We still have another week of camp left to go, but here's what jumps out at me when I think about this summer's ministry so far:

>  Getting to spend time with Fred Shapiro, one of my own faith role models

>  Other great speakers, like my friends Rick Messana and Peter Lagasse

>  An amazing staff of young people (To me, the staff is the reason I keep coming back).  Out of 17 counselors, 16 are still in their teens, and they may be the best, most cohesive staff I've ever had

>  Our niece, Lindsey, coming on staff and winning the hearts of everyone here

>  A camper overcoming severe home sickness (See prior blog :  Jade and Jeremiah)

>  12 campers coming forward for prayer in an evening service, and the incredible response of the counselors to come along side of them and pray with them.

>  Amanda, a Chinese-American CIT, looking at me during dinner as she held her eyes wide open and said, "I look like you now!"

>  A petite 10 year old girl performing her talent show act: belching!

>  Rose outdoing herself juggling in the same talent show

>  My own juggling almost daily as the speaker of the morning services

>  home made cinnamon rolls for breakfast each week

>  Amish licorice... OK, that's not technically a camp thing, ,but there is a growing Amish community in northern Maine, and one of their stores sells the best licorice EVER.  I can't even look at Twizzlers any more.

>  hugs

>  Beating a, shall we say, confident 17 year old counselor in ping pong every time we've played

>  Ty-Ro reading love poetry to bacon

>  The stories of the teens who work for me.  They are not all over-protected, naïve pastors' kids.  God has and continues to get them through anxiety, self harm, low self-esteem, doubt, loss of loved ones, broken homes and so much more

>  My wife, Sue, starting up a senior citizen day camp, and doing a terrific job

>  evening fireworks