Kivu Today

Welcome to KIVU

2011-08-14T09:48:00.001-07:00

KIVU in less than 2 Minutes

2011-08-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

Summer 2011 Film Reel from Gretchen Powers on Vimeo.

And the Sun Sets on Summer 2011

2011-08-06T11:10:00.000-07:00

As the sun sets on the summer of 2011 here at KIVU, there's much to celebrate.

This summer, hundreds of teenagers found a place where they can fit in.
The popular crowd came and found a place where they didn't have to spin around looking to protect their popularity.
The 'not so popular' kids came to see we all live life looking for something.

We all dance to our own rhythm of significance, and at the bottom line we all just want someone to reach out and find us valuable.

This summer, hundreds of teenagers collided with an all knowing, all powerful God. They got a chance to see Him through the creation here in Colorado. Whether through rafting the rivers, climbing the mountains, or just relaxing by the lake, they had a chance to see all that God created for them to enjoy and know Him.

This summer, hundreds of teenagers found a place filled with Godly mentors. They saw the KIVU staff full of Grace, full of intention, full of giving ourselves to every student that walked through the gates. It wasn't a place created where there were "those" staff members, and "those" campers. No, we don't do that here. We recognize we're all trying to live life the best we can. With all our baggage, with all our victory, with all our failure, with all our friendship, with all our families, we're just trying the best we can. We don't degrade or demonize. We don't look to find fault. We don't hold a record of wrong. We just try to reach out and love people where they are, and in that...we see God move.

It's been an epic summer here at KIVU. Much thanks to those who joined us. As the setting sun hides below the August camping season, we look forward to the rise of a new KIVU day. A day where more and more teenagers can learn to Love God, and Love Others with all that is in them.

Thanks for the BEST SUMMER KIVU HAS EVER HAD!!

2011 Term 4 Video

2011-08-04T07:48:00.001-07:00

2011 Term 3 Video

2011-08-03T11:34:00.001-07:00

Term 2 In The HOUSE!

2011-08-02T07:01:00.000-07:00

2011 Term 1 Video ONLINE!!

2011-08-01T14:25:00.000-07:00

LAST GO ROUND!

2011-08-01T08:42:00.000-07:00

Today starts the last full term of KIVU 2011! So crazy to think that its winding to an end.....but this summer has been one of the best ones out here at camp. Lots of change, new faces, and so many new memories have been made. God has truly changed perspectives and grown us all....and it's been such a blessing to be a part of. This last term has some crazy fun campers who are so energized to be here! We cannot wait to see what will happen this last week of camp!!

2011-07-29T09:49:00.003-07:00

Haiti Mission Trip: Tent Building

2011-07-29T09:49:00.001-07:00

Haiti Mission Trip: Tent Building

2011-07-29T09:43:00.002-07:00

Haiti Mission Trip Pictures

2011-07-29T09:43:00.001-07:00

Haiti Mission Trip Pictures

2011-07-29T09:37:00.001-07:00

Haiti Recap:

While in the Port au Prince airport (technically still in Haiti, but removed from the chaos) I had the mission trip students do a little reflecting before they jumped right back in to American culture. I asked them some questions that would enable them to think about their trip on a personal level and to also be prepared for when a hundred people back home inevitably ask the, "how was your trip?" question. Here are some of their answers.

1. What were you expecting coming to Haiti?

2. What surprised you the most?

3. What did you enjoy the most/least?

4. Is there anything you will change or do differently back home?

5. What does Haiti need most and is there anything you can do to help?

6. Describe Haiti in one word.

7. Describe your experience in Haiti in one word.

Fay:

1. I was expecting to do more service such as building houses and roofing.

2. I was surprised most by the water condition and how Haitians both drink and use the bathroom in their river water.

3. I enjoyed holding the quiet little girls the most because they didn't beg- especially the girl who just cried when she wanted to go home. I enjoyed the downhill hike the least because my feet were in pain and I didn't prepare the right shoes.

4. When I get home, I will make the utmost best of what I have. I don't necessarily feel guilty for having more than the Haitians, but I do feel disappointed that I don't use what I have to help others.

5. Haiti seems to need a good government and education most of all, but unfortunately I don't think I am capable of doing much to help in that area, except maybe come back and teach English. I do feel an urge however, to go home and do research on Haiti's society and maybe base my senior benchmark on this country.

6. Lost

7. Reflective

Taylor:

1. I was expecting everything to be completely destroyed and trash and people everywhere.

2. I was surprised by how many kids there were.

3. I liked playing with the kids the most. I didn't like the heat and the bugs.

4. No, I feel like I already to so much as sponsoring kids and donating clothes, that kind of stuff. So maybe just encourage others to do the same.

5. Haiti needs hope more than anything. So many people were talking about how Haiti will never recover so I think encouraging the people here and giving them what they need to better their lives is important.

6. Chaos

7. Unexpected

Lindsey:

1. I'm honestly not sure. The ability to help people and show them love.

2. Kids giving me inappropriate hand gestures.

3. I liked most the time I spent helping give out shoes. I didn't like the heat.

4. I will try and pay attention to what I have and be thankful for it.

5. Haiti needs support and encouragement. I can continue to visit and show that I care by offering my help.

6. Cautious

7. Enlightening

Eliza:

1. I was expecting very tropical but a lot of poverty.

2. I was surprised by the love they show towards each other. How content and happy they are with so little.

3. I liked being located in the village and playing and talking with the kids who live there. I didn't like the heat/sweat.

4. I want to make people aware of foreign struggles and poverty. I want to donate things I don't truly need or use.

5. Haiti needs love. Many people are so broken. Also, clothes, clean water, doctors. I'm going to sponsor a child through lifeline for $20 a month.

