Camp Chloe 2015

We had the pleasure hosting ten of Aaron's friends from Chicago for another weekend camp out in our "wilderness". They arrived in caravan Friday evening, enthusiastically preparing camp and putting their tents up.

Now, most of these kids are city kids, in reality young adults not kids. Most of them are art friends in some capacity or connection, all with interesting stories but not necessarily the hardy outdoor types. The temps were supposed to drop below freezing, our first freeze of the season, so we cautioned them about taking extra blankets and dressing in layers.  Just in case they wimped out and found their way inside because of the cold, we left lights on and had bedding ready for the entire group....inside, where it was warm.

Early Saturday morning we found a few had straggled inside, sleeping in warm beds and couches. But most faced the cold outside.  We had hot coffee, juice and Dutch style pig in the blankets waiting for them. Off to see PURE MICHIGAN fall style we welcomed them with a huge pot of organic venison chili with all the toppings, homemade vegan bread, and corn bread in a cast iron skillet and local pure honey.  No one went hungry.

Another night around the campfire was complete with so-mores.  The temps were expected to drop a few degrees colder.  Next morning the cars revealed a thick glaze of frost glistening in the early sun.  Camp was packed up and they slowly made their way inside.  

A soon as we got back from church I began preparing brunch.....first lots of hot coffee and tea, homemade cinnamon bread, loaded strata, fresh fruit bowl, and orange juice. I was happy, every last bit of food was eaten.  They were filled and happy.  

Then off for another trek around west Michigan to take in the exception fall day. The sunshine was brilliant against the foliage. All was good. All had a great time.  But the best part of the weekend was listening to their discussions.  No devices were allowed.  They connected and laughed, a lot! Their social media was face to face, eyes connected. It made me smile so many times as I watched and listened. What a neat group of mid-20-somethings!

It was time for them to head back to Chicago. We said our good byes, hearing a heartfelt thank you from each. Each was very polite, and I went to bed thankful my son has such a nice group of friends. He told me later how each of them had such a nice time, and how lucky he was to have such great parents, how welcomed we made them feel, and how blessed he is to have them as friends and us as his parents.  When I think about them, I know the world is going to be okay in their hands. It is well with my soul.......   three of the group had left before the photo was taken, but I was able to sneak in on the left.