Something New and a New Tradition

 We are always encouraging our boys to take adventures and try something new... this summer we ALL did. Way back in January we decided to sign up for Family Camp at White Sulphur Springs (in Pennsylvania) that is put on by Officers of Christian Fellowship (OCF). We have only heard wonderful things about it, but we have always been to far away. We were only familiar with the one in Colorado Springs, but when we moved here our friend told us there was also one in Pennsylvania. When we looked it up we realized it was only 3 hours away. When we were researching it, it sounded just perfect for our family. Activities for our boys, couple seminars for me and Chris, family activities in the afternoons and evenings and (my favorite part), no cooking for a solid week. We signed up!!

We signed up for the first week in June, but a few weeks before we were supposed to go, we were notified our week was cancelled because some staff members got covid. We were completely bummed. But then we realized we could reschedule and everything was good again. We were finally able to go the last week in July.  Now, even though we knew this would be good for our family, Chris and I were a bit nervous. Would we get along with the other families? Would our boys be bored? Will they eat the meals or starve all week? This was all running through our heads on our drive up there.  BUT, within about 2 hours of being there, all our nerves were calmed and we knew it was going to be the best week ever. 

Our boys loved every minute... they made sweet friends, loved all the adventures, ate the meals and we all slept so good every night. And Chris and I got to know some really amazing couples and loved spending time with our boys without the stress of chores or work at home. We quickly decided on our way back to Alexandria, that we would go every summer. God is so good. Here's some pictures from our week...

This sign welcomed us to WSS. I just love the top. It says Home and its pointing up (towards heaven).

Our lodge for the week. It was just perfect. 

Chris and I spent a lot of hours rocking on the back porch while our boys played. 

Oh, and playing chess every evening before dinner. 

Here's some pictures from our amazing adventures. We were never bored. 

Abram zip lining 

Preparing to zip line and climb the rock wall. 

Abram scaling the wall. 

Jack and Luke learned how to take care of horses. 

And they also rode them!

For my boys who are afraid of dogs, this was a big deal for them! 

Also, many hours were spent swimming in the pond in the afternoons. 

Hayride for the kids to get smores! 

Such an amazing group we spent the week with. 

Rope course

Abram even rode a horse, too! 

Abram and his friend, Caleb. They were inseparable. 

Boys! 

And Jack and Luke made friends with Joy. They were so sweet to watch together all week. 

Bonfire on the last night 

And this next picture is why we will go back next year... Just look at that smile. When you see this smile on Abram you know he is genuinely happy!! He doesn't show it a lot, but when he does, it is a big deal! 

We also got a free day while we were at camp, so we took the opportunity to tour the Flight 93 memorial. It was only about 30 minutes away from camp. We are so glad we went. We learned so much about the brave men and women on that flight. We loved that the boys were able to experience it after we studied September 11 this year.