6. Loving

7. Eye-opening

CJ:

1. I expected a lot of poverty as well as a lack of direction in what I was going on.

2. When I saw just how bad the city was, but seeing hundreds of people just doing nothing. Where we stayed you could see a change in people's demeanor, they were happy and most everyone moved and had a purpose.

3. I enjoyed playing with the kids, but helping organize the storage room, I felt like that was something that was helpful. The beach wasn't too shabby either. I didn't like the heat.

4. I think gratefulness and trying to spend less time on myself.

5. The people need a way to sustain themselves without a handout, so I want to support Children's Lifeline in that aspect of the organization.

6. Destitute/Hot

7. Blessing

Melissa:

1. I expected to see some poverty and worse living conditions than I'm used to. Meet some new people and develop new relationships, and make a small effect on Haitian lives.

2. Surprised by the extent of poverty and extremely poor living conditions, how loving the children were and how I thought we had a lot of supplies the last day but the need was so great we ran out quickly.

3. I liked spending time with the locals and gaining perspective on my own life. I did not like the heat and the bugs.

4. Appreciate what I have and not complain about being hot, bug bites and to be less materialistic.

5. Haiti needs help and improving the poverty. Every little thing really helps even a simple pair of shoes. Also just giving love and attention.

6. Developing

7. Eye-opening

Laurel:

1. I expected poverty and the tent cities and people walking around without shoes or clothing.

2. I didn't expect the extent of the poverty and individual living in shacks or houses made of mud and rocks.

3. Spending time with the kids was my favorite. I didn't like the heat.

4. I will appreciate what I have and the little things, so much more.

5. Haiti needs the basic essentials, send clothing that works for them, long shorts, skirts for women, no sweaters.

6. Surviving

7. Eye-opening

Peter:

1. I didn't have clear expectations but I imagined it to be something like Belize, where I had been before. I thought it would be quieter and slower. I was expecting more physical work like building and painting. I expected life to have been halted because of the earthquake and that there would have been more people there helping.

2. I was surprised by the craziness in Port au Prince. I was surprised by how difficult it is to help people here and how difficult it is getting asked by people to give them stuff.

3. I enjoyed getting to know some of the Haitians and playing soccer. The Haitians at the mission were great to hang out with. My least favorite was having to deal with some of the Haitians who were annoying and obnoxious. Handing out clothing was tough.

4. Coming to Haiti has shown me how real the need is for some people in the world. It will definitely affect what direction I go in life.

5. It is difficult to answer because Haiti needs so much. But Haiti seems to need most, people like Donald at Children's Lifeline who are willing and able to carry out realistic needed work there. I can help by supporting Children's Lifeline.

6. Chaotic

7. Edifying

Mary Madison:

1. I wasn't sure what to expect, just a lot of poverty I guess.

2. The whole mission was a great and wonderful surprise. The work being done in awesome and I didn't know they had something like that in Haiti.

3. I enjoyed playing with the kids the most and the heat and lack of AC the least.

4. I would love to say yes, but I really don't know.

5. They need to be taught trades like the mission is doing. I can help by donating and encouraging others to donate to the mission.

6. Needy

7. Eye-opening

Lauren:

1. I expected poverty but not this extreme and the tent cities were so sad to see. I also expected to just play with orphans but we got to that and more.

2. Surprised by how happy and joyful the Haitian kids are and not afraid to just run up to us and hold our hands.

3. I liked hiking up to the mountain village and hearing the kids sing. I didn't like the heat, but we got used to it.

4. Definitely! I will be so much more thankful for everything I have and I won't complain as much. Also, I'm going to donate clothes and items.

5. Haiti needs more doctors and clean water. I will let people know and try to donate to Haiti.

6. Awesome

7. Unforgettable.

Another Day in the Institute

2011-07-26T13:18:00.001-07:00

We've been working with a P/R firm out of Dallas to help tell the KIVU story to the world. They've been immensely helpful as we try to identify our strengths, tell the differences between KIVU and every other camp in the world, and why parents should trust to send their kids here.

We've recorded some videos I believe that will help people see a true difference, but I decided to take the questions to the kids. So today in our Institute I just asked, "What's different about KIVU and every other Christian Camp you've been to?" The answers were right on.

"I feel like you have a great mix of structure and freedom. We have plenty to do, but you give us the ability to choose what we want to do." one student commented.

"I think the staff you hire are real. They struggle. They don't try to make Christianity out to be something it's not. We all have issues, and they're willing to help us work through issues rather than trying to ignore it and make the faith an un-achievable lifestyle." (I found this interesting)

"You don't tell us what to think. You give us the opportunity to think through hard issues. You're not preaching at us, you're inviting us to know our own faith. I don't know anywhere I get to do that."

"I've found my best friends here. We talk all year long, and encourage each other. We even had a cabin reunion this year in Edmond Oklahoma. Everybody flew in, and we had a wonderful weekend."

The comments just kept coming, and I wonder...how can we tell that story to the world.

The Public Relations company is out here this week just asking questions of the staff and campers, and they are BLOWN AWAY!!

"We've never seen anything like this. You're approach to allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of teenagers is unlike anything we've been around. Every teenager should have the chance to experience a community like KIVU. The Love you guys give to everyone, no matter who they are, what they've done, or what they think is exactly what I think God intends for us."

Again, I'm humbled by the comments, but I'm eager to share this message with the world. We're on to something we believe might be a great model to help people live life together, rather than compartmentalizing their faith and wondering why it doesn't work.

It's a good day here at KIVU. I wish you could come and feel the difference.

An "ULTIMATE" day

2011-07-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the ultimate day of rest, relaxation, sleeping in, and moving slow. But we had to have a little excitement so campers went after each other in a crazy game of Ultimate Basketball. 6 basketballs. 6 hoops. 6 teams. Absolute Madness!

