GREAT ESCAPE 2010: SILVER FALLS
The second annual teen camp retreat got underway on August 2 as eleven teens and five adults caravaned out in three vehicles headed for Silver Falls State Park, just east of Salem, OR. It was a terrific four days, filled with lots of hiking, games, group activities and most fondly remembered, the dedicated, uninterrupted time with our Lord Jesus Christ. We hiked nearly 9 miles of trails and saw 10 water falls; played tons of ultimate Frisbee & soccer; and enjoyed break-through spiritual moments where our eyes were opened to just how unfathomably deep our Father's love is for us. The theme passage for this year was, "I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through me." ...Here are some pics of our trip:
All of us looking down to South Falls, the biggest of the ten falls
Hiking under South Falls
Group pic
Looking up
Another water fall
A rare pic of Peter smiling :)
Zack and all his gear to take pics and video
Andy climbing on the rocks near another water fall
Edwin (one of our fearless leaders) and Riley
Everyone enjoyed getting soaked under this small fall
Group pic, but most notably Edwin sucking on his water bag (Looks like the caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland ;)
Zack setting up the sound and video equipment -- a huge step forward for 
Andy prepping for worship that evening
We had acres and acres of fields around us --
Zack setting up the sound and video equipment -- a huge step forward for this year's trip compared to last year when we had no a/v stuff
Andy prepping for worship that evening
We had acres and acres of fields around us -- plenty of room to spread out and play lots of games!
Trying to untangle a human knot!
North Falls was beautiful both from a distance and when we got to walk underneath
...But this was my favorite fall, nestled in a small "canyon" of sorts
This is another pic of North Falls.
North Falls once again
A view from up in the loft, where our bunks were,
Water balloon fight! (We had to fill up 300 water balloons!)
Our two "old" men just sitting around being lazy
When teens get bored they get creative -- in this case they found
Trying to untangle a human knot!
North Falls was beautiful both from a distance and when we got to walk underneath
...But this was my favorite fall, nestled in a small "canyon" of sorts
This is another pic of North Falls. We hiked inside that dark crevasse you see behind the falls.
North Falls once again
A view from up in the loft, where our bunks were, looking down inside the Ranch (a converted barn)
Water balloon fight! (We had to fill up 300 water balloons!)
Our two "old" men just sitting around being lazy
When teens get bored they get creative -- in this case they found some moss hanging from a tree and... instant facial hair!
Trying to build a duct-tape bridge
The road leading the the "Old Ranch"
Ah, home away from home
Trying to build a duct-tape bridge
The road leading the the "Old Ranch"
Ah, home away from home (we shared it with a mouse, squirrel, lizard and a bat!)
You're never too big to play at the playground!
My favorite part. On Wed. night everyone tied their bandana around the cross.
You're never too big to play at the playground!
My favorite part. On Wed. night everyone tied their bandana around the cross. Each bandana represented something that person committed to Christ
Went to Pacific City on the way home. But only stayed long enough to eat lunch.
So instead we headed south to the Tillamook Cheese Factory
Overall, Great Escape 2010 was great and definately spiritually touching -- a time I may never forget. But coming home to my wife, kids and soft bed was also GREATLY anticipated!
Went to Pacific City on the way home. But only stayed long enough to eat lunch. It was cloudy and chilly!
So instead we headed south to the Tillamook Cheese FactoryOverall, Great Escape 2010 was great and definately spiritually touching -- a time I may never forget. But coming home to my wife, kids and soft bed was also GREATLY anticipated!
