a few looks at LinK Summer Camp

We started our mornings with worship and a devotion

Our group served two days in the Walnut Neighborhood.  Here are the  guys with Jack, a homeowner in the neighborhood that is unable to walk due to polio.

The young men took a shed down for Jack in his backyard.

Dana lives right around the corner from Jack.  It was great to introduce him to his neighbor, Jack, and to  help him learn how to serve his neighbor and work toward strengthening the neighborhood.

You know you've served a neighbor when you're willing to clean their toilet!  Jack thanks you, Estrella!  Cleaning toilets for Jesus!

Myrtle lives in the neighborhood just a few doors down from Jack.  This group of four young ladies  painted doors and trim for Myrtle today.

...and painted a bit of themselves as well. :)

On our second day of serving in the neighborhood, Link Campers painted  in a four-plex that is being rebuilt after a fire this past year.  

Daytrell also lives in the Walnut Neighborhood.  It was a joy to work together in a group and to show students how Jesus can restore hearts, lives, and neighborhoods...and that he uses His followers in the process! 

Cook teams composed of four people prepared meals for us at the church each day.  Each leader and student cooked for at least two of the meals.  Dana, second from left, volunteered to cook for more than his assigned meals.  We named him "Iron Chef"!

Phil Joel led worship each night at Teen Serve's worship event at Central Middle School.  Our campers went to this program each night.  Phil, and his wife, Heather, challenge students to passionately pursue Christ and to spend time meeting with God each morning.  Their website, www.deliberatepeople.com, provides daily readings and tools for the journey.

Joel Johnson, www.joeljohnson.org, was the national youth speaker at the event.  He focused on grasping God's great love for us, allowing God to be our perfect parent, and creating godly standards in dating relationships.  

We even did a 30 minute Love Cedar Valley outreach blitz on our last day of serving.  Our group had a very interesting half hour in downtown Waterloo.  It included the first time of walking down fire escape stairs for several of us.  

We were able to culminate our camp experience with a wonderful afternoon  at a friend's.  Fishing, swimming, paddleboating, snocones, petting zoo, relaxing in a hammock...totally awesome day!

Temps were in the mid-90's...a perfect day for a water trampoline!

At least 8 fish were caught by campers.  A few witnesses reported some fish kissing going on!

Team Tie-Dye.  Love the colorful and unique patterns found on each shirt made by  campers.

Link...Linking arms and lives for Life in the Kingdom of God.