Summer Days at KIVU

2011-07-25T07:33:00.001-07:00

Summer days at Camp KIVU are the BEST!! When we take teenagers up to the Lake Vallacito, we show them Colorado Mountain Lake fun with two large wakeboard boats, waverunners, tubes, slides, fishing, and just hanging out.

I know it seems like time just passing, but how much do we need this time?

Today's teenager is being pressured from all angles. Academic pressure, Athletic pressure, and the pressure to perform in whatever extra activities they have lined up, are making kids more machine like than human. Their whole purpose for waking up in the morning is to make a list, check the box, and make sure they get the right marks.

I'm beginning to think we've lost the ability to build our own story.

It takes times on the lake, in the mountains, on a bike, or just hanging out with friends to share life together. And, after all; that's what make our faith different from every other faith on the planet.

Paul writes in Philippians, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" (2:5-9)

The beauty of a place like KIVU is the life on life mentoring that is taking place all the time. The staff who commit their summer here are interested in living life WITH the teenagers here, rather than AT them. So the traditional attitude of, "I'm on staff you have to listen to me" fades in the distance as we approach each teenagers with a, "We're all in this life together, let's have some fun" becomes the mantra we live by.

The testimonies from the summer prove this to be an impactful approach. Kids are raving about the "community" we've developed, because I think they have a place where we value them as people, not as clients.

Hanging on the lake in the dog days of summer is one of the best times to invest our lives in the lives of teenagers here.

We'd love for you to come and join us.

You can register for KIVU 2012 today at http://www.campkivu.com. See you next year!!

2011-07-23T11:34:00.000-07:00

Haiti news!! We have landed in Miami! We started off from our mission compound around 5:30am. A crowded bus ride and short plane trip later, we are back in the USA! Everyone is doing great. We will spend some time today debriefing from our trip. We plan on accomplishing this on a Florida beach with a nice big American dinner. Haiti was great and I can't wait to share the student's thoughts with you all. Thanks again for sharing your kids with Kivu!

2011-07-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

Haiti Day 5- by Lauren Wagner

Today we woke up and had devotionals at the prayer rock and spoke about what needs we have and have not met while being in Haiti. The question for today was "What can we learn from the Haitian kids". During this trip I have realized how blessed I am and that even the little things in my life like clothes, phones, and shoes are such a blessing and I'm so thankful for everything I have. In my journal yesterday I wrote a list comparing the little things that Haitian kids have and the many things we have. For example, there are over 1 million orphans here in Haiti after the earthquake, but most all of us on this trip have loving parents that are always there for us. The Haitian kids have just 1 soccer ball to play with, while we have phones, soccer balls, frisbees, computer, and more. Many of the Haitians do not even have an education, while we all go to great amazing schools and some of us are even moving on to college. All of these things we take for granted daily, but during this trip I've realized how blessed I am and that I need to be more thankful for things that I'm not. After devos we went to graduation for the school kids here at Lifeline. The kids made an entrance dancing and there were so many parents and family members there. It was so nice to see that they do realize how important an education is. We had a quick lunch and then I went to the medical clinic here and Eliza, Ashlyn, Peter, and I sorted through medicine and seperated the expired medicine and the good medicine for the doctor. Once we finished that, we gave clothes and shoes out to the village kids. One by one they came into a room here with hundreds of shoes and chose a pair. After about 3 hectic hours of helping kids try shoes on, we closed the "store" and there were few shoes left. Now we just finished dinner and we are all talking. I have loved this trip. It's been so eye-opening and I'm so thankful I got to come. We will be back in America tomorrow, I'm sad to leave the adorable kids that are here!! Thanks mom and dad for letting us come to Haiti!

2011-07-22T16:44:00.001-07:00

Day 4- by Peter

This morning we woke up a little earlier and went to the prayer rock for a little devotional time. After spending about a half an hour to ourselves reading and reflecting, we divided up between organizing one of the warehouses here at the mission and painting one of the classrooms a new color. At the warehouse we moved boxes of clothes and shoes outside to sort them and put them in classrooms so we could give them out tomorrow. Those of us painting got covered with dots of blue and joked around while we were trying to reach each bit of the walls in our room with paint. It was good to spend some time doing work that made an immediate and visible difference. With our work for the day behind us, we ate some lunch and prepared to leave with the other mission team here to go to a beach resort about twenty minutes away. The resort was called Wahoo Bay and it was by far the nicest place we have seen in Haiti so far. They had a freshwater pool just like we'd see at the beach back home and great places to lay out on chairs in the sun. The beach wasn't huge but it was so nice getting to swim in the cool ocean. Some of us payed to go snorkling, and we were rowed about a quarter mile along the coast to a coral reef where we swam around, getting to hold some coral and sea urchins. When we got back from snorkling we messed around on the beach and at the pool until dinner time at five. We got to eat some great food from the resort like friend pork and shrimp creole. We drove back to the mission and got to hang around for the rest of the night. It was awesome to get some time to relax and see how much Haiti has to offer beyond the poverty. -Peter

2011-07-22T05:49:00.001-07:00

Haiti- Day 4

Yesterday was great! I'll have some of the kids blog about it later today, but I just wanted to check in with everyone and let you know we are still doing awesome! It is still hot, but it seems as though we are getting used to it :) Yesterday, was the perfect balance of work and play. After two days of visiting the village and doing some small projects, we started the day off running. We sorted a huge warehouse full of things donated to Children's Lifeline. There were at least 100 huge boxes of clothes, towels, toiletries, shoes, blankets, etc. etc. all piled together in randomness and chaos. 10 of us sorted all of this, getting the clothes and shoes ready to be distributed to kids in the village today. Lots of people in the group are looking forward to fitting and picking out clothes for each kid. The other 4-5 of our group, went to work painting the school classrooms. Painting is so easy in the US; we have unlimited paint, brushes, rollers, cleaning supplies. It is much more difficult here, but well worth the work, because the room looks awesome! After our morning of super hard work, we gathered with the other group here from Connecticut. We all squished onto the tiny bus and headed to a beach down the road. We swam, relaxed, snorkeled, and ate a great dinner with our new friends. It was so fun, spending time with all the students getting to talk about Haiti, what they are learning and what they are experiencing. Thanks again for sending them. They are great! We have one more full day starting and it's promising to be another great one!

