Camp counselors are usually fun-loving, caring, compassionate individuals with a flair for the weird and a little bit unusual. Oftentimes, camp changes counselors in ways they don't expect and don't even realize until after they have "retired" to the "real" world. Recently, a Westview Alum, Andrew "Ducky" Ray, realized how much he misses camp and he shared these words on Facebook. (Thanks, Ducky!) To All of the Westview Counselors: DON'T YOU EVER LEAVE. I will be happy to list the reasons for you: 1. Summer weather is actually terrible, if you can't get in the water 3 hours out of the day. 2. At camp, customer service is helping out a homesick child. In the real world, customer service is apologizing when a customer keeps hitting you with a stick. 3. Believe me, Westview food is even better when you have to pay for your own groceries. 4. Trying to do a group activity with random adults isn't nearly as easy as with kids. 5. At camp, you are constantly surrounded by 30 of your best friends and they all love...

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All Entries Summer Camp

The theme this summer at camp is "Secrets of the Kingdom"-The Parables of Jesus.  One of the parables we are learning about is the parable of the lost sheep and the lost coin in Luke 15:1-10.  Our Ministers in Residence this week for the 7-11 year olds; Sandy & Matt Morin introduced our campers to Baa...bby the lost sheep.  During camp this week Baa...bby will be placed in different parts of camp and will need to be found.  Once found the Day Group can hide little Baa...bby somewhere else for another group to find.  Campers will be reminded that God cares for us no matter what we do and always looks for us because every one of us is precious to God.  Camp is a great place to learn this lesson and see and feel this through the love and care of counselors, lifeguards, food staff, store and maintenace staff.

All Entries Summer Camp

     Taking group photos is a great reason to leave my desk behind and travel all around camp taking fun photos of camplife.  A few of the silly photos are on todays photo gallery. 

     A hearty breakfast of oatmeal, cinnamon toast, sausage and fried apples had the campers stoked for a full day of camp activities.  As I made my rounds around camp this morning, campers were busy at Water Trampoline, Canoeing, Bible, Hiking, Challenge Course, High Ropes and Mt. Biking. This afternoon the pool was the place to be as the heat began to rise.  The camp store was also a good place to cool off.  

    It is a good start to what I expect to be another great summer at Westview.  Thank you for sharing your children and grandchildren with us. 

All Entries Summer Camp

     SonRise Circle is a great way to start the day at camp.  The Birdie Song remains my favorite and I got the chance to help lead it this morning - ssh! Don't WAKE the Birds.  A Hearty Breakfast of French Toast Sticks and Bacon, lots of Bacon at my table and then campers were off to get ready for there morning activities.  A light rain fell, but that did not stop archery, nature,swim lessons and work at the Shalom Farm.    

     The afternoon brought sunshine and warmer temperatures making the pool a great place to be. Waterfront staff and Leadership staff got the Water Trampoline ready for its first day of camp on Tuesday-Blob On campers!  Evening activities, showers and then Hogan vespers-the campers and staff will sleep good tonight.

All Entries Summer Camp

     It's been a good week. The staff have worked hard learning the "How to's of Camp Life" at Westview and putting it into practice during training. Certifications have been completed and verified, Songs & Skits practiced, First-Aid & CPR completed and passed. The What if's have been covered and our staff know their jobs.
     The best part has been the blending of new staff with our veteran staff to create this year's summer camp family. They have prayed together, worshiped together, cooked meals together and put sweat and effort into getting camp ready for the children and youth excited about camp. (I sure hope they all take a good long shower when they get home and please wash your clothes).
     All of us look forward to sharing camp;Westview style, with your children and having them part of our camp family.

All Entries Summer Camp

Camp staff have been in preparations for camp since May 30th. Certifications in climbing, canoeing, kayaking, Mt. Boarding and Lifeguarding.  This week we are focused on the philosophy of Westview's camp program and what makes us great at what we do - the Westview way.  Our passion for camp and how we care for our campers has been recognized by the readers of Virginia Living Magazine who named us Best Camp in Central Virginia.

It is not too late to sign up for camp.  Join your friends and friends yet made for a great week of camp.

All Entries Summer Camp