Mission Camouflage

Summer continues to march on here at Shelterwood.  With our seasonal Mission Impossible theme there is a different emphasis on each week.  To illustration,  I was walking up the hill on campus Thursday afternoon, and I noticed one of our energetic big brothers roaming the woods in a ghillie suit while teams of residents searched for him.   Now that, my friend, is commitment; to wear such a heavy suit while exerting energy in the Missouri heat.  We are wrapping up Mission Camouflage week and our focus as been as follows:

Focus: being flexible, meet the needs of different situations, meeting the needs of different people, being able to be who you are needed to be but still be able to be yourself at the same time. Being prepared. Being ready and waiting. 

Last week we had a special assembly in the gymnasium on Monday morning to welcome Tanya Crevier.  Tanya is a world class basketball dribbler and handler who literally can spin 10 basketballs at one time.  Teamed up with her two nephews they performed multiple tricks for us with the participation of select kids from the audience and to the sound of hyper sports music.  At one point during the show, Tanaya's nephews rode ten-foot-high unicycles while juggling bowling pins.  True story.  Tanya, of course, is a motivational speaker and she travels around encouraging folks with her testimony of faith and determination.  

A few more kids graduated the program this past week, one new family arrived in the guys house and a pair of our recently graduated big brothers and sisters are getting married on campus tomorrow (Sunday).  

On a more serious note, please remember our big brothers and sisters in your prayers.  During the summer our verteran bigs nearing graduation typically begin feeling worn down and weary.  They can often lose focus and get discouraged.  In addition, our new bigs are learning the ministry and feeling overwhelmed with the learning curve and fast pace of group home life.  Both can certainly use your prayers.  They are amazing young men and women!

Summer Days!

As advertised, the Summer Session began on Monday.  With school in session half days Monday through Thursday, there is lots of room for activities.

We launched our "Mission Impossible" summer theme on Monday with a game a battleship in the pool that included canoes and water balloons!  Of course, there was no shortage of rogue water balloons launched towards individuals and not boats.

Wednesday, the residents departed campus following lunch for our first of many community service days throughout the Kansas City metro area.  In the evening we celebrated our long anticipated Sheltie Awards.

A few months back the kids were divided into co-ed groups with the instructions to create a short film in the spirit of the Oscars.  Each team was assigned a movie genre from action to romance.  The project culminated with a formal dinner on campus followed by the movie premieres in the gymnasium.  Staff and kids alike dressed up and a limo was even provided to transport the kids from the Dining Hall to the gym.  Following the viewing of the films, awards were presented in the areas of Best Actress, Best Actor, Best Film, and Best Director.  The sound of  enthusiastic applause and cheer echoed in the gym.  It was nicely done and enjoyed by all!!

Summer school will break the first two weeks of July for our annual house trips and then resume session through mid-August.