When the Ladies Show Up

2011-07-22T05:34:00.001-07:00

My friends think I'm CRAZY! "How can you have guys and girls interacting the way you do without hormones getting in the way?"

CRAZY or not, I'm resolved to help teenagers understand how to treat each other. We share life together, not because we're just out trying to find someone to marry, but because 50% of the population is of an opposite sex.

When girls come into KIVU we talk about this community. It doesn't happen when we put each other down, talk negative of one another, or point out the boys and make crude comments. We believe, with a little education on respecting one another; we can live in a place where guys respect girls and girls respect boys.

Sure, teenagers are teenagers, but wouldn't it be a great day when we could simply exist seeing the beauty of another person as God created them?
Wouldn't it be a safe place to share life if we didn't have to worry about what we looked like or how cool we had to be in front of someone else?

I'm convinced the world doesn't teach teenagers how to respect one another, and thus; we have times where they don't trust each other, they don't believe in each other, and they find fault in others in order to find value in themselves.

Here at KIVU we spend a lot of time helping the ladies understand the impact of their words, and the influence of their actions. And to what avail?

We have a community of people, not a segregated group based on gender, who truly love one another.

Another example of great things happening out here at KIVU this summer.

2011-07-20T16:59:00.001-07:00

Day 3- by Eliza (with help from Peter and Lauren)

Today we woke up at 7 to do devos by the cross. We talked about seeing God's goodness through bad things, such as the poverty here in Haiti. We thought about ways we have seen God working while we're here. After devos we helped set up a huge tent for the graduation coming up on Friday. It was my first time putting up a circus tent and using a sledge hammer! After eating a delicious lunch, we walked to a different village and stopped at a voodoo house on the way. Donald pointed out paintings on the wall, depicting good and bad spirits. Next we went to the voodoo priest's mothers house, where his mother lay sick and weak for 3 years. We prayed over her, for her healing and Jesus' presence to be made known. From there we went to an orphanage being built and talked to the children of that village. They sang Father Abraham to us in Creole, then we sang it back to them, along with Sanctuary. From there we went to the market on the beach after that and saw where they import charcoal. Our group bought mangos, watermelon and sugar cane. We came back to Mission Lifeline after that and relaxed, Then played and talked with the children after relaxing. They love holding our hands and getting their picture taken. Now our group along with a group from Connecticut just finished a great Haitian dinner. It was goat, chicken, rice, plantains, pineapple, mango, beet salad, pasta, corn and peas. it was delicious! Goodnight! Love you Mom and Dad!

2011-07-19T18:51:00.001-07:00

Days 1 & 2: by Laurel and Melissa

The first thing we noticed yesterday when we arrived in Port-au-prince was the heat and humidity. The airport was crowded and small, and the damage from the earthquake made deplaning and finding our luggage very difficult. After we got our luggage, we boarded a bus and took a tour of Port-au-Prince. The streets were crowded, extremely bumpy, and all the cars were constantly honking and dangerously driving, but the most shocking thing was the amount of tent cities we saw. We met a few people from the city and learned there were 1200 people living in tents in a plot of land the size of a couple blocks. We expected to see poverty and damage, but not that extreme. After an extremely long bus ride on an bumpy road with a broken window, a good amount of traffic, and somehow most of us sleeping on the way through the honking, we finally arrived at the compound. We've never been so grateful to see ceiling fans in our life. We toured the compound and spent time with the Haitian children in the compound before dinner. The water wasn't working so we were unable to take showers but we happily went to bed early despite the heat.
Today we woke up at 4 am to hike up a mountain (before the heat came in) to a village to do VBS. The hike was steep and long (about 2 hours) and somehow we managed to get 20 minutes ahead of the rest of the group and were concerned we were lost. The views were so gorgeous it was completely worth it. It goes from gorgeous mountains to the beach here. When we finally made it to the village, we met with a Voodoo preist before going to a church to sing songs and make bracelets with the children. We hiked back down the mountain, had lunch, and took a nap before going out to the local village to play with more children. They took us to their swimming hole all fighting over each other to hold our hands and shockingly almost all without shoes and most without pants on. After spending a couple hours with the children we had another delicious dinner and are currently attempting to bake a cake for Peters birthday but are having oven troubles. The water is back on now and we can't wait to take a shower! We all sweat an unbelievable amount here and there are a lot of bugs so that makes showers a real treat. We can't wait to see what the rest of the trip has in store for us. Now to go check on the cake!

Hppy 18th Birthay Peter!

