Church Camping Trip 2008 Recap

About 25 people from Family Worship Center ventured out to Bodega Dunes at Bodega Bay for the first annual church camping trip. God was looking down on us and blessed us by providing us with beautiful, warm and sunny days at the beach. The evenings were a bit chilly, but that made it perfect to sit around the campfire, eat s'mores, and in traditional camp spirit, sing songs and tell stories.



Larissa & Charlie managed to come across a Coast Garter Snake one day and after some debate about the name, landed on the name Maximus. While some of us, like Tyler, Nebil and Sis Audrey shied away from the creature, Larissa and Charlie seemed to enjoy their temporary pet snake quite a bit.



The snake wasn't the only wildlife with whose presence we were graced. Raccoons invaded a few ice chests, sneaking off with eggs and bacon. And the skunks. Well, they got a little too close for comfort. You would have thought everyone was stone statues as they waited for them to meander far enough to not get frightened and spray.

One morning, Bro Mike and Bro Matt went diving for abalone. That evening, we were provided a tasty feast with the fruit of their labor. While they were diving, Sis Exum and others channeled her inner-kid and built sand castles. And some of the youth group wasted the time away by playing games such as Balderdash and Monopoly.



We all kept entertained with the seals that had beached themselves on the sand. Charlie even had the great idea to try to pick up one that wasn't doing much moving. That didn't turn out so well when the seal picked up his head and growled at them. Other entertainment was provided by Nebil, who proceeded to sing and dance for everyone.

One of the highlights of the trip was the most magnificent sunset on Friday evening. As the streaks of orange painted the sky over the water, we were reminded of the Greatness of God and his creation.

It was a spectacular trip. Everyone had a great time building lasting relationships with one another and creating a bond of friendship. We look forward to next year's camping trip!

View More Pictures

Upcoming July Events

You're not going to want to miss some of our upcoming summer events. We have quite a few exciting things happening over the next few months. Be sure to keep an eye on our Events Calendar for all the fine details and don't forget to mark your calendar! Here's an overview:


4th of July Parade, BBQ, Volleyball, & Fireworks
10:30am, the American Canyon parade begins along Elliott Drive. The Sunday School and Youth Departments will be participating in the parade with decorated bikes, scooters, and lots of spirit. If you can make it out to support them, you're sure to enjoy this patriotic event.

4pm at the church, everyone is invited to come to this BBQ Potluck and Volleyball game. Everyone will be bringing a dish to share and enjoy the holiday.

8pm that evening, we all take off to a nearby park to watch the American Canyon Fireworks that start at 9:30pm. Don't forget to bring your blankets and chairs.


Youth Group BBQ & Potluck
July 11th, everyone ages 13-18 is invited to the Brunos' home for a BBQ at 6pm. You won't want to miss it! The Brunos' host a fabulous party, and I'm sure this one won't be any different. If you do plan to attend, make sure to RSVP in advance.


Church Softball
July 13th from about 4pm-7pm, you'll want to be there for this fabulous friendly game of Softball.


Men's Outing to RPM in Sacramento
July 19th, all the men will meet for breakfast at about 9am at the Highway 29 Cafe. Then the real fun begins at the RPM Raceway in Sacramento for accelerating indoor go-kart races. If you enjoy a thrilling time while visiting friends, you'll want to be there for sure.


Dillon Beach Trip
July 27th, immediately following Sunday Morning Worship Service, everyone is heading up to Dillon Beach to hang out. Bring a picnic lunch and plan on having fun being with old friends and making new ones.