There has been an increasing amount of research regarding children and nature.  Below is a list of just some of the articles that explains why connecting your child to an exprience in nature is so important.   Each time I read one, I think, “yes yes yes!”  We often have children and youth who have never put there hands in a creek or picked up a worm.  Our youth are yearning for a place to explore nature.  Westminster Woods offers an experience for all ages that offers outdoor exploration and learning.  Here, playing in the dirt is a must!  And of course, we want kids to run on the big green field and scream at the top of their lungs.  Because at Westminster Woods, you can!  And every child should have the opportunity to be a kid.

The New Nature Movement
Children and Nature (two published studies)
Unplug at Camp

Last week Aimee and Karen removed the prayers from the cross. Together with other staff, we gathered to pray for these concerns and the campers who wrote them. After we prayed, we burned the written burdens.

The cross on which these prayers were nailed will serve as a focal point of the new in•spire service.  For details on this new Taizé inspired worship, visit the Worship page on our website under Christian Ministries.

As technology advances and we become more dependent upon it, most are spending less time outdoors. Adults and youth alike benefit from spending time in nature, away from their cell phones and where life slows down, just a bit.
Whether you make it out to the Woods this season or not, hopefully you get a chance to step away from your computer, your cell phone, and your TV and get a chance to marvel at natures beauty. Of course you’re always invited to the Woods….

At one point one of the tables started to collapse under the weight of the food and supplies,  everyone scrambled.  After the incident one of the High School campers excitedly stated, “Half a table collapsed and nothing spilled. Jesus is in the house!!”  We all agreed.

At the end of the day, everyone surrounded the truck, now filled with 36,997  meals and blessed the food that would be sent to those in need.  It was a moment that won’t be forgotten.

Watch a video taken from the day:

Stop Hunger Now at Westminster Woods

Darrin is right, that’s part of what makes Westminster Woods special. We all meet here from near and far, form friendships, and have a blast. It’s a place where everyone is accepted and loved.  When you leave, you know you’ll be back, and though each experience is different, lasting memories are created that carry you until the next time.

If you haven’t been here in a while, we invite you drop by for a visit and share your memories with us.

Fast Friends

The first time at camp can be a little scary, especially for some of our youngest campers.  The first night of adventure camp, one of the first activities is dinner.  Sitting between two adventure campers, I had the privilege of being a part of a very special moment.  Emily, had a tummy ache, butterflys about camp.  Sitting two seats away from her was Jessica, and while Jessica had been the one that had needing consoling when her parents said goodbye, she had perked up and was having fun.  Jessica noticed that Emily was having a tough time, and her reaction was spot on.  She looked at Emily and confidently asked, “Emily, would you like me to pray for you?”  Emily nodded and right there at the table, Jessica began to pray.  Her counselor and myself looked at each and also bowed our heads, realizing that God, through Jessica has just taught us a very important lesson.  It wasn’t too long after that Emily was running, laughing and playing, having a blast at camp.  Thanks to Jessica, we were all reminded that sometimes we need to ask God to help us with our tummy aches.