Did you notice that I placed the year after the title of this post? That’s because this is a place we definitely plan on making an annual trip. Mt. Hermon is a Christian camp that hosts events year ’round. We attended one of their family camps. Our pastor, Ray Johnston, was the morning speaker, and evangelist Luis Palau was the evening speaker.
The kids were in their own programs and had a great time with old, and new, friends. We had plenty of family time as well.
We arrived earlier than check in and explored a little. We found a little shed that is being eaten by ivy. It made for some cool photos..
The Mt. Hermon chapel…
The first night was a welcome BBQ and carnival. Our friends, the Landons, were here as well! We had not planned it that way, but God did.
Introducing the week’s theme (Sunk without Grace), and introducing Luis Palau (on R)…
Got a few early morning runs win with Shanti…
Morning session with Pastor Ray…
Shanti and Chris…
Lunch break…
While DH napped, the boys and I went on a “culinary” walking tour. We learned about the edibles of the redwood forest…
This is a type of laurel. Although not poisonous, it’s not palatable. However, the Native Americans would crush it and stuff it up their nose for relief of nasal congestion. The boys did this and said that it caused their nostrils to burn…
The beautiful giant sequoias have edible needles…
The boys favorite treat (second to the obvious blackberry), was the redwood sorrel. It looks like a large three-leaf clover and tastes like granny smith apple peel.
‘A’s favorite place to be…next to, or just behind, the leader…
Beach ball volleyball…
Ping pong!
The man is the person God used to change my life forever. This is Roger Williams, CEO of Mt. Hermon. He gave a talk on the grace of God. I have had years of head knowledge on grace, but never realized I had not embraced the grace of God in my heart. It was during Roger’s seminar that I physically felt the depth of love and grace God has for me. It was an experience I will never forget and one I want everyone to experience. Roger is dealing with stage 4 colon cancer right now, and was unable to complete the three talks he had planned, but his passion to share the love of Christ is so great, he eeked out every reserve he had to share with us. If I never get the chance to speak with him personally, I will forever be grateful to him and to the Holy Spirit’s words through him.
The boys with their new (also Bayside) friend…C
The dynamic trio…Pastor Ray….Dr. Palau…and Worship Leader, Trent Smith…
Nighttime Zumba party! Way too much fun!! Good exercise too…
Wednesday is a special day for Mt. Hermon. We took a break from the sessions and seminars, and took an open air train into Santa Cruz, where we spent the day!
The kid’s camp counselors serenaded us to the train. It was a bit of a walk, and the music made it fun!
‘R’, with his (Bayside) friend, ‘P’…
Our friends, the Stewarts, were at Mt. Hermon as well. Once again, not planned by us, but by God! This is my lovely friend, Heather, and her daughter, ‘G’…
Rolling into Santa Cruz. A little overcast, but that worked to our favor. It cleared up and was hot as the day progressed…
We saw either porpoise or dolphins!
‘R’ found a Frisbee in the water. After we made sure it did not belong to anyone, we claimed it for ourselves…
The pier is home to many sea lion, and the occasional otter…
Pelican, napping on a car…
The train ride back. This is a picture of our new (also Bayside) friends, the Kleeschultes. They are admiring the tall redwoods…or sleeping…
Ice cream every night. It’s a camp tradition.
One morning, DH and the boys decided to sleep in. I hooked up with the Landon dam and hiked up to Pancake Ridge for a yummy pancake breakfast!
Chris and David…
Fun skit night…
Could not capture this well on film, but the kids are dancing during morning session warm up..
Last night with their camp counselor, Twizzlers…
Cotton candy on their last night. Gross.
And milkshakes. Gross. Gross.
