay up later around the campfire and playing basketball and whatnot. I think he could have slept for a week when he returned! So much growing up in such a short time!