Aloha, Tapawingo family! Session 8 at Tapawingo went by too fast, but our staff and campers soaked up the lessons, activities and cabin bonding during our Hawaiian-themed week. Despite some rainy weather during the middle of the week, the girls were able to participate in all kinds of activities and soak up the sun on Monday. From fishing to fitness to banana boating, the girls were all over the island learning new skills and beginning new badges. Changes in weather in the middle of the week provided opportunity for rainy-day activities and more cabin bonding. One of the highlights was a counselor fashion show! The campers dressed up their counselors with all kinds of costumes and enjoyed the show as the staff took turns parading down the runway and competing with their runway walks. Prizes were given for best runway walk, best costume, and best overall presentation. Miss Leanne from the Commanche cabin, who was dressed as the “Luau Princess”, won best costume, while the Shoshone cabin won best presentation, and Miss Anna from Navajo won best runway walk.
The campers heard from a variety of staff members during Power Hour and Vespers on topics such as forgiveness and compassion, giving our burdens to Jesus, remaining steadfast in faith through trials, and resting in God’s salvation. On Thursday night Miss Emily and Miss Katie - twins who are Tapawingo Staff alumni - shared about what it means to be beloved by God. We are all broken and struggle in many ways. But through Christ, God uses our brokenness for His purposes, and He even works through us to bless others to His glory. It’s a marvelous mystery, but what a joy it is to be beloved by a good and loving Savior who will never allow our hardships or brokenness to be in vain. Instead, He works out all things for our good and His glory. The girls were especially touched by this message as they learned more about God’s love for them in the midst of brokenness.
Despite the prevailing rain weather, Session 8 at Tapawingo still saw over 20 campers earn badges! Badges were earned in activity areas such as Bible, Wildlife, Drama, and Swimming. Thankfully, the sun made its appearance again on Friday, just in time for our Luau Banquet! The lodge dining hall and campers and staff alike were adorned with festive, Hawaiian leis. Following the badge ceremony and cabin awards, Miss Joy offered a final charge to close out our Tapawingo 2021 summer. Focusing in 2 Timothy, Miss joy exhorted us all to “fan the flame” of God’s Spirit within us - to boldly pursue Him and allow Him to use our lives for His purposes.
Goodbye to Session 8 at Tapawingo, and goodbye to a whole summer of fun, challenges, and growth! We are filled with gratitude for all the Lord has done this summer. He has changed hearts, rekindled flames of love for Him, and has drawn hearts to Himself for the first time. We pray that God will continue His work; He who called us is faithful, “and He will do it.”
-Miss Karyn
