Using God's Creation to Bring Him Glory

One of the highlights in Spring at THE OAKS is Outdoor Education season.  A total of nine camps of came during April and May, ranging from fifth graders to seventh graders. So, what happens during Outdoor Ed?"

Here is a list of classes included in a typical camp:

·                          Tracks & Traits / Skins & Scales

·                          Edible Plants

·                          Meteorology

·                          Pond Study

·                          Night Hike

·                          Astronomy

·                          Yucca Rope Making

·                          Shelter Building

·                          Team Building exercises

·                          Hiking various trails in the National Forest

·                          Adventure Activities (Leap of Faith, high ropes, zip line, rock climbing, canoeing)  

Grizz during his fire circle presentation

The most important aspect of Outdoor Education camps is using creation to point to the Creator.  Every night includes an evening program at our fire circle amphitheater, with worship time and a presentation by a speaker.  One of our returning speakers this past season was Grizz, a Native American who speaks and entertains with Native American singing and dancing and a few stories. Then he shares his story of how He came to know Jesus, and gives an open invitation to anyone who wants to be transformed by Jesus' love. One night, seven people came forward in response to his invitation, including several fathers (chaperons). Later, Jared, our Outdoor Ed Director and full time World Impact missionary, had the chance to talk to one of the dads who had come forward. He had been deeply impacted by his camp experience at The Oaks, and had felt God working in his heart all week. 

Paul teaching a Pond Study class

campers during Skins & Scales class

Isn't that just how God works? The focus of our Outdoor Ed programs is on the kids, but God used us to teach the parents too. Never assume you know who you are ministering to; God could have a completely different idea in mind. His ways are so much higher than ours.