Heavenly Kingdom Emphasized at Jenness Park’s Fall Homeschool Camp
by Jennifer Lloyd
“En Guard, and prepare for a kingdom that is not of this world!” announced Barry Lloyd, guest services manager for the Jenness Park’s fall homeschool family camp held September 24-27, 2009. The medieval themed, “Upside-Down Kingdom,” weekend was attended by 272 people. Thus far in 2009 there have been 300 people who have made first time commitments to Christ at Jenness Park.
Campers arrived at the chapel through a “castle” entrance. Families participated in learning stations that followed the theme such as designing a stained glass window, painting a coat of arms on a shield, training in long-sword techniques, working with leather, and painting in the medieval style. A festive banquet was held on Saturday evening complete with Cornish hen, potato wedges, and veggies, all eaten without silverware.
Cindy Osias, from Modesto, commented on the way the importance of the Bible is connected to the structure of the camp program, “I love that learning stations, the activities, and the recreation are all incorporated into scripture and have a Biblical application.”
The speaker for the weekend, Steve Walker, spoke on the differences between the world’s version of success, and the models for success given in the Bible that include serving others, sacrificing ourselves, and suffering for Christ. He also presented a session on the parables in Matthew that center on the kingdom of heaven.
A highlight for the men was a “dad’s only” session about raising Godly men and women. Daniel Osias, who grew up in Haiti, remarked, “Here in America, young people focus so much on outward appearance and visual images. Pastor Steve’s approach toward young people and courtship gave me a great perspective on how to raise my daughter and two sons.”
The music for the weekend was provided by Randy Winton and his two sons, Cody and Jesse. They sing a blue-grass style of original pieces, choruses, and hymns. The boys have both received honors in state contests for guitar picking.
Homeschool families were blessed by the weekend for several reasons. “I have great memories of camp as a child,” explained Amanda Clay, from Elk Grove. Clay continued, “As a homeschooling parent, I’ve found that Jenness Park combines a Christian emphasis with homeschooling that I’m seeking for my children Hannah and Caleb. I’ve looked at other options, and rather than trying to fit a round peg in a square hole, why not find a round hole? I’ve found a great fit here at Jenness Park.”
Michelle Buehrle, from Modesto, considered the benefits of a family-centered camp weekend. She stated, “This weekend ministers to me, personally, because I’m able to actually rest. I participate with my children, but I don’t have to cook, clean, or entertain. However, the best thing that I have found here at Jenness Park is that the camp has enveloped all of us and grown us in our relationship with the Lord. The speaker, the music, the freedom for the kids, and the camp environment all work in a unifying way to draw us closer to the Lord as a family. The camp works hard to speak to every individual, regardless of age.”
For those interested in this type of unique family adventure, the Jenness Park spring homeschool family camp will be held April 19-22, 2010, and will feature speaker Dr. Tommy Mitchell from Answers in Genesis. The theme, based on the biblical account of the flood and archeology, is “Digging up the past.” The fall homeschool weekend will be held October 14-17, 2010. The theme is “Revealed: Discovering God through our senses.” Additional information can be located on the web at jennesspark.com.
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