2011-07-19T07:50:00.001-07:00

Haiti

We are safe and sound in Arcahaie, Haiti. Monday, morning we woke up very early to get to the airport for our 8:30 flight. After flying over the gorgeous aqua Caribbean Ocean for 1 1/2 hours, we landed in Port au Prince. I could hear the students talking as we were landing. Most of them were saying how it looked like a normal city, until we started landing and they realized the buildings they were seeing were actually tin shacks and tent cities. We made it through the airport, immigration and customs with no issues at all and promptly boarded the bus belonging to Donald, the president of Children's Lifeline, which is the organization we will be working with this week. He is friendly, witty and a great Kentucky man. However, he spends most of his time, down here in Haiti, doing his best to change the lives of thousands of children. We learned yesterday a little of how the organization started and where they are today. Children's Lifeline feeds almost 8,000 children every day for five days a week. They have a sewing and cinderblock microfinance that is booming. They run schools, bible schools, and are starting a fabulous health clinic on their property. They are well equipped and praying for the right doctors to come in and run the place. It is an awesome building and the inside looks just like Walgreens- every drug and tool any health facility could need. They even have a surgical room and a dental room set up, alongside their exam rooms and waiting room. They will document births and health records, which is something very new to this village.

Donald took us on a tour of Port au Prince since we won't be back in the city until we leave. We saw the presidental palace that collapsed in the earthquake, we drove by Cite Soleil which is the poorest slum area. It was actually a lot worse than I had expecting having worked in Filipino slums for two months this spring. It was a hundred times worse. We saw a lot of damage from the earthquake. It is going to take a very long time to even begin to get this city back to where it was, much less better than it was. Every person, every building was affected.

But the story should never end there. Haiti IS rebuilding...they ARE trying, and that is the story I was recently encouraged to have our students pursue. We know all the statistics on the poverty in Haiti, I don't need to repeat them all (I know I have mentioned a few already). I'm hoping our group can go deeper than the media, that we can meet the people, learn their stories, hear their hearts, and walk alongside them, loving them like Christ loves us. Not for any tv show or newspaper, but just because it's what we are called to do. I'm not sure yet what that is going to look like, but I can't wait to see where God takes us.

Right now, the group (one student opted out and I'm home with her, if you're wondering how I'm blogging :) ) is hiking a fairly large mountain behind our compound. At the top of this mountain is a small village with an orphanage and a church that Children's Lifeline supports. The group left a 4:30 am to beat the heat. They will hike about 2 hours and then spend the morning running a mini-VBS, teaching songs, playing games, etc. They will also have the opportunity to meet a Voodoo priest who lives in the village. Donald has been meeting with him for several years and calls him a friend. This priest is very open towards what Donald is doing and allows Donald to pray with him often. The group will spend some time with him and then pray over and with him, that God might change this man's heart, that he might serve the only, one, true God and not rely on his voodoo traditions and falsehoods.

Weather- it is HOT! Sooo hot, so humid, so draining! Pray that our group stays cool and healthy. We are having a great time getting to know eachother and bonding. We've had some AWESOME conversations and had a lot of fun together as well. Thanks for sending your students! Haiti is so good!

When the Fellas Show Up

2011-07-19T07:41:00.000-07:00

One of the many exciting things happening out here at KIVU is our intentional training of the guys. Most places just allow for guys to be guys, and whatever trends the world sets up is what they gleen as 'normal behavior.'

Each opening day I tell the fellas, "I don't care how you talk about girls back home, this is a place where we're going to re-train you to respect the ladies." They look at me in wonderment, mostly because they've never been challenged to think that way, but they wonder how we're going to pull this off.

We start by making sure they respect the ladies when they eat. They have to make sure the ladies go first, they serve the ladies, and they are pressured to understand how valuable a lady is in their life. There's no place here for feminist slander. We want to make sure the ladies understand how much we appreciate them.

Some might call it a throwback to the golden days.
Others might call out some kind of feminism.
But we just want to make sure, out of no other motive than respect, when the guys show up, the ladies can be confident they are going to value them.

The same rule applies to the ladies, but I'll write more on that later.

Another reason KIVU is the place to be, as we try and train the next generation to care for one another.

A Double Rainbow on Day One at KIVU Term 4!

2011-07-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

2011-07-18T03:56:00.001-07:00

Haiti Bound! It is early... We are all together and all checked in! Boarding for Port Au Prince in 30 minutes. We are so excited!! Especially the boys! Love them in this photo!

Fresh fish today!

2011-07-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

Today, Greg Hackett, from 5H Farms brought 260lbs of Rainbow and Brown trout and we once again filled the Los Pinos full of trout. Greg comes all the way from Monta Vista and raises the best trout in Colorado. He is also a really cool guy.

Greg and Giorgio Johnson helped me unload all the fish today. Its a pretty dirty job because you get soaked with water that reeks like fish.

260lbs is about 150 fish or so. We stocked them in about 4 different spots along the river and they will spread out over the next week. But most of them stay within 100 yards of where they were put in.

That is Greg holding a 22 inch Rainbow, Giorgio holding a 23 inch German Brown and me holding one of the many nets of fish we put in. Today was a great day! Can't wait to catch them tomorrow.
Thanks Greg.

2011-07-17T19:37:00.001-07:00

Our Haiti group is finally all together! After a long day of layovers and delays. I would post a picture of all your great kids together but they are all showering and getting into bed! Which is great!, because we have a super early wakeup call to fly out of Miami at 8:30! I am so excited to have everyone here; group trips are SO great when the group is finally all together. There are 15 of us and everyone is very excited. Two of us have been to Haiti before but it was pre-earthquake, so this will be a huge experience for our group. We talked tonight about flexibility and sensitivity toward Haitian culture and the healing they are going through. I'm sure the students are going to learn and see and share in so much! Please keep us in your prayers! Here are a few of my favorite photos from my 2008 trip to Haiti!

Frisbee Day

2011-07-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

Each term we spend the last day of camp playing ultimate frisbee. The cabins all choose a color for their team, and the games begin. This day has become one of my favorite days because I get to see all the cabins enjoying the last few moments they have together at camp. When they aren't playing, some girls take a few last minute pictures (as you can see up above). I had to post these pictures from term 3 before term 4 gets going today. I am looking forward to getting to know new campers, but I sure do miss all the girls from last term!!

