Leaving Camp

This experience has been so amazing! Part of me still can't even believe that I'm here in South Africa surrounded by all of these amazing people. For these past couple weeks of camp, I met so many people that are so spiritual and sweet in their own way. I think that it's so amazing how people from all over the world who might even speak different languages are able to communicate through the everlasting love of our father. This is definitely not something that I will ever forget and I'm so grateful that I was able to come and do this.

-Kimberly Hoffmann

Last Full Day

Greetings from South Africa! Last night we experience an epic African thunderstorm. All of the electricity went out, but that didn't stop us from having a great time. We ended up singing and dancing in the dark. Chief Mua Mua even made an appearance. This last full day has been full of laughs, encouragement and fun. We are so sad to be leaving in two days but are so grateful for the time we've had in this amazing place. Shoutout to Bubba who's turning the big 14 tomorrow!!! Have a great one!

-Amaris & Alexa Keckley 

    

A New Chapter

What a roller coaster! Emotions have been all over the place over the last few days as the three year journey of Swamp Corps came to an end yesterday. I may have a cried a few times on Sunday and Monday (Understatement), but I'm extremely encouraged by the way that the South Africans honored Jeff and Jen and just made all of us feel so appreciated.

Now, Tuesday, we are more than 24 hours past the departure of over 40 Americans and the 12 of us who stayed behind are no longer part of Swamp Camp in South Africa but are simply volunteer counselors at Youth Camp 2014. It is so cool to be a part of something run by the African team now and to see the way they are fighting to do this thing on their own. Last week, we were all told to take more of the back seat and not let ourselves be the leaders (which was hard at times!!) and it is cool to see how they really took that and are running with it.

This is their camp now. Self-sufficient. Their culture, their leaders, their Camp. Wow. It's hard for me to believe that the American team has finished its chapter in the growth of this camp, but I'm sure it would be a lie to say that we are done with our connection to it. This week, I'm going to leave it all on the table since I have no idea when I will return but I can't shake the feeling that I'm not finished with my adventures here.

Please keep the Youth Camp team in your prayers! The Mugochis are leading like champions and the counselors have all pushed past sleep deprivation by prayers and the desire to give these kids just as much of a great experience as those who left yesterday.

Much love to all of you back home!
Jacob

The Hardest Goodbye

Man. Words really can't describe how hard this goodbye was for me. I am sitting here on the bus staring out the window and listening to music... I feel like I'm in a movie. Anyways, I still can't believe that I am leaving South Africa for the third time in a row... one day I will come back and not leave!!! To all my South African brothers and sisters... you will never know the depth of your influence on me. The love and grace of God is SO evident in your hearts. Thank you for reminding me of who God really is. I love you all with everything that I am. I cannot wait to be in heaven worshiping our Jehovah God forever and forever with you all.
Love,
Sam Rorabaugh

South Africa

This trip has been life, heart and mind changing. I have made friends I cant make back in vegas. South africa isnt just a place anymore. It is home and people here are my family. I have thought about studying the bible but I always seemed to slowly slip away. This trip made my life. I am a new person and I am just ready to see what god can do in my life when I get home.
Dillon Stewart

First Timer

What an amazing experience! My name is Hannah and I'm from Texas. I have never been to the Swamp before, but after learning about Swamp Corps from a booth at a conference I knew I had to experience this. When I first showed up for the trip I was so scared. I didn't really know anyone else on the trip so I felt a bit insecure. But God's plan is perfect and even though I didn't know it at the time, I was about to take a 16 hour plane ride with some of my new best friends. After we got here the church in Johannesburg continued to make me feel safe and loved, and I truely feel like they adopted me as one of their own. Theme for the camp was "After Earth" focusing on facing our fears. I felt that this theme was exactly what I needed, and even though I was a councilor, I learned so much this week. I am eternally greatful for the family God has allowed me to make with Swamp Corps and with the Southern African churches. I am sad to leave, but I know this is not the end of a cool trip, but the beginning of the next part of my journey in my walk with God in His glorious kingdom.

