'The Hill' was covered in a sea of purple as KidsFest '11 Xtreme converged upon the campus of Orchard Hill Church. For three Xtremely hot weeks in July, with temperatures often in the 90's, 1,300 campers experienced a week-long funfest Xtreme that will not soon be forgotten.
     The excitement of a new year was heightened by the excitement of a new space.  Each morning, campers made their way through Kidzburgh to begin their adventure for the day. The newly completed Gymnasium was transformed with lights, sound and stage as the KidsFest band began each morning with energetic singing in celebration of our wonderful God. With interactive fun, the KidsFest campers helped Patch and Gigi make their way down the lemon-lime road to make it to the Big Apple, while learning some important lessons along the way.
     Following the morning Club experience, campers had a day filled with fun and learning as they traveled as a team from place to place. With activities as varied as paintball, archery, arts & crafts, basketball, water launches, moon bounce and more, campers had plenty of opportunities to try something new. Even a 24' climbing wall was available for those with a daring spirit. Throughout the week, each team participated in competition as they earned points on the obstacle course or used their muscles on the tractor pull tug-a-war.
    
     Waterday on Tuesday and Thursday brought great relief from the humidity of the day as kids took the hill on the slip and slide or braved the 28' Raging Rapids waterslide. For those who enjoy speed without as much height, the 17' Monster Wave slide was a great option with a thrilling curve at the end. And how can you possibly wash off 222 cans of shaving cream that have covered you from head to toe? With the help of a fire hose, of course, graciously donated by several local firehouses.
     Bible blast gave the campers an opportunity to learn more about the Bible through interactive fun. As the campers helped to act out the stories of the Bible, they also spent the week learning about the fruit of the Spirit from the New Testament book of Galatians. On Thursdays, campers experienced a special presentation to help them understand the sacrifice of Jesus Christ in an age appropriate manner in order to understand God's great love for them.
     Perhaps the most significant time in a camper's day, is that time spent together as a small group. In teams of 10-12 campers with 2-3 high school or college-aged leaders, kids have a chance to interact with kids their own age, develop skills to work together as a team, discuss the Bible lessons they have heard,  and understand how much they are loved by God and loved by others. 
     Campers also have the hands on opportunity to learn how to serve God by serving others. Through the Campers-4-Campers program, kids learn the value of giving by sharing resources with those who are less fortunate by providing a camp experience to children in need. For the second consecutive year, a large portion of Campers-4-Campers will support KidsFest Haiti as the KidsFest experience is transferred 1,500 miles away. On August 15-21, KidsFest staff and volunteers will assist over 500 Haitian children and their leaders to recreate the KidsFest experience at the IDADEE orphanage in Cap Haitien, Haiti. This event, complete with worship music sung in Creole, arts & crafts, competition, and Bible Blast, will allow these children to experience the love of God through the love and care of others. Over $7,000 was raised through the Campers-4-Campers program to support this unique camp experience.
     KidsFest is only possible through the dedication and hard work of over 250 adult volunteers. Supplementing the work of the leaders, these adults serve almost anywhere, from creating the stage design, to parking cars, to manning paintball or archery stations. Most volunteers return year after year. Some serve for a week, a day and some even serve for the entire camp. To make it convenient to serve for those who have young children, a mini-KidsFest experience is provided in a childcare setting while parents serve at KidsFest. Along with the adults, over 100 middle school students volunteer throughout the camp, learning the value of serving God by serving others and participating in a daily devotional to prepare them for the day.
     It's hard to believe but plans for KidsFest Xtreme '12 will soon be underway. Watch for registration information in December. Sign up early to give your child a week of summer they will long remember!