Camp Aldersgate

Our favorite parenting resource; Love and Logic

Hey parents....this is the foundation of our behavior modificaiton and discipline for unaccaptable behavior at Aldersgate.  It's called Love and Logic.  We love it for two reasons.  First, it's biblically based.  Second, it's not a "get great kids quick" plan.  This isn't a parenting "self-help" book that promises fixing any behavior no matter what in one day.  It's an approach to parenting....in fact to working with kids and youth in general...that works.  We will be sharing some of the foundations over the next several parenting post, but if you want all the goods right now...check 'em out; Love and Logic.

Rainy Day Ideas

Hey moms and dads...trust us, we can empathise with you when it comes to rainy days and trying to keep kids entertained.  At Aldersgate, this normally happens a couple times a summer with 80 to 100 kids and youth.  So, we put on our thinking and programming hats, and came up with a couple of ideas to help you out next time. 

1. Indoor Scuba Fun.  Now, there won't be real scuba going on...but that's okay.  Let the kids put on their favorite swimsuit and fill up the tub with some water and toys...THEY'LL LOVE IT.  (btw, not something we do at camp, lol)
2. At camp, kid often like "camping" in their cabin or the Tree House during really rainy weather.  So, take your dining room chairs and some large sheets and blankets and make a fort for camping.  Toss in some pillows and s'more in the microwave....WHAT?...you don't keep an E.S.K. (Emergency S'more Kit) on hand...you might want to think about it.
3. Check out some of our Food Revolution Recipes for some fun and simple baking ideas....most kids love to help bake.  Then, take the cookies to the local nursing home and share them....your kids and the residents will get a lot out of it.  We do recommend you call the nursing home first.
4. Have a dog?  Teach 'em a new trick with the kids.
5. Keep an eye on the Camp Aldersgate blog and facebook page for future ideas.

Remember, our children are a gift from a God....and rainy days, well....them are just rainy days.

Middle School Students...do you dare to be caught being third?

We have a challenge for all of our middle school aged campers....but it's also kind of good for the rest of us.

Would you dare the chance to be caught being third?  How about, we challenge you to do your best to be third.  SERIOUSLY.  In fact, it's not something we are making up ourselves.  This is all from the bible.  You see; we are to place God first, others second, and ourselves third.  So, we ask you....do you dare to be third? 

How this works.  Say your at school....(did any of you really just mumble, "I'm at school"...if so, extra credit).....now, let's say one of your teachers ask you to break up into groups to do a project together.  NOW...STOP!!!  Normally, you might just act here without thinking this through.  You would normally just jump to the same ol' friends you always partner up with, right?  Well this time...in this hypothetical situation...think a moment.  Who might God be calling you to partner with?  Who "normally needs" a partner because other won't partner with them.  Now, can you make yourself third here, and partner with them?  We pray that you think about it.

Go ahead....be third today.

Pizza Box Family Board Game!

 We wanted to share an idea for an activity that you can do with your family to help spend more quality time together.  It will require that you first get some of your favorite pizza delivered.  (note, if your favorite pizza normally makes the box greasy, ask them for an empty box...they've never said no to us.) 

Now gather a bunch of random items scattered around the house...every house has them.  Old board games and puzzles with missing pieces are great.  Scissors, glue, tape, wrapping paper, egg cartons, thimble, blocks of woods, old keys, unused silverware...seriously; whatever you can find.  Also, get some markers, pen and paper as well.  Now, gather the family.  Start by asking each person what their favorite board game is and why.  Then, start talking about what the ultimate family board game would look like and how it would be played.  Once you have some ideas, bring out the pizza box and supplies and get to creating.  Turn your pizza box into the board game.  Use all the materials you've gathered to make the pieces and parts of the game.  Incorporate old family videos, the Wii, the family fish, whatever....just make it yours.  Write the rules out on the paper.  Once you have it all together, play it.  You might have to make some tweaks along the way.  And, hopefully, you'll have some opportunities to help your kids (or kid and dad) to work through a disagreement or two.  What a great time to practice with them some important skills they'll need later in life.  Anyway, once the board game is complete and you've enjoyed it once.  Put everything back in the pizza box and store it away until next weeks family game night.  Even if they want to play again...let them want for it later.  WHAT? You haven't tried a weekly family game night....give it a whirl.  Try it for one month, your family might just love it. 

Now for the first instruction last.  Before you begin, find a moment to pray and ask God to bless you with wisdom and patience and to be present in your families time together.  Ask that he use you as a witness of his Love, Grace and Mercy for your children that are after all, his gift to you.