Trip to Michigam

Grandpa Strauel, Caleb & Philip

I will be away from daycamp from June 25 through June 30, 2009. Beth's mom, Beth and I will be traveling to Fostoria, MI to honor and bury Beth's dad (Doug Strauel). Doug went to heaven to be with his Saviour on March 5, 2009.

Zuma Beach

Today was a cold day at the beach!

We enjoyed the beach inspite of the cool temperatures.

Some of the bravest in our group went boogie boarding.

Others took advantage of the blustery weather to enjoy kite-flying!

Still others sought shelter by burying themselves up to their neck into the sand. Whatever the pursuit, the results were the same - lots of smiles and great memories-.

Link to all beach pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/fourmusicians/ZumaBeach?feat=directlink

Tuesday - Museum of Science and Industry

Today we made bedroom door signs in crafts- Left is a sign advertising the Lakers - Right is a warning to all intruders!

Crafts are the first thing in the morning followed by swim lessons and Bible time. That afternoon we went to the museum of science and industry. Unfortunately, my camera battery went dead. There are no more pictures to enjoy.

Water slide day

"I've got joy like a fountain in my soul."

Today was our second waterslide day of the summer. It was also the first day for the summer schoolers to join the fun! Our morning craft was "bag puppets". We made the puppets out of brown paper bags. The boys enjoyed cutting out decorations and attaching them onto the puppets. Our morning game was "Capture the Flag". After lunch, we went to the pool, played "1-2-3 American Eagle". (To play this game, boys have to run through "catchers" to a safe zone without being caught - great fun-). We then enjoyed the giant water slide - then ended the afternoon by watching "Looney Tune" cartoons.
Tomorrow we will go to the Museum of Science and Industry. This will be an afternoon trip. It is important that we get to the bus for a 12:30 PM departure. Our return time may be a bit late because of traffic. Be sure to wear your day camp shirt. See you then!

Link to today's pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/fourmusicians/WaterslideDay?feat=directlink

Camper of week - June 15-19, 2009

Congratulations to

Chuy Garcia - Camper of the Week!

Water Wars!

Friday was water wars day - the boys brought the appropriate weapons and "had at it" on the elementary playground. Fun, fun, fun! We also enjoyed Friday "food-crafts". Today was "worms-in-mud". This is a pudding with gummy worms mixed in (delicious). The afternoon was spent watching films (A Gift of Love) and swimming at our pool.

About 16 6-8th grade boys carried the battled and claimed "victory" over the 4-5th grade boys class.

The pool is fun, but tiring

Link to all Friday Pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/fourmusicians/WaterWars?feat=directlink

Fishing is fun!

Troutdale and Hurricane Harbor

Today our boys chose to enjoy either Hurricane Harbor or fishing @ Troutdale. Nine boys went to Hurricane Harbor water park while eight boys went fishing at Troutdale. The 4-5th grade boys joined forces with us to bring the total number of fishermen to 19 boys, 2 Jr Counselors, and 4 Adults. Troutdale is located on Kannan road about half way between Agoura and Zuma beach. We were uncertain about the prospects of our day's activities as we left camp and headed to the bait shop since last year our boys didn't catch a single fish! It didn't take too long however before Evan caught the first fish of the day. Once that fish was landed, we knew that everything would be OK. By noontime we had caught 10 fish and were ready for the sandwiches which the kitchen staff at camp had prepared for us.

Fish being stocked @ Troutdale

After lunch, the boys were delighted to see a fish hatchery truck restock the ponds with fresh rainbow trout! We had caught a total of 24 trout by the time we left for camp. Once we arrived at camp, it was time to change into our swimsuits and enjoy the camp pool all by ourselves. The boys enjoyed playing water basketball with Mr. Harold while I taught others how to clean their fish. Moms and Dads were delighted to see our catch. We can hardly wait for a return trip to Troutdale later in the summer.

Link to all fishing pics: http://picasaweb.google.com/fourmusicians/Troutdale?feat=directlink

Beach Day!

Friends @ Zuma Beach 6/17/09

Today we returned to Zuma beach for the first time in 2009. The weather was beautiful, clear and sunny. The water was rather cool, but it will warm up as the summer progresses. We saw dolphins, and sea lions.

Link to more photos: http://picasaweb.google.com/fourmusicians/ZumaBeach?feat=directlink

Tomorrow: Fishing! 6-8th grade boys will be visiting "Troutdale" to fish. All tackle and admission is paid by the camp. Boys will need to pay for any fish which are caught. Fish cost between $7 - $11 depending on size. When we return to camp, we will swim at our Faith Baptist pool.:-) See you tomorrow!

Overnighter

After an "All - Day" trip to Magic Mountain we stayed overnight on campus at Faith Baptist. The 6-8th grade boys stayed in tents which they pitched themselves. We arrived at 11PM and immediately changed into swimsuits for our "midnight swim". After the swim, the boys learned how to build a campfire and campfire safety. Lessons were also given on "How to toast a marshmallow". The boys thoroughly enjoyed putting their new-found knowledge to work by toast several marshmallows themselves. Lights out and quiet was at 1:30AM. Tomorrow we get up bright and early for a full day of crafts, swim lessons, Bible time and time enjoying Zuma Beach.