2011-07-15T15:47:00.001-07:00

2011-07-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

2011-07-15T15:37:00.001-07:00

On our return trip from Rwanda, I had everyone take some time to process the trip. I asked them some questions, so that they were able to reflect on how the experience was for them personally. But, it was also to consider how they were going to share all they had seen and been a part of to everyone at home who would ultimately be asking, "how was your trip??!" I told them I'd be sharing these answers with the blog, so here you go...

1. What were you expecting coming to Rwanda?
2. What surprised you the most?
3. What did you like the most? least?
4. Is there anything you will do differently or change back home?
5. Describe Rwanda or your experience there in one word.

Kenna:
1. I was expecting to play with kids.
2. I was surprised that the babies did not cry when they were upset, they only fussed a little.
3. I liked playing with the kids. I did not like the lack of sleep.
4. I will save up for another trip. I will be kinder to other people.
5. Fantastic

Logan:
1. I was expecting a rundown country still hurt from genocide.
2. I was surprised by women breast feeding on the sides of the streets.
3. I liked most, the affection of the PREFER students.
4. I will encourage others to go and help.
5. Eye-opening

Elizabeth:
1. I was expecting rural and recovery, but still scars.
2. I was surprised most by forgiveness in the country.
3. I liked teaching at the preschool and experiencing Rwanda. I loved everything.
4. Simplicity
5. Thought-invoking

Jennie:
1. I had NO idea.
2. I was surprised by the culture- the joy and simplicity of their lives
3. I like talking to the natives on the road. I did not like the 12 hour flights.
4. I will clean out my room, give away clothes and toys. I will put more effort into community service and serving the less fortunate.
5. Indescribable

Millie:
1. I was expecting severe poverty.
2. I was surprised of the joy of people who had almost nothing.
3. I liked getting to meet all the sweet kids. I did not like the food.

4. Waste less, want less, love more

5. Life-changing

Josh:

1. I was expecting extreme poverty

2. I was surprised by how developed it was.

3. I liked how nice the people are. I didn't like getting stared at.

4. Nope

5. Freaking-tight!

Brett:

1. I was expecting a great opportunity with my wife and daughter. I was expecting a life change, but really I got great confirmation of what I already doing.

2. I was surprised that it was not as impoverished as I'd thought. They people made or found a way to get things done.

3. I liked most, Cathy and Teste and their resourcefulness and creativity. I liked potato farming and the cow. I did not like the rotten potato and the haziness in the sky.

4. Kindness, resourcefulness, more evangelism

5. Joyous

Gretchen:

1. I was expecting lots of opportunities to play with and love on kids.

2. I was surprised by the beautiful kindness and forgiveness of the Rwandan people and the amazing attitudes of the teenagers traveling with us.

3. I liked visiting with the people. It was such a joy walking to and from the project each day and talking with the people walking beside us. It was also amazing and humbling to listen to people share their genocide stories. It was frustrating to now know the language.

4. I am excited to have my 2nd grade students pen pal with students from the primary school. I am also planning a school supply drive to send to PREFER preschool. I definitely have new ways to pray for Rwanda.

5. Beautiful

Mallory:

1. I had no idea, but I was expecting it to be hotter.

2. I was surprised by the amount of English the kids knew and how instantly comfortable they were with us.

3. I liked working with the children and the weather. I didn't like the food very much.

4. I will not take FREE water for granted.

5. "Amzungu" (lots of white people)

Mallory's most memorable moments:

- walking with Josh and one of the preschoolers back home. It was a 45 minute walk when we realized the boy had passed his house and didn't know how to get home. It was chaos on the street with some of the locals trying to figure out who he belonged to and where he lived and how to get him back home. The kids had a long lecture at school the next day about not following the Mzungus home!

-Taking a nap with one of the little kids during the cultural dance class.

-Josh sleeping on the van and hitting his head on the window during a sharp turn.

-Francois and Dume (2 precious, sweet, new little buddies)

Parents Day

2011-07-15T09:32:00.001-07:00

We LOVE Parent's Day here at KIVU. Today at 4:00 the gates will open, and eager parents will drive in to meet their teenagers they haven't seen for 14 days. What a CELEBRATION!! It's such a blessing to see re-unions. The kids are pumped to show Mom and Dad what they've been up to here at KIVU, and we love showing off the beautiful facility here in Colorado.

One of my favorite moments is showing parents all the adventures they're kids have been doing. They've been rafting, rock climbing, biking, hiking, fishing, throwing parties, and getting to know students from around the world.

They've been dis-connected from the "real world" for 14 days, and they've had the chance to think about who they are, who they want to be, and how they want to go home and engage in the world.

All in all, this is one of my personal favorite nights of camp.

We can't wait to see you tonight KIVU families.
We're thankful for your trust.
We're honored you decided to send you most prize possessions off to Colorado for a couple of weeks.
And, we look forward to see how we can partner with you, as we continue to encourage teenagers to LOVE GOD, and LOVE OTHERS!

See you tonight!

There's Something Special Going on Here

2011-07-14T09:29:00.001-07:00

Something special is happening at KIVU, and the world is noticing. I'm starting to get a lot of e-mails and comments on various social media outlets letting me know how important the 2011 KIVU summer has been for students who spend time here.

