Barn Dance
It was the night before the SUPAkidz camp children were to arrive. The sun was about to set. Fourteen leaders sat huddled in a circle under some trees to share their testimonies with each other. As they began to share there was laughter and ooh’s and ah’s but it was the tears and the deepness of the struggles that leaders shared that really got to me. I was challenged and encouraged that we need to support each other much more as we serve on teams together. I also encouraged leaders to keep their written testimony in their Bible as a reminder of what God was doing in their life.
The night before we had a leaders’ gathering in the form of a barn dance. The last time I called for a barn dance was 22 years ago so I was a little nervous. but we all had lots of fun. Although only a few leaders were able to join us at camp for the dance it was great to see leaders having a great time together without thinking about the task ahead.
Absolutely Awesome
Both Carl and Ruth, the Team Leaders of the SUPAkidz ShipWrecked camp, said it was the best camp they have been part of. I had to agree with them. A few leaders comments: “God is there in silence and stillness. I liked the 5 minute silent times!! I was surprised by that, but learnt that God is far more superior than we can ever imagine and that he is working even when you think he isn’t.” “I’ve learnt to rely more on God and trust him to provide opportunities to speak to campers about Him.” “I learnt that God desires for closeness not just between Him and me, but with others too.”
This camp was a watershed for me and my style of leadership. I learnt some new things from Carl and Ruth, and other leaders. Not easy for an old dog to learn new tricks but I’m getting there.
As all the leaders coming to camp were experienced, we changed the training and preparation weekend programme. I used two books that I had read as the base for the training. One, by Philp Yancey on Prayer and the other an autobiography called “Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know” by Sir Ranulph Fiennes (my hero). I read excerpts from each book at points throughout the weekend. Two of them I have quoted at the top. The discussion that was generated around some of the stories and thoughts that were read was challenging, funny and inspirational.
 Leaders were encouraged to write Tweets” on the “twitter” wall. For example: “God - give us so much motivation we can’t sit still”, “How come anything you put in a pancake is suddenly allowed to have maple syrup on it?”
 We also used a number of YouTube videos to illustrate various points as well have some laughs over.
The new SUPAkidz logo
 Home
Well, where to start? Cricket, tennis, wiggly skateboards, bikes, water fights, friends, family, food, camping, sleep overs, beach and more.
We spent Christmas and new year in Auckland which was wonderful as things were very quiet, well not quite. We had friend from Brisbane visit us who also have three boys. It was great to see them and the fun that ensued was awesome. We also went strawberry picking, see photo below.
After new year we went camping for a few days also with friends who have boys. Lots more fun on the beach and at the campsite.
Next, James and I went off to SUPAkidz camp, while Gill, Chris and Thomas went to Blenheim to visit family. On returning we went away for a week with family to a bach at Omaha, just north of Auckland. The boys had a great time with grandparents and cousins and good weather all week. Lots of swimming, bike riding, late nights, tennis and rope swinging into the estuary. Gill and I also had a nice break.
We do have photos from our holiday but as this goes out some of them are still stuck on our computer which is in for repairs. Those that have been uploaded are viewable at the web address below the photo.
http://picasaweb.google.com/ramsbottomfamilynz
Pool (Thomas -
4 years old)
I can swim a whole length of the pool by myself now. It was scary at first, but now I love it. We spent lots of time at the beach while on holiday. At first I didn’t really want to go into the sea, but towards the end I loved it. I even started catching waves on my boogie board.
Skate (Chris - 7
years old)
I got a skateboard ramp for Christmas. I haven’t used my skateboard on it yet, but we have jumped it on our bikes, raced our “Hot Wheels” cars down it and just sat on it.
I have also been working on my dance moves as I was also given a Michael Jackson CD. I also had a go at surfing in the holiday and managed to ride a wave standing up.
Senior (James -
10 years old)
I am now a senior at my school as I am in year 7 and I’m loving it - new uniform, new upstairs classroom and a lounge. But this also means that I had my last SUPAkidz camp as a camper. I had a great time. My leader loves playing touch rugby so we played it at every spare moment. We also had Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean.) at our entertainment evening winch was lots of fun.
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Break
open your words, let the light shine out Psalm 119:130 