*****

Link to additional Pics of Magic Mountain and the overnighter: http://picasaweb.google.com/fourmusicians/DayCampMagicMountainAndOvernighter?feat=directlink

Magic Mountain

We had an amazing time at Magic Mtn!






A total of 17 boys, 1 Jr. Counselor and 2 Sr. Counselors from the 6-8th grade boys group thoroughly enjoyed the day at Magic Mountain! We left Faith Baptist at 10AM and drove to Santa Clarita by school bus. Our first bus trip went smoothly - we even ate lunch during the trip. After arriving at the park (11AM), we spit into two groups. The pictures at the top of this blog are of our groups before entering the park. Many rollercoaster rides were experienced including Viper, Tatsu, Ninja, Revolution, Log Jammer, Goliath, Colossus, Scream, Batman, Riddler's Revenge as well as the park's newest ride, "Terminator - Salvation". Throughout the day the boys enjoyed talking with their friends, eating, playing arcade games, talking with their friends, carnival games, eating and talking with their friends. We left the park at 10PM and arrived at camp on time (11PM). Many of the boys stayed for an "overnighter".

A total of 4 basketballs were won at the arcades!


Some of the boys tried their luck at "the claw".

We watched a parade!

Links to Important Papers

After Camp Hours Information: http://docs.google.com/View?id=dd79r37x_1gnx45ffh
Authorization to Treat a Minor Form (page 9 of the Day Camp Application form):
http://www.faithbaptistschools.com/daycamp/Application%202009.pdf
Day Camp Schedule for Juniors: http://www.faithbaptistschools.com/daycamp/Juniors0909-TripSchedule.pdf

First Day of Camp!

Mr. Sturm, Mrs. Sturm with crafters and Mr. Harold

We had a terrific first day of camp. 19 boys came to enjoy the day with Mr. Harold and me. The day started out with craftroom creations. Mrs. Sturm gave the boys a choice of working with either lanyard or beaded snakes. After crafts, Mr. Harold took half the boys to fit their camp shirts and shorts while I taught the others "How to pitch a tent". This is when I discovered that the person who borrowed my tent last fall did not return all of the poles. "Boys, this is why you should set up your tent at home before you bring it to camp tomorrow". After tenting 101, we had a great Bible time followed by lunch.

Our afternoon was filled with swimming, nation-ball, water-sliding and movie time (The Jungle Book). All in all, it is safe to say the entire day was a smashing success!

Tomorrow is an all day trip to Magic Mtn. and an overnight campout.

We will be returning to camp from Magic Mtn. at 11PM. The primaries will return at 6PM. Let me know if your boy needs to take the early bus home. Those who choose to campout will enjoy a "midnight swim", a campfire and breakfast in the morning.

There is an extra fee of $25 for Magic Mtn. and $7 for the campout. Campers should bring the additional fees in an envelope with the camper's name, the words "Magic Mountain" and "6-8 grade boys" written on the outside.

Boys who will be camping out need to pitch their tent before camp tomorrow. Please pitch the tent by my tent in the Northern play area - shown in the picture to the right. If your child does not own a tent, they may stay in a friend's tent. Campers may not spend the night in a classroom.

See you in the morning! - Mr. Sturm

Room Decorations

Found some wall decorations at Wal-mart last night - Looks like we are going to have a Hawaiian theme.

Camp Counselor's Meeting

Today all of the counselors met with Mr. Packer. I found that I will be working with 6-8th grade boys. (yeah!) Mr. Harold will be co-counseling with me. I don't know much about Mr. Harold, but I'm sure we will have a great time this summer:-)

The first week of day camp will include a trip to Magic Mtn. with a sleep-over. Good thing I still have some firewood from last summer. We also will go to Zuma Beach on Wednesday and fishing at Troutdale on Thursday. Looks like a great start. Bye for now.

Mr. Sturm

June 9, 2009

Today I drove the honor patrol boys and safety girls to Disneyland. The bus drive was a good one, it took 1-3/4 hours. I had a chance to read my Bible and take a nap after Mr. Parmelee and the kids entered the park.

At the park, it has been fun exploring downtown Disney. This is something I have never done before because day camp boys would rather experience the park itself instead of shop and hang out in hotel lobbies like I am doing now. The lobby of Disneyland's Grand Hotel is really nice! It reminds me of the old national park hotels such as Rocky Mountain National Park.

One sad note of the day is that I heard Caleb will not be counseling this year - there simply are not enough openings for Faith Baptist to employ him :-( While this is disappointing, I know that God has a purpose in it all and that His will has not been frustrated. I am looking forward to seeing where Caleb's new ministry will be. Meanwhile, I am resolved to be more enthusiastic about camping with the boys - I know this is what Caleb would do if he had the opportunity to do so.

First Day @ Sturmgerms

Well, I finally did it . . I've started a blog. This all began when Phil Sturm told me he was going to spend the summer counseling at Camp Chetek. The deal was that if he would blog his experiences I would too. Well Phil, it is time to put up or shut up! Your dad has put actions to his words. How 'bout you???

Sincerely,

Mr. Sturm
(AKA: Dad)