WELCOME! This blog chronicles the ministry events of Emily's work with the Outdoor Leadership Team (OLT) of the CCO. OLT staff invest in the lives of college students often by "suspending the normal rhythms of campus life" through adventure activities that allow students to check their bearings in life. We engage in recreation for the sake of re-creation, learning, and growth that can transform lives into those of leadership and service.

Please note: the views expressed on this blog are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the CCO or OLT.

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

City Meets Forest

What do you get when you combine a camp full of enthusiastic, passionate staff with a powerful vision for ministry to Pittsburgh's youth? You get a foundation to life-changing encounters for children and their communities. This is what Laurel Mountain Christian Camp is about. Directors of LMCC, George & Lisa Foose, put it this way: "Imagine our city's children, together with significant adults who love them, exploring their identity and relationships in LMCC's forest, fields and streams. Our hope is that in this space God's reconciling work will flourish - renewing their hope in Christ and His work in our families, schools, communities and city. It's a new thing...to the glory of God and the blessing of Pittsburgh."

CCO staff Rashad's son helps us try out the new climbing wall.

George & Lisa's vision is contagious, and I've definitely caught it as I've worked for them over the past month. The tasks that have become normal and sometimes mundane for me like facilitating team building and training people to lead rock climbing, came to life in this setting. I watched many staff step out of their comfort zones to succeed at something they never thought they'd try, like the climbing wall. I felt their accomplishment as my own. And while facilitating a day of team building initiatives for summer staff I was delightfully surprised when activities I've seen performed many times took on a new flavor as staff added their own rhythms and music.

Kathy & Elizabeth learn how to tie knots & work the safety ropes for the climbing wall.

Kathy belays Mickey on her first ever climbing experience.

I was supposed to be serving the camp (and I did), but I felt like I had received so much by being there. I was energized and encouraged to finish strong in my work with CCO, and inspired to continue to dream big and live life fully while following God's leading.