"I do not know what you are doing at KIVU but I wanted to tell you that I just received the most excited and longest letter my son has ever written me. He is excited about what he calls "your world view," your 3 books (which he said are the kinds of books I read), The Institute, Gap Year, and of course all things Kivu. I just wanted to give you that positive feed back before they leave on Saturday to let you know you are definitely making an impact."
-KIVU MOM-

When people ask, "So why KIVU? What's the big difference between KIVU and every other summer program?" I find myself kind of scratching my head and saying...
Maybe it's the community of people who care for one another...
Maybe it's the Best in Class Colorado Adventure students get to participate in...
Maybe it's the ability for people to just be people. They don't have to prove anything for love here...
Maybe it's the parties we throw...
Maybe it's the friendships...
Or Maybe, its just God moving here. His Spirit is dwelling in this place, and teenagers sense it. They know something special is happening, and I couldn't agree more.

2011 Summer is shaping up to be one of the best we've ever had out here in Colorado. The weather is perfect, the teenagers are smiling, and God is moving.

What more could you ask for?

2011-07-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

After a layover in Ethiopia and a 17 hour flight across the Atlantic, the Rwanda mission trip group is in DC... USA!

1946 Class Reunion

2011-07-12T15:40:00.001-07:00

Last night we had a great time dressing up for the class of 1946's high school reunion.

Campers and staff created some excellent characters complete with costumes and accents.

It was fun to reminisce about the good ole' days.
Check out these cool looks:

Another Beautiful Day

2011-07-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Every day, I look up in the sky and think, "It can't get any better than this." And everyday, when the sun comes up it starts all over again.

I can't believe the work God is doing here. The freedom His Spirit is allowing to rescue teens from oppressive baggage can't be overstated.

I asked another group yesterday, "What makes KIVU so special?"

"You hire Real People." one student commented.

"Tell me about that" I asked.

"Other places tend to put on a show for what you're supposed to be like. They act like nothing every goes wrong in life, and everything is supposed to just work out. You guys don't judge me for who I am. Sure you still have a BLAST while you're here, but from the moment I got off the bus, I feel safe. It's like these people know me."

I just sat listening, goose bumps up and down my arm. He got it! That's exactly what we're doing here. First and foremost, we're helping kids be kids, and that's the reason why we do what we do. Secondly, we're providing an outstanding BEST IN CLASS Colorado Adventure. And finally, we're working to help them understand the importance of Loving God and Loving Other People, without regard for anything else that they are created by God.

It doesn't get any better than this...until tomorrow that is!
Wish you could be here to join us.

Oh, and if you haven't seen the Rwanda trip, just scroll down here. KIVU Rwanda taking off. I can't wait to hear the stories first hand. It sounds like the trip of a lifetime.

2011-07-11T14:50:00.000-07:00

Day 7
Today was bittersweet. We had to say goodbye to all our new friends. I think we are all going to miss walking up the road to the school twice a day and having 20 kids jumping into our arms with huge smiles and hugs. Today after breakfast we walked to school. It was a little slower as everyone is definitely getting tired. We still enjoy the walk because we are greeted so kindly by so many people. At school we took time in each class observing and helping teach. We helped feed all 120 kids their snack of bread and sorghum porridge. Then we built volcanoes with each class. They build them with rocks and sand and sticks. They named them after the 5 volcanoes here in Musanze. It was really fun to see their reactions when the vinegar and baking soda mixed. Some thought it was boiling water. They were all in shock, but then laughed. After an even slower walk back to school after lunch, we taught the adult English class. Millie rocked it for 2 hours teaching body parts, numbers, letters and basic phrases. We also had a chance to watch the village girls in their cultural dance class. They are so cute and laughed histerically when Logan tried to join. We are about to have dinner at our favorite local pizza place. Tomorrow we will visit the Kids Across Africa campsite on Lake Burera and then make the drive into Kigali to catch our 4 pm flight. I can tell the students are getting a little fatigued. They definitely walked slower and complained about the food a little more. Haha! They are going to miss Rwanda I am sure, but they are ready for their own bed and familiar food. They're talking already about where they are eating when they get back. Love it! This has been a fabulous last day in Musanze and I appreciate you for sending your teens and for trusting me to lead them all the way to Africa. I hope they have learned a lot, because I know they have experienced and seen a lot. I'm sure they will have lots of stories to tell. Thanks for your support and prayers. Blogging tomorrow may be limited but I promise to have your kids call home the second we touchdown in DC!

Sent from my iPhone

Fun at the Flag

2011-07-11T11:32:00.001-07:00

Last night before 2Deep, campers enjoyed social time around the flag. I love seeing everyone enjoy conversation and laugh with one another. Now that we are halfway through this term, true friendships are really forming.

Unfortunately, these pictures turned out a little blurry because I didn't have the camera on the correct setting. Next time they will come out better. :)

2011-07-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

2011-07-10T16:08:00.000-07:00

Day 5- Josh is refusing to blog, so Mallory will be blogging from Josh's perspective:

Hi Mom, it's Josh. Today started out with breakfast and a short walk to church. I couldn't really understand the pastor's accent and a little boy was waving at me the whole service so it was a little distracting. After church, I had a whole pot of coffee. Then I whined to Mallory that my Facebook was not working. Then we drove one hour to Lake Kivu, where I slept on the sandy beaches for two hours. I had pasta for lunch. Then we went swimming and Mallory and I threw sand at eachother. I am really good at making friends here. We met a boy in the water, who had crossed over from a local beach. The security guard for our hotel made him go back. On the way back from Lake Kivu, I fell asleep again… even hitting my head on the window during a sharp turn. Lesley just happened to get it all on video. When we arrived back in Musanze, we went to the market where I looked for a Bob Marley bag. We had some free time, so I took a walk and ended up meeting the chief of police. He asked me to have a drink with him, but I just sat with him and talked. I have made friends all over the town. Now, I am in my room waiting for dinner and definitely NOT blogging :)

-Josh (Mallory)

Now it's Lesley with some details :)

