Day Five- The Good Shepherd Saves the Day

2025 Buddies and Staff

 We wrapped up the story of David, in J-Zone today.  We learned that God has a plan for each of us and God's plan for David was to be king.  No matter how hard King Saul tried to save the kingship for his son Prince Jonathan and himself, David succeeded him as king, just as God had planned.  

We learned that David made some major mistakes in his life that led to loss and pain for David.  But our God is a forgiving God and God forgave David's mistakes.  David's life is an example for us, regarding God's forgiveness and his desire for the best for us. 

From Left: Bronco, Wylie, Sherman, Moi 2, Moi, Mr. Peabody  kneeling: Snow White

The campers watched Act Four, the finale, of the Sheepfold drama.  When we last left Bronco, he was in the clutches of Wylie the wolf and things weren't looking good for him.  Just as it looks like it's curtains for Bronco, Wylie the Wolf gets an idea; why not use Bronco to lure all the sheep into his clutches.  He coerces  Bronco into helping him with his evil plan - after all what choice does Bronco really have? It looks like the little flock is back in the grip of the wolf, when the Good Shepherd arrives just in the nick of time to save them. he sends the wolf packing. 

So what can we learn from this story? The Good Shepherd loves us and provides direction for us that keeps us safe.  In the book of Hebrews, Jesus is described as the "great Shepherd of the sheep" and we know we can cling to his promises.

After lunch, it time to travel back the valley, where the campers entertained their caregivers with songs and a video that recapped their time at camp. It was wonderful seeing them share their experiences and smiles with those who offer them support throughout the year.  We're thankful for the time we had with our campers. Time to start planning for next year. 

Day Four- The Fun Continues

Recapping yesterday's J-Zone,  David is able to take out the Philistines' champion, Goliath, which inspired the Israelites to drive forward and win the battle.  Today we learned that from that point on, King Saul  kept David with him rather than letting him return home to his family.  King Saul's son, Prince Jonathan, developed a strong friendship with David and supported him however he could. Because of his success on the battlefield, the nation, and their enemies admired David even more than they admired King Saul and this angered King Saul.

Camper helps Pastor Sue with the
 story as Prince Jonathan

King Saul was so enraged and filled with pride that he determined to kill David. If Prince Jonathan had not warned David of the danger, King Saul would likely have had his way. David fled from King Saul and the Lord watched over him as he moved from town to town, sometimes staying caves.

We learn that during times of trouble, we can pray to the Lord to help us through the difficult time. He will watch over us and protect us.

In act three of the Sheepfold drama, the small flock, minus Bronco, made their way back to the sheepfold. They realize that going against the Good Shepherd's guidance has gotten them into a lot of  trouble, and even more trouble for the young ram Bronco, who has wandered off on his own. Bronco was heard to say, "All I want is to run free and do my own things." Bronco meets up with the wolf, who is in sheep's clothing and is lured into going off with him.  Once they're in the wolf's lair, the wolf reveals who he really is and makes plans for dinner, with Bronco being the main course.

The returning sheep are worried the Good Shepherd will not know Bronco is gone, but they need not be concerned, because the Good Shepherd knows us by name and is counting to make sure all of his flock is in the fold. Realizing Bronco is gone, the Good Shepherd sounds the alarm and heads off into the dusk to look for Bronco. 

Camp archery range

The archery activity returned this year with Coach DJ acting as the Head Archer, for the camp.  Coach DJ spent time working with the campers to teach them how to safely hold the bow, shoot the arrow, and improve their aim.  Imagine the campers' excitement as they hit their first bullseye.  

Heading to the waterfront

The waterfront is one of the highlights in a camper's day.  Campers spend time swimming, playing the sand on the beach, and kayaking.  The pontoon boat was back to ferry the campers around the lake to enjoy the water, sunshine, and views.

Camper maneuvers his paddleboard

kayaking is a favorite activity 

Building sandcastles on the beach

wading in the water

Friends enjoying a swim

Enjoying a boat ride

Campers and buddies can enjoy free time while they wait for dinner to start. New to the sports area is pickleball. If pickleball is not your thing, basketball, baseball, and ring toss are available too. 

Campers and buddies play pickleball

A quick game of basketball before dinner

Day Four ends with a time of reflection regarding what a great camp we have had so far. We also take time to recognize those campers who will be older than age 12* prior to the next camp and heading off on a new adventure.  

* Royal Family Kids camps serve children who are ages 6-12.

Day Three- Birthdays, Give it a Go and more

 

Pastor tells the story a David chosen
 king with the help of the campers

During J-Zone, we have been learning about the life of David.  David was a part of a family who lived in Bethlehem.  He had seven brothers, and his father was named Jesse. Note the largest ,oldest, or most powerful,  David is all but forgotten by his family as be tends the sheep in the fields, but God has not forgotten him. God, seeing the inside of  a person, not the outside, and when he leads the priest Samuel to choose the next king, he points to David, who is called a man after God's heart, rather than one of his seven brothers. We learn that the labels and circumstances others put on us doesn't keep us from accomplishing God's destiny for us, as we seek to follow his plan for us. 

A rendition of

Goliath mocking the 

army of 

Israel.

Although chosen as the future king, life for David continues on as it had. He is still tasks with watching the sheep, and he has been given an additional task of running food to his brothers while they serve in the army. Once on the battleground, David is put into a situation where is faces the champion of the enemy, Goliath. Skills he learned as a shepherd, using a sling shot and stones, are what David uses  to take Goliath down. Sometimes God puts us in situations to learn skills that he can use to move his plans forward in the future.

