Note: My latest post for September 2010 is still in "draft" mode (as this one has been), so I'm posting this 2009 entry for a fun look at what we did last year at this time. As soon as I finish uploading recent pics from this summer, I'll publish the new entry. Enjoy!
This has been a fun and action packed summer for our student ministry. We created many memories together, and remembering God's blessings have been a key theme from our teachings this past month. We've been following Israel's story as the Lord led them further from their slavery in Egypt, preparing them for a new life of freedom and obedience in the Promised Land. We can also be free to experience God's promises by relying on the Holy Spirit to set us apart for His calling (as Moses and Aaron were anointed for ministry), acknowledging that everything we have belongs to God (as demonstrated by God's instructions for the Year of Jubilee), and learning to be grateful for God's blessings (in contrast to the Israelite's grumbling and complaining in the desert).
In addition to this summer's day hikes, backpacking/ camping trips, swimming, and boating excursions, we always consider OR/SW WA State Campmeeting to be a highlight. 
Will operated the camera on the opening night as this year's theme, "A Hope and a Future," was introduced. A group of students also took part in Warner Pacific College Night on Wednesday.
As always, we celebrated the end of summer with laughs and thrills at our annual camping/waterskiing weekend in Washington State. 
After setting up camp near the town of Couger, we had dinner together and walked down to Yale Lake for a brisk twilight swim.
Back at camp, we explored the area, toasted s'mores, and enjoyed interesting conversations around the campfire.
Garth's dad, Bo, made a surprise appearance at camp the next morning while Garth was leading morning devotions.
After sharing a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast at camp, we launched Bo's boat in Yale Lake and cranked up the fun.
Our toys of choice were the wakeboard, the kneeboard, and the water tube. Bo pulled each of us behind his boat according to our own preference of speed, sharp turns, and craziness.
It was a great weekend of camping and boating, and we look forward to next year!
Thanks in advance for remembering our student ministry in your prayers for the upcoming school year. Details on the launch of our new E.P.I.C. Student Ministry will follow next month!
In His grip,
Youth Pastors Garth and Kathy Hamilton
Here are some blog-exclusive bonus photos for this month:
Playing Tree on Garth's birthday
Taste testing different blends of joe at Coffee Stop, narrowing down options for the upcoming Aloha Church of God Blend
Not one, but TWO soaking wet water balloon fights.
We had a Slip 'N' Slide contest before we dried off. Derek G.(pictured) easily took the top honors.
And finally... observing communion together on the playground (after one of the water fights) at the end of Garth's teaching
Sharing about IYC Orlando with the students back at home
Dual fundraisers holding signs for a car dealership, earning money for our upcoming summer activities
Hiking in the Columbia River Gorge
Playstation 3 gaming at Garth and Kathy's new house
The infamous banana cake, in honor of Garth's birthday