Today was phenomenal. These kids rock! They are so go with the flow, and seem to make friends and have a good time wherever we go. We started off the day with church. Not just any church though; this is the church that Bishop John, the Bishop of Rwanda, started during his reformation and reconciliation of his country after genocide. He is an incredible man, and his church is beautiful. The current bishop, Bishop Laurent Mbanda, was also in town. The kids were able to shake the hands with and visit with these two amazing men who want so badly to lead their community to Christ and to encourage and strengthen the people who live here. After church, we had tea and hopped on the bus to Lake Kivu. This is one of the most beautiful drives in the country; we passed terraces of patchwork fields, rock cliffs, coffee plantations, and tea plantations. Then you turn a corner and see it… Kivu. It is beautiful; to the left you see Rwanda, to the right you see Congo. It is like an ocean with dark blue water and lots of waves. The sand is so glittery and it coats your skin. It is such a great place for our camp to be named after. We relaxed on the beach, read, had great conversations, played Frisbee, walked, and ate some great food and ice cream. Logan climbed a huge tree and a lot of us swam in the lake. We met lots of locals and lots of visitors as well. After riding back, we stopped at the supermarket for baking soda and vinegar to build volcanoes with the kids tomorrow. It's going to be awesome! -Lesley

2011-07-09T15:24:00.000-07:00

2011-07-09T15:04:00.000-07:00

2011-07-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Day 5 From Logan's Perspective

Ok, so today I woke up and again faced the ice cold shower. However, today was the only day I was brave enough to actually get under the water! After breakfast we walked to a mosque, where I had the once in a life time experience of playing soccer with the older homeless children. They play all day, everyday… so I don't need to say that I had it handed to me quite a few times! … But I also had my moments. Kathy the women that runs PREFER, provides soap for them to wash with, and feeds the children was also there with her husband. Then from there we went to the dry goods market of Musanze, where I had to suffer through seven women shopping and choosing between hundreds of pieces of cloth! But, the light at the end of the tunnel was the fact that, afterwards, I got to help Bret look for a soccer jersey… Of which ended up choosing team Rwanda!... How appropriate. From there we walked to a hotel which had a pool and internet service. We also met , Jock, the Rwandan cycling teams coach, who was the first American to compete in the tour-de-france and also won the Iron Horse in Durango. And, it was at the pool where we got to watch a bunch of Rwandan men in tight boxer briefs swim, lift weights, and show off in general for the girls of the group! As I am writing this we are back at the house, where we will eat dinner, play games and eventually head to bed. Ok, now just walking to the hotel to post this block, I just saw a man who looks like he hates life, steamrolling dry asphalt… Nice!

-Logan

2011-07-08T16:16:00.000-07:00

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2011-07-08T15:59:00.000-07:00

2011-07-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

2011-07-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

2011-07-08T15:54:00.001-07:00

2011-07-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

2011-07-08T15:53:00.000-07:00

2011-07-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

Day 3 From Mallory's Perspective

Preschool
Today was our first day at the preschool, of all the missions trips I've gone on that involved children, today was by far the most amazing I've experienced!
We started our day really early with a typical Rwandan breakfast (tons of bread, coffee and eggs). Then we started our 45 min walk to the school. The walk wasn't as bad I was anticipating but still a long trek.
The highlight of the groups day, at least mine, was on the walk. I was chatting with another guy, Josh, in our group, walking a ways behind everyone else when after what felt like forever we rounded the corner of this dirt road to hear the screams of children. When I looked up to see what was going on I saw about 40 children screaming with joy running straight towards our group! It was the coolest/cutest thing I've ever seen! The children ran up latching on to our groups legs with big hugs, fighting amongst them self over who got to hold the "mzungus" hands. They were all so happy to see us, with huge smiles on their faces, I've never seen such happy children! Nor experience such an awesome welcome before! As we walked Hand in hand with them the rest of the way to the preschool we quickly learned how much English they knew, they were asking us our names and greeting us with welcome and good morning.
As soon as we got to the school we toured the three classrooms (2 yrs, 4 yrs, and 5 yrs). Each class sang songs to show us their English skills and welcomed us. Everything from ABC to the "itsy bitsy spider". I was blown away by their English! We spent the rest of the morning helping the kids learn English, doing arts and crafts, playing soccer and just hanging out with them. We learned they LOVE cameras and soccer! After a morning of playing and learning, they all gathered on the grass to leave, and danced for us. It was the funniest and cutest thing I've ever seen! They were so good too!
After we said our goodbyes we caught a bus (a VERY crowded bus) back to the house to eat lunch. When returned to the school that afternoon we taught adults English! It was such a neat experience to teach them common phrases and greetings because at the same time we were teaching them we were also learning their language, the group loved it and soon practice their new knowledge on the children playing outside!
After teaching the adults we painted all the women's finger nails, which they enjoyed and appreciated! After a long day we headed back to the house to relax and eat dinner with the Rwandan national cycling team.
I'm so pumped to go back to the school tomorrow!

2011-07-08T09:37:00.001-07:00

Day 4 From Jennie's Perspective

Today we hung out with the kids again at PREFER. The kids are PRECIOUS. They are extremely dirty but it makes them all the cuter. We played Ring Around the Rosie at "playground" but it didn't work out very well because they would fight over who got to hold the "Mzungo"s hands. Lunch was kabobs, rice, etc. For breakfast the cooks served this little fruit that I'd never seen before…they were extremely sour and quickly took on the name Warheads. After lunch we visited the Excel school..a private school just down the street from where we are staying. It was much fancier than Prefer, and the kids were much cleaner and better dressed. However, we noticed how the Excel kids were a bit spoiled because they kept asking us for stuff. Nonetheless they were adorable and spoke English very well. We went