Last Day

It has been an amazing trip. It has been very rewarding to serve and watch the smiles on the campers faces. My favorite part has been the Starlight devotional.  It shows us how small we are and how big God is. I love South Africa but miss my family and ready to go home. Jim Ousley

This Experience

This trip was absolutely amazing! God had revealed himself in so many ways while we have been here. This trip has taught me so much about myself and my relationship with God. My cabin was awesome and my counselors did an incredible job this week. It is going to be very hard to say goodbye especially with all the amazing relationships I have made.  I love South Africa!

Much love, Chloe Keeve

3peat

It has truly been such a blessing to be back for my third year counseling in South Africa. I have loved watching camp grow here. Rodwell and Oscylia have done an AMAZING job leading camp- it is clear God chose them for this.  I have made so many new friends and have deepened prior relationships. I cannot thank God enough for allowing me to experience the incredible love and hospitality of the people and disciples. I am so sad we are leaving tomorrow... But for now I am enjoying the moment! Oh, well it's time to play dodgeball, gotta go! Siyabonga South Africa!  Samantha

No Tribes or Colors

I bet I've not seen such an influencing environment  before among teens and preteens.  I think by observing camp, the great lesson is the power of committed counselors. Their presence richly manure the environment so that the campers can't help but grow under their example.  Also the younger kids kind of set up the older ones to maturity as they look up to them in every way.  You should here them talk to each other, play together and lead each other in cheering and singing; it's just a little heaven on earth. At camp I've also noticed there are no tribes or colors only children under God and that is amazing.

Amos & Kiki Otienne
Camp Directors
Nairobi, Kenya

My South African Family

This morning I am overwhelmed with joy. I am extremely encouraged by the grateful devo this morning. I am really grateful that God has brought me to South Africa. The joy, the laughter, the worship and so many other things is exactly what I needed this week. I feel like I am surrounded by family and its amazing how in just a matter of a couple of days, such deep relationships have formed. Last year I was really intimidated by the thought of meeting all the South Africans but now I feel like I'm at home and I'm with my family. Pray for us tomorrow because we'll have to say goodbye to not just our new friends but our family.

Melina Cole

Two of a Kind!

What an amazing time we have had this week! I am so grateful for friendships from the other side. Its amazing how we can be so far apart but still be so similar. Ive loved counseling with  halie this week.  She is so fun and energetic.  I have learned so much. I love the kingdom and I totally see God's love through these special people!
-linzi
Holy smokes! I have had so much fun this week counseling with Linzi this week! Outwardly we are so different but at heart we are so alike! I'm so encouraged that God gives us people to connect to even when we are so different! Truly the kingdom is a taste of heaven.
-halie

Great minds think alike!!! :)
Camp has been so awesome and we don't want it to end!

I Never Want to Leave

This camp has been such a joy to be apart of. I was SO nervous about it at first but there was no reason to be. The people here are so encouraging and they have such big hearts for others and God. This trip has given me a new perspective on things and life. I'm so thankful for this opportunity. I love you mom and dad and  I'll see you very soon.

Drew Stewart

Fear Factor

So today we faced our fears by playing a game. We had random objects in paper bags that we had to either taste smell or feel while blind folded. The reactions were so awesome. I had to taste mustard. Not being a fan it was terrible. Some other objects that had to be felt included chicken heads, chicken feet, and chicken liver. Ohhh mannnnn! It was hilarious.

Sincerely Savannah Baird

Note from Directors: we washed our hands and had nurses involved for safety.  :)

Camp 2014 Parent and Camp Helpers

Hi! My name is Leigh Barter and I am a parent helper for YOUTH CAMP 2014 SOUTH AFRICA. My children have attended two camps, this is their third and mine and my husbands first. I have always appreciated the fun my kids have had here but to experience it for myself is awe inspiring. Being a helper is so much fun and as I type this sitting under a big tree I am watching our older campers taste, touch and smell disgusting things! Fear Factor! Kids are happy, free and safe to be themselves here which is helping me to appreciate so much the freedom we have in Christ. I feel grateful and quite emotional a lot of the time especially when the kids break out into song!! God is good!

