Deam Lake 2009

Last year Stephanie and I spent much of Labor Day weekend at Deam Lake in Southern Indiana helping - among others - Carlos and Nora cook - as our son engaged in his last church youth group activity before running away - and also stayed up late - when we weren't there - and then got sick - beginning his run of lots of excused absences at school before getting kicked out. This year I just drove kids there Saturday AM, hung out and helped out a little with lunch - before returning - unscheduled to pick kids up late Sunday afternoon. Vincent was originally scheduled to go this time - but Jessi got sick and Vincent ended up staying home. Mom's digital camera did better than usual - but with enthusiastic kids and natural environs it's not hard - remember all the kid pictures we got last year? - I'm still missing our regular digital camera, which I may hae to replace. Pictured above youth team member and parent Marcus and parent (like me - with her kid - Jessi - home instead of there - and now parent Carlos - before we embark from the Crescent Hill parking lot. Below Ana's friend Pam, Ana, and I think Emily's friend Erin await departure.


Below children's and youth ministries coordinators Ian and Kate - who camped with daugther Isabel, grandparent Marcia, and youth team member Mary Friday night to set up - greeted Debbie.

Luis, below, was one of the people who asked about Vincent.

Marcia was there to cook and care for granddaughter Isabel and to enjoy and contribute to the weekend.

Participants gathered, below, in a circle in the middle of the campsite.

I've got a block on the kid sitting to Luis' right. You'll recall the two of them and two other kids sitting on our Taurus in the penultimate picture from last year's Deam Lake photo array.

Marcus and Mary relaxed, below.

Ian cared for Isabel (now 15 months old - instead of 3 months old - like last year).

Marcus brought a game that resembled cornhole (below).

Isabel - below - slept through lunch.

The girls - below - served themselves lunch - which included cold cuts and great chicken salad - for sandwiches. I understand the meals got a little more adventurous as they went along - but I missed this - and unfortunately swimming in the lake (where some of Stephanie's students go with their families to swin during the summer).

Luis, Ana, and Pam took their turn washing dishes.

Shortly after lunch, I drove home, missing the swimming. But I got a call Sunday afternoon to come back. Kate and Ian had brought most of the tents and camping and cooking gear, and so it turns out they needed help. I drove Pam, Ana, and Jubilee back to church, where their parents awaited them. Maybe next year I'll get to swim.

-- Perry