A Temporary, But Much Needed, Hiatus

As you read this, I am currently sitting in a Starbucks located in Santa Carlita, CA. Why am I here, you may ask? These past two years, Youthfront Camp South - due to a shortage of high schools students wanting to go to camp over the weekend of July 4th (assumedly to blow things up) - has given the summer staff a week off to vacation, relax, and recuperate from the first half of the summer. So, my father decided now would be the ideal time to take that father-son road trip we had always been planning since I was just a young boy. Hence the reason I sit here in a SoCal Starbucks. So far, we have covered almost 1500 miles in the last 3 days and are on our home-stretch back to San Diego.

We flew into San Diego on Sunday night and from there, in the first two days, drove Highway 1 north to Redding, CA. Now, on the path backtracking to San Diego, we are just outside Los Angeles and only 155 miles north of our destination.

Along the way, we have stopped at notable sites such as The Winchester Mansion, Hearst Castle, and The Golden Gate Bridge. I have loved every minute of this trip and am looking forward to its continuation upon departure from this lovely, little Starbucks.

Although I enjoy traveling, Kansas never loses its charm, and I eagerly await no traffic, people that dress like me, and less bustle, overall.

God bless!

Jared

Chapel Watching

So, here I am, sitting in front of the Chapel at Youthfront Camp South helping to facilitate an experience our campers are partaking of at the moment. Today's experience involves the Stations of the Cross and remembering Christ's suffering. My job is to ring the Chapel bell every four minutes to notify the group it is time to switch stations. In between these short shifts, I have taken up a hobby I like to call "Chapel Watching." The same idea as "people watching," the only difference being my location is at camp with my staff family who I know and love each one. The following are my specimens:

A slow start to "Chapel Watching"

Chase taking out chairs for other facilitators on the trail

Hannah prepping the Snack Shack for today's customers

Kyle stopping by to say hello

Harrison in "go mode" making sure everything is running smoothly

Another pause to take in the beauty of creation

Little brother, Jake, trying to find something to do

I love this place and all of these people very much - this staff has blossomed into one of the most beautiful communities I have ever been a part of and I am so thankful that God has blessed me with such fellowship. Thank you for all your continued prayers and support. God be with you, bless you, and keep you.

Love,

Jared

Week One

The first week with campers has come and gone. Filled to overflowing with students, the camp facilities and staff were working hard to keep up with the demands of the week. I am so proud of my family here at camp.

The Redneck Rodeo event this Wednesday night at camp

Staff taking in a Royals game last weekend

Both YF South and YF West staff get-together at Topher Philgreen's

Circus Night on Thursday - the big sports event this year

Our community is truly blossoming; we share each other's joys and burdens as we journey along this summer together. What a blessing it is to see how quickly we have congealed as a group - one of the fastest bonding communities I have ever had the privilege of being included in. I do not doubt that it is because of your fervent prayers for our mission here at camp this summer.

Thank you for all of your support! Continue praying for unity and perseverance through whatever traps the Enemy tries to set for us. No matter the trials and tribulations this summer, may we always remember that God, and God alone, is in control.

God bless!

Jared

And So It Began

The summer is off to a quick and exciting start with training, more work projects, and fellowshipping with this year's staff composing the first two weeks of orientation. With Memorial Day Weekend free, I got to go home and see my family for a few days - mom's homemade pizza, watching movies with dad, and sleeping in my own bed - and I enjoyed every second of it.

Some of the program staff I am honored to be serving alongside this summer.

Now that camp has started, I have become more and more aware of what an excellent team God has blessed Youthfront Camp South with this summer. Thank you for all your prayers and support. Looking forward to continuing this journey with you! Updates coming soon!

God bless,

Jared

Philippians 1:3-6 (NIV)

³ I thank my God every time I remember you. ⁴ In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy ⁵ because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, ⁶ being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Work Week

Work Week was this past week down at South. Many projects were taking place throughout the duration of Monday to Friday - mowers and weed-eaters running constantly, construction, and painting were just a few of the things we had on our To-Do list.

Big Red was an invaluable assistant for duration of the week

We are finally prepped for the staff to move in! Words cannot express how excited I am for this summer.

God bless you all!

Jared

Next Up: Training Week

Second Home

Tomorrow morning I will be leaving for what I have come to know as my "second home" - a place known as Youthfront Camp South. Camp has been one of the most formative influences in my life. I have spent more than a sizable portion of my two decades of existence within the confines of its 660-acre grounds. Growing up, riding bikes (and wiping out), learning, and serving in community with nothing but the best people I could have ever thought to meet have all made this place a second home to me. Needless to say, I am more than excited about packing my things and driving down the familiar thoroughfare known as US-69 South.

One of Tommy Thompson's stained-glass windows in the Chapel

This, dear readers, marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of yet another in my life. Nothing would please me more than for you to join me on my journey this summer at camp. Follow along, comment, ask questions about what's happening in the daily life at camp, and, I ensure you, I will do my best to capture the awesome-ness of this summer's exploits.

- Jared

23 The LORD bless you and keep you; 25 the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; 26 the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6: 23-26

Mom

So I know Mother's Day is still a little ways away, but FarmHouse just celebrated Mom's Weekend 2011 this past weekend. From talent shows to reminiscing the past year to seeing college friends from the past and rekindling those friendships, MW11 was a success. I enjoyed my weekend with mom thoroughly (it didn't hurt that she spoiled me quite a bit). Regardless of whatever we were doing, I was proud to have my mom here in Manhattan for the weekend.

Mom and I in front of FarmHouse

Mom,

I am so thankful for all the things you have done, and continue to do, for me. Taking care of me before I was even born, teaching me and guiding me through my childhood and teenage years, and caring enough to call and make sure everything is okay even now that I am out of the house. I could not ask for a better mom. I know that is a cliche used all too frequently, but, in this case, is completely genuine. If I asked for a better mom, I would be acting in an awfully presumptuous manner because you are as close to perfect as they come.

I love you, mommy!

Jared