No Limits

Hi from SA!! We're having lots of fun doing many exciting things such as cabin challenges, making new friends, and having devotionals about conquering fears. This morning we had an amazing singing devo that showed us that we praise the same almighty God all throughout the world. Through all the deep talks, late night laughs, friendship bracelet making, and dodgeball we have seen that no matter the distance, God's kingdom has no limits.

Much love from,
           Ailex Lloyd and Alexis Maharty

- Hey look mom we blogged!!

Singing Devo

This morning we got the amazing privilege of having our singing devotional. Ever since I was nine the singing devo has been my favorite part of camp, all because it is such a pure act of worship to our God. What made this morning even more special was the fact that people from about 12 different countries could all come together and worship the same God through our songs. Everyone seemed to be completely secure to be themselves before God. People shouted, clapped, and even danced, and through everything Jesus was absolutely present. I'm having the time of my life worshiping with these amazing people!

Cheers!
Mia Cellino

Click here to listen to singing devotional.

Girls Five

Hey yall! Camp has been awesome and we're having a blast! My cabin is amazing and some of their favorite parts of camp have been...winning cleanest cabin, watching me beat all the boys in knock out (holla), and the devos. After day two of camp many campers told me that they want to come to camp every year from now on, and one told me she wants to start studying thrle bible when she gets back home. That was so encouraging and I'm so in awe of what God is doing in South Africa!! Now time for the singing devo- whoop whoop

Maddie Hunter

Getting the BIG Picture

Being at camp this year is so encouraging as I'm normally in the background taking care of the admin.

It's truly amazing to see the kids come together and engage themselves with young and old alike. They have very quickly shed their inhibitions and embraced the culture of camp. Everyone is having a blast.

Fun and friendship is the order of the day. I can only imagine how much better it's going to get as camp progresses.

Karen Todd
Camp Administrator

REUNITED

The day that we have all been anxiously waiting on for months finally came. CAMP STARTED TODAY!!!! It was so exciting greeting the 3 buses filled with campers with dancing, singing, and smiles all around. Being able to see all the South Africans again makes it feel as if they never left swamp. For us Americans on the trip this day couldn't have come soon enough. For second go-rounders on this trip its so exciting to see new faces and new changes at the camp. They have really have done a really good job at making this not only a fun environment but a safe one as well! Through these 3 years of swamp corps and the year the South Africans came to swamp in America we have created friendships that will last long after this swamp trip has ended. We're excited to see how swamp is going to spread to different countries in the years to come. But for now we are excited to see how the rest of camp goes.
Much love, Jordan , Chet, and Shelby

Fun While Waiting

Today was our first day waking up at our beautiful camp! After an amazing lesson last night, we all went back to our cabins and got to know each other before going to sleep, drenched in insect repellant. We woke up to clear skies and perfect weather and fellowshipped before breakfast. Not all of the campers are even here yet but the fellowship is still amazing, meeting extraordinary people from all over, whether they be counselors, campers, or workers. Everyone is so wonderful and friendly, and even though there are many differences, we're all here to get closer to God. We all eagerly await the arrival of the other campers, and for the fun to really start!

- Conor Davis, Tampa

Back at the Beginning

Chaos is about to strike as 55 Americans and 34 South Africans have found our way to camp! There is definitely excitement floating in the air as we walk the campground and ready our minds for the adventure ahead. It is really amazing to be back where we were a year ago with old friends whom we've dearly missed. We are blown away by the strength of the friendships here and how they've lasted all this time. 2013 was filled with Skype calls and Facebook messages as we did our best to keep in touch and continue the friendships we made. And by the glory of God we are finally reunited face to face, continuing to serve side by at camp. We are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the campers and we CANNOT WAIT FOR CAMP TO FINALLY START!!! Whoop whoop!!!!

Love, Chet and Halie

Camp Time!

It's camp time in South Africa. Finally!! I'm so excited to see what it has to bring. So far we've seen all done all these really fun and encouraging activities. I already don't wanna leave . Everyone here has been great! They are really nice and super funny. I've been making new friends that are going to last a lifetime and working on old friendships. I can't wait to see what to see what God is going to do this week.
Okay, gotta go have fun

By:Sara Brooks:)