In act two of our Sheep Fold drama, the little flock has left the safety of the sheep fold and have headed into unknown territory. This is against the wishes of the Good Shepherd who has guided to the sheep to stay in the safety of the sheep fold.  Going against the Good Shepherd's wishes seems like an exciting, fun time, but can lead to disaster in the long run. 

Sheep contemplating leaving the fold 

The sheep decided to head back to the safety of the fold, concerned that the wolf might be nearby. The exception, is Bronco who determines he still wants to do things his own way and not return to the fold.  Little does he know that the wolf is making plans of his own to capture the sheep and make them a part of his next meal. 

After lunch it was off to the waterfront where the campers and buddies swam, played in the sand, and boat rides.

Buddy buried in the sand

 

Riding on the boat

Skimming the waves 

Diving from the boat 

Hitting the water 

Buddy cannonball 

Pastor Sue heats the cord ends to seal them.

One of the activities in the Activity Center is creating paracord bracelets, also known as survival bracelets.  Paracord bracelets have long been a favorite activity for campers, buddies, and staff.  

Happy Birthday campers 

Bags filled with gifts

If it's Wednesday, then it time for the Birthday party. Every year the camp hold a party to acknowledge and celebrate each campers' birthday. Large bags are packed with toys and distributed to each camper. Once the "Go" is given they tear into them and pull out the gifts.  This year's favorite toy was a karaoke microphone.  

Birthday crown center pieces

Camper wears multiple birthday glasses

This year's party, salad, included pizza and cupcakes.  Thanks to the host camp staff for putting on a delicious meal.

After dinner the campers made their way to the chapel for the "Give it a Go" show.  This show provides an opportunity for the campers to display their talents. It's not a talent show, since everyone is encouraged to give it a go. 

Campers and buddies put on a puppet show

An exciting  game of Go Fish between
 camper and buddy as a talent 

This year's acts included singing, dancing, cheering, jokes, displays of artwork, games and lectures.  The Give it a Go show provides a safe place for campers to perform for the other campers, buddies and staff. 

 

Everyone gets cheers and applause
 after they completed their act


We want to thank the performers and the audience for making our show a success. 

Day Two- Camp Art and Other Fun Things

The Tie-dye booth returned this year and was in full swing as campers designed their shirts.  This year the dyes were in the blue, maroon and mauve. It was exciting to see campers' variations and creativity as they were hung in the sun to dry. 

Camper Dying a Shirt 

Tie-dye Shirts Drying in the Sun

Campers were able to demonstrate their creativity in the spin art booth as well. Each piece is unique to the camper's color choices and no two paintings turn out the same. 

Camper's Spin Art

Colorful Birdhouse

Brightly colored birdhouses and dollhouses appeared on the drying racks as campers began to apply paint to the kits they assembled yesterday. The dollhouse now has a person (right of the house)  using a template drawn by the camper, and created by wood craftsman Tom. The person can be used while playing with the dollhouse.  

Dollhouse 

Paddle Boats Waiting to be Painted 

Campers enjoying  painting Plaster of Paris bisques in many shapes and forms. One camper was very excited to be the first to paint a Cocker Spaniel bisque. She was quoted as saying, "All the other campers are going to choose this dog as well." 

Camper Painting a Plaster Bisque of a Dog

Today starts the drama, "The Lord is My Shepherd", an adaptation of a RFK classic.  In this drama are a flock of sheep, that include a a dowager, teen, baby, and other sheep in various stages in life. The cast includes a sinister wolf and a wise sheep dog.  In today's installment, the sheep are introduced to the campers and are playing games and interacting within the sheep fold.  The teen sheep is disenchanted with remaining in the fold, and convinces his fellow sheep that the world outside of the fold offers adventure and delectable grass that cannot he found within the fold.  With a lot of fast talking, the teen sheep persuades the rest of the flock to follow him on a big adventure.  The flock believes the wolf is far away, if real at all. Will the wolf get our little flock since they have left the fold? We will see as the rest of the adventure unfolds over the next few days of camp.

Drama Sheepfold Stage

Camp Puppet Stage

The camp zipline has been improved and extended. The campers are able to fly down the line and experience the speed and excitement of flying down the line from the platform.

Trip Down the Zipline

Brianna Grace, Spencer Boliou, Noah Walker

That night we were treated to a concert by Brianna Grace, Spencer Boliou, & Noah Walker. The message these had for our campers was heart felt and just right, as they reached our to all of their listeners.  You can hear them them sing clicking here and here. Thanks to Brianna Grace, Spencer, and Noah for the great concert. 

 

Day One Let the Fun Begin

Royal Family Kids, Boise camp has officially started with the arrival of the bus. Campers hopped off of the bus, quickly unpacked, and then were off to the activity center. 

Face painting has always been a favorite activity and this year was no exception.  Campers, can use design suggestions from a book or can go completely freestyle with their designs for their buddies' faces.  

Many woodworking projects are underway. The campers have many kits from which to choose and if they have something special in mind, wood craftsman Tom will create a custom kit for them.  

Bug boxes, birdhouses and carryalls are starting to appear, ready for a first coat of paint. 

Fishing is also a popular camp activity. Catching fish was off to a slow start, but things picked up once the clouds set in. A few determined fishermen were reward with fish later in the day. 

Business in the Music tent was booming as campers, buddies and staff took advantage of the Karaoke machine. 

The afternoon brought more fun as campers and buddies headed to the waterfront to swim, kayak and play in the sand. 

We rounded off our day with the quilt give away. Project Linus who provides quilts for our campers, which become cherished keepsakes long after camp ends. We appreciate the people of Project Linus and the beautiful quilts they provide.

To learn more about Project Linus, please click here.