Getting Out of the Cage
Summer is the season where we get a good taste of freedom. For most students, summer means no school and fewer rules and responsibilities. But, without a lot to do summer can be boring. See what Gracie has to say about beating summer boredom and read about the best kind of freedom (God's kind!) in this issue of The Hopper. And, since it's May, don't forget to thank that woman who gave you your first taste of freedom . . . your mother!
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What's Happening at SpringHill Camp 44°
Time is running out! Summer at SpringHill begins next month. Sign up before it's too late . . . register today!
Bring your whole family to SpringHill for an awesome weekend of Family Camp. Break in the season (or finish out the summer) by flying down the zipline with your
mom or ducking for cover in the paintball field with your dad or send your little sister soaring off the blob. Have out-of-this-world fun and experience God in a real way with your whole family. It all happens here May 26-29 and September 1-4! Check out all the details on our website. (Then, say to your parents, "Let's go to SpringHill!")
4th, 5th and 6th graders - tell your church youth leader about SpringHill's fall retreats! At Camp 44° we'll be meeting at the Hill
for two Juniors retreats: November 17-19 and December 1-3. Live bands, out-of-this-world activities, time to grow with God and as a group - it'll be your group's greatest event of the year.
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Cooped Up
"Christ has set us free. He wants us to enjoy freedom. So stand firm. Don't let the chains of slavery hold you again." -Galatians 5:1
Have you ever kept a caterpillar in a cage and watch it spin its cocoon and transform into a butterfly? It's a pretty miraculous change to observe. Does a caterpillar seem to belong in a box or a jar? What about after it leaves the cocoon - after the caterpillar has become a butterfly?
When we make a choice to follow Jesus we are being changed on the inside like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly. Rather than being held down and cooped up by our sins, like lying, talking back or selfishness, we are freed by Jesus' love. It is still up to us to stay out of trouble and not to get caught back in the trap of sin. If we do, Jesus is always there to welcome us back to life outside the cage.
Share some questions and answers with your parents: Are there sinful actions or attitudes that are keeping you "cooped up"? Have you ever asked Jesus to set you free? What are some things you can do to "stand firm" and keep from falling back into bad behaviors?
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Do-It-Yourself SpringHill Adventures - Mastering Six-Square
Are you ready to dominate the six-square court at SpringHill this summer? You'll need to maximize your practice time, which means you'll need to turn your driveway into a six-square court and pull together some friends and neighbors for some friendly competition. Here's how to do it:
1. Using a piece of sidewalk chalk, draw six six-foot squares in two columns and number them as shown in the illustration.
2. Decide who will be in each square and give the ball to the server (in square #1).
3. To start the play, the server should bounce the ball in his or her square and then pass it underhand into another square (see illustration).
4. When the ball is passed into a player's square he or she continues the play by pushing, passing, spiking or tapping the ball into another square without allowing the ball to bounce a second time.
5. The play continues until a player hits the ball into his own square, hits
the ball out of bounds, misses the ball or allows the ball to bounce more than once before passing it. When a player gets outs, all other players move up by moving to the next lowest numbered square and a new player enters square 6.
If conflicts arise, be a good sport and settle them with a do-over. Have fun!
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In honor of Mother's Day, here are some things we're pretty sure your mom would never say...
» How on earth can you see the TV sitting so far back?
» Just leave the lights on; it makes the house look more cheery.
» I don't have a tissue with me; just use your sleeve.
» Let me smell that shirt; yeah, it's good for another week.
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Free iPod Winner!
Megan from Fenton, Michigan, won SpringHill's enewsletter drawing for a free iPod. Megan is in 7th grade and will be spending her first week at SpringHill this summer. Congratulations, Megan!!
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Dear Gracie
Dear Gracie,
Why do some kids get to have vacations and fun activities this summer while others (like me) have nothing to do?
From Bored
Dear Bored,
Our life can seem disappointing or dull when we compare it to others. That's the danger of comparison! The important thing is that your summer does not have to be a waste. Think about someone who needs a friend this summer. It could be a kid who's new in your neighborhood or a sibling or even a person your grandparent's age. Is there someone you could reach out to? You don't have to sit in your house wishing for something to do. Get out. Reach out. Summer will be over before you know it!
Love, Gracie
Is there something you wish God would tell you? Ask Gracie.
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What You Said
More than 70% of you attended one church service over Easter weekend; the rest of you attended two!
25% of you are most looking forward to vacationing with family this summer, while 53% are anticipating your week at SpringHill!
The best description of freedom for 35% of you is knowing Jesus; the rest are split between summer break, living in the U.S. and no rules.
All of you think Christians have more freedom than non-Christians.
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