When I think back on my childhood summers, some of the greatest days I remember were the ones that were spent with my church family. I now realize how fundamental those days were, not just because of the fun but because of the things I was able to learn that were foundational for my life as an adult. When I had my own children, the one thing I was clear about was that my kids should be raised in a loving church community that would also help me to teach our Christian faith by actually living it out.
My wife Kathy and our four kids - Christina, Victoria, Ernie, and Rebecca -think of life at Lake as an all-year-round experience, but the summers are particularly eventful and offer many opportunities to connect with church family and community members beyond the pews on Sundays.
For our family, summer kicks off with the Green Oaks Family Camp over Memorial Weekend. Family camp is a great experience all of us, not just the kids, who get to run around and play and hike, enjoy water wars, petting zoos, parades, and crafts – we enjoy family dinners and night campfires (where I traditionally tell a spooky story), and every year Kathy makes her delicious chili and every year we have more new friends over for dinner.
But that's just the beginning because soon after it's time for VBS, where my kids get to worship and learn and play; I love that they have the opportunity to learn about the hardships people face as the program partners every year with a different missions organization (this year the kids talked about the refugee crisis and raised money to build a school for Syrian children), and they get to see and hear how God is working in people's lives both here and abroad.
All four of my kids have participated as campers, but two are now “graduated” from the program but continue to return as volunteers. It is so awesome to see the progression of my children into roles of stewarding and leadership in their community and in a program they have gotten so much out of.
Soon after VBS, students from elementary through high school head off to Forest Home summer camp where fun and activities are part of the week but spiritual growth is a major emphasis. Kathy and I have had the opportunity to be camp leaders for the fourth and fifth graders these past two years and let me tell you this staff at Lake Avenue sure know how to put on an experience that is unforgettable, which I love because my own favorite memories of childhood summers include going to camp.
My two younger kids picked up their love of music through the Summer Exploration of the Arts program (also called SEA Camp) and my two older daughters are now teaching tap dance classes; to see the joy in my girls’ faces as they share their craft with young people is an absolute blessing.
But it doesn't end there because the high school kids get to go on a mission trip where they learn hands-on how to serve away from the comfort of their own homes, and where they learn about fundraising and relying on God to provide financially and emotionally for their work.
Throughout the summer my kids are going to weekly barbecues and pool parties, being mentored by their pastors and small group leaders. Plus lets not forget about those Friday car nights where the church parking lot is opened up to the public to come in and display their custom vehicles. The car show is one of my personal favorites since I am a classic car enthusiast and have a little project of my own that I hope to one day complete and display at a summer car night at the church.
Our family also enjoys the yearly anticipation for the new batch of interns that will help lead the summer activities in Children’s and Student Ministries. The interns are a group of young adults, usually fresh out of or a few years out of high school, that are passionate about service and leadership - and we get them for a whole summer at Lake! Christina and Victoria are soaking up every moment of summer programming as students, but they are also eager for the day that they too can become interns.
As the summer progresses families will continue to come together for dinner, dance parties, and outdoor games. I could go on forever telling you about all the opportunities for families over the summer, but it’s what you make of it; there are so many ways for children to participate and so many ways for any of us adults to lead, volunteer, or simply to connect with other people whom we can walk in our faith with. If you’re looking for fun, fellowship, exercise, or rest, then look no further because it's all offered during summers at Lake.
To find out all the opportunities for you and your family this summer, visit our Summer at Lake page.