*Welcome to summer! Beautiful sunsets . . .*

*. . . and rainbows which follow thunderstorms.*

Summertime is full of delightful memories. From my earliest recollections, the Collins family almost-annual family vacations to Louisiana rise to the top, during which (in spite of horrifically high humidity and mosquitoes which left ginormous welts on exposed arms and legs), sweet memories fill my mind: hanging out with beloved grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins; indulging in beignets and café au lait in the French Quarter of New Orleans; and being refreshed by snow cones sold at a stand just before the bridge which spans Lake Pontchartrain. A slower pace, delicious summer-only fruits and vegetables, camping trips, and water fun all combined to create a “dash” between the demands of school, sports, and church calendars during this sweet season called summer.

Moving on from childhood, as an adult, 40 summers of our 50 years together were spent running a family camping program, which we’ve many times identified as the context in which our hearts beat the most deeply. As we fly home today from a week of speaking at Forest Home’s family camp, we are reveling in what will surely be one of the highlights of our summer.

We love family camp.

Leading up to this past week, summer here in Fairfax, VA, was kicked off by the opening of our pool. I still pinch myself that we live in a home that has such a feature. As a child, I was sure heaven would have a really big one. I can remember longingly peering between the slats of the fences which guarded pools in our neighborhood, wishing more than anything that our home had one of those magical, aqua blue, refreshing “cement ponds” (from the Beverly Hillbillies description). My sister and I actually tried to dig a hole in our backyard in an attempt to realize my dream.

And now we do. We happily share it with our grandchildren (and their parents) and friends who have similar longings for the inimitable refreshment experienced in this beautiful “hole in the ground."

*Papa and Rachel enjoy the pool together.*

*The start of summer also included the end of spring football for our grandson, Nathan.*

*And Paul’s garden, planted a month ago, is thriving. Ah, the fruit of summer.*

Temporarily leaving Fairfax for Forest Falls, CA, our hearts are full after spending this past week at Forest Home. This is our ninth summer of having the privilege of speaking at this storied camp which has been serving youth, adults, and families faithfully for over 8 decades. The tradition of family camp is treasured by many—as two, three, and four generations of families return summer after summer for their “spiritual shot in the arm” at this set-apart retreat center.

From the moment we arrived until we departed early Saturday, our days have been filled with great fellowship, inspiring worship, insightful teaching, yummy meals, breathtaking hikes (literally), and sweet interactions with those in camp.

*The iconic Forest Home photo shoot signaling the start of family camp.*

This year we were privileged to be part of a “dream team” which included host, Jeff Whye, worship leader, Justin Unger (and his very talented family), and evening Bible teacher, Ricky Jenkins. From our first meeting in the “green room,” we knew the Lord had brought together this very “simpatico” crew. We loved working together and truly felt as uplifted by them as we may have been to the campers.

Next to us is Ricky Jenkins (senior pastor of Wellspring Church in Indian Wells, CA), Jeff Whye (young adults pastor at North Coast Church in Vista, CA), and Justin Unger (founder and director of Likewise Worship).

Our days started early as we clocked our 5 miles before most in camp were awake. It’s a little different hiking at 4000’ altitude we found, but we pressed on.

*We greeted the sunrise every morning on our “start the day” hike.*

For the rest of the camp, the morning gathering of all the generations kicked off each day and Jeff Whye did a great job of leading that time. His humor, energy, and love for people engaged everyone and set the day in the right direction.

*The morning, all family devotional time, started each day and was led by Jeff Whye, the camp host.*

Paul and I taught each morning on family and marriage. It was so fulfilling to be back in our “wheelhouse” after a hiatus of over a month. We were thankful for a very appreciative and responsive audience.

The final day we were part of a panel of the “dream team” for a robust question and answer session, which could’ve gone on all day. Many great questions were posited and the team answered with candor and honesty, which we trust was helpful.

*The Q and A time was rich and covered a wide spectrum of questions.*

Besides the teaching sessions and worship, a highlight of the week was baptisms which were done at the lake on Family Lake Day. The lake also hosted many recreational activities, like the giant slides and the “blob" and many other water fun events. Additionally Forest Home (FoHo) has many land-based opportunities which filled the afternoons for the campers.

Many counseling sessions and meeting with different families at each meal rounded out our schedule.

*Jeff Whye and Justin Unger baptize one of the campers.*

A favorite feature of Forest Home’s family camps are the two “adult dinner” nights. Set up as a “date night,” all of the children are taken care of by the program staff and CCA’s (Childcare Assistants) and the adults are indulged with a restaurant-quality dinner in the company of only adults. It is a true gift, especially to the parents of young families, who seldom enjoy a peaceful meal.

Our daughter Lisa joined us on Tuesday for the day and evening, much to our delight, and we folded her in to the “dream team” table for dinner, much to everyone’s delight.

Adult dinner with the “dream team”: Falon and Justin Unger, Lisa, April and Ricky Jenkins, and (standing) Jeff and Nicky Whye. We loved the wives as much as we loved their husbands. Amazing couples, exceptionally gifted and truly surrendered to Kingdom work.

Family Camp for us is tied together with relationships and we were delighted to reconnect with many campers we’ve come to know through the years, as well as to meet new families.

*Dick and Nancy Beggs, veterans in Christian camping, and dear friends since we met at a Christian Camping International Conference back in 1976, spent a few hours with us one afternoon.*

*Johannes and Xin have been part of several FoHo family camps with us and we’ve developed a sweet friendship with them.*

*Ken and Kim Johnson are longtime friends from many years of family camps together and it’s always good to catch up with them.*

*New friends, Scott and Ericka Macon, added to the delight of the week.*

*Katie Salts is the new Family Camp Program Director and we thoroughly enjoyed working with her. She wore that smile all week as she served us as well as the campers.*

We were most thrilled to have Justin and Falon Unger and their sons lead us in worship all week. Their oldest son, Carson, joined Justin for worship a Victory Circle on closing night. Paul is sporting a "Likewise Worship" hat which Justin gifted him after much bantering about merch throughout the week. Some of you will recognize the Ungers, who have led worship for the past two HIM marriage retreats. We love any chance we get to be with them. They truly lead with “the heart of worship.”

A time of testimony and sharing at Victory Circle on Friday night wrapped up family camp and it was truly humbling and encouraging to hear from many how God had met them in the week. At the conclusion, Justin, Ricky, and Jeff invited the campers to encircle us and pray over us. It was deeply moving and meaningful and neither of us will ever forget it.

*Many of the couples spoke scripture and prayed over us at the conclusion of the Victory Circle time of sharing.*

Unbeknownst to Justin, “How Great Thou Art” is our favorite hymn. What a perfect ending to a phenomenal week.

So much sweetness.

All praise is His!!!