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Do You See What I See?

December is an exciting month, with plenty to see. There are lights and decorations, advertisements galore for the latest and greatest toys and games, and, if you’re really lucky, there’s snow! This is also the month when we see Jesus. We hear the Christmas story; we sing about Jesus’ birth; we probably even go to church. But, with all the other exciting things to look at, do we really see him? We hope you’ll read this issue of The Hopper for a fresh look at the baby in the manger. We also hope you’ll read it so you can play the coolest online game (and have a chance to win some awesome prizes, including a free week of summer camp!) and find out how you can register for Summer 2007!! Don’t miss this issue!

What's Happening at SpringHill Indiana

It’s time!! Time to start thinking about Summer 2007 at SpringHill that is! Starting Friday, December 15, you can see the whole summer schedule online at www.springhillcamps.com and start planning the week you’ll be talking about for the rest of the year. As a Red Brush camper, you’ll have a NEW LAKE to play in this summer, with loads of room to swim, splash, blob, paddle and dive. Be sure to check your mail after the first of the year for the Summer 2007 brochure and dig into it with your parents. Your mom or dad can go to the SpringHill website starting January 2 to create an online account to be ready when registration opens January 22 at 6 p.m.!

What the Shepherds Saw

When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. — Luke 2:17-18

Imagine that you were outside playing and suddenly you saw an angel. Not just any angel — but an angel whose presence filled the sky and whose radiance knocked you to the ground. If this big, bright angel told you something absolutely incredible — that a king who was going to be born in your very neighborhood — and told you to go see him, would you go? And if you went and what you found was a newborn baby in a stinky old barn, would you go home and tell everyone you met about what you saw and what you were told about how this baby was going to be a king?

That’s exactly what the shepherds did. And when they went home and told everyone, the Bible says the people who heard it were not amused or confused or simply curious; it says they were “amazed.” It makes us wonder exactly what the shepherds saw. Was it just a baby in a manger? Or did they somehow really see God that night?

Share some questions and answers with your parents: What do you see when you look at the baby Jesus in a manger scene? How does the Christmas story make you feel? Amazed? Bored? Excited that you’ll be getting presents soon? What could you do this month to see more of Jesus in Christmas?

A SpringHill Counselor Talks to The Hopper

If you were at Red Brush this summer, you may remember counselor Hannah Streeval. A sophomore at Anderson University majoring in business management, Hannah says getting to know her campers this past summer was such a blast, she’s hoping to spend another summer at SpringHill. Here, Hannah talks to The Hopper about how she celebrates Christmas and remembers to put Jesus first.

The Hopper: How will you celebrate Christmas this year?
Hannah: I always celebrate Christmas Eve with my aunt and Christmas Day with my immediate family. When we wake up we read the Christmas story and then we open gifts.
The Hopper: Is there anything special you do or your family does to keep the true meaning of Christmas your focus?
Hannah: My family always tries to volunteer during the holidays, like feeding the homeless. We constantly remind ourselves what’s important by focusing on giving rather than receiving.
The Hopper: What’s one of your favorite Christmas memories?
Hannah: When I was in 3rd grade, there was a boy in my class who didn’t have much. I think he even lived in a hotel for a while. So, my friends and I put our money together and bought him and his family gifts for Christmas. At the time, I didn’t even think about not doing it because it just seemed like the right thing to do. I need to give more freely like that now.
The Hopper: Who do you most admire in the Christmas story?
Hannah: I’m in awe of Mary. I can’t imagine being so young and suddenly being pregnant and knowing that people don’t believe your story of what happened. What a follower of God she was!
The Hopper: What advice do you have for campers on how to keep their eyes focused on what really matters this Christmas?
Hannah: Focus on giving because that will be the best gift you’ll ever get.

SpringHill Stunt

For this month's stunt, we're going to attempt a Mirror Shootout. Watch the video to see how it’s done or follow these easy steps:

1. Get two hand mirrors and, to make it an authentic shootout, put on a cool Western getup.
2. Find someone to challenge to a duel, go outside during the day and stand about 15 feet apart.
3. Count "1, 2, 3, Draw!" and use your mirror to try to shine the light in the other person's eyes before they shine the light in yours.