Saddle Ridge Ranch

Monday morning, we arrived safely at Saddle Ridge Ranch. The church was transformed into a cowboy ranch for Kids Kamp. We all received sheriff badge nametags when we checked in. Adeline joined the Posse group which consisted of grades kindergarten thru second. There were about 12 kids in her group. 

For the first day of camp, it was just Emmie and Titus, the Pastor's youngest son, in the toddler camp.

This morning and every morning started with songs, prayer, and a little video they watched about 4 kids at a western ranch. Emmie enjoyed watching the video with all of the running horses. Adeline made a craft and had trail mix of Honeycomb, Chex, and Cheerios cereals with apples and m&ms for her snack. Her group then went to the bunkhouse (another themed room)  for their bible story and small group activities. Camp day concluded by gathering again in the church and ending with songs, reviewing James 1:5, and a skit from the high school girls discussing the lesson of the day. They each got a cowboy hat at the end of  Monday's session.

On Tuesday, the girls awoke and quickly got ready as they were excited again about returning to the ranch.We had a detour to the doctor's office as Emmie needed documentation she was ready for kindergarten next week. We met the very nice local doctor and after a few measurements (96 cm ~37 inches/ 14.4 kg~31.5 lbs), check-up, and 25 minutes later we were on our way to camp. We made it in time for the last opening song and then the girls went to their respective groups.  Adeline informed me the bible study is told by one leader in English and the other leader in German, so she is hearing more German dialogue. She also played ranch games of knocking down the empty cans, horseshoes, and ring toss. The girls both enjoyed the haystack snack which was a butterscotch rice krispie treat. 

Third day of camp and the girls are starting to sing the songs they are learning. Adeline completes her picture frame craft. Adeline was happy I could watch her play the games again today as she knocked down 4 of the 6 cans. Snack today was belt buckles (aka sugar cookies) and the kids would have each eaten a half dozen if we let them. Emmie did the picture frame craft today. The girls received a bandana at the end of today's session.

Thursday is the last day of camp and the girls are a little tired so I plan breakfast in the car for them. This works out as we hit a traffic jam due to construction on the way to church. The energy is low in the morning gathering but throughout the day, the happiness and energy level is back to normal. The kids complete their last craft of a cowboy boot. Adeline had fun making her bunkroll snack. It is a ham slice covered with cream cheese and then rolled around a pretzel. Emmie had a tent and her camping gear in class today. Titus and her had a fun camping and safari adventure today. To end the camp, the kids watch the final episode of the kids they have been following all week do their horse stunts and then rehearse the song they will sing on Sunday in church. 

As for me, I plugged in at camp where ever help was needed. Monday, I played with Emmie and Titus. On Tuesday, I helped in the kitchen and learned that the snacks chosen throughout the week were chose with great consideration since many German kids may or may not eat the finger foods such as trail mix and rice krispies since they are not familiar with these snacks. Wednesday, I was the snack lady and was very popular since it was cookie day! I also had to wash many tupperware cups though as in Germany, we do not use disposal items if there is enough normal dishes to use. Thursday, I watched over the toddler room as this time there were a handful of little ones from age 2-4. 

Saddle Ranch Ridge was fun for everyone this week. It helped us  get more familiar with the church and its surrounding area and get acquainted with some of the  church members  The half days of activity were wonderful for the girls as it allowed them to socialize with other children and be busy. It also helped me to get them on a schedule for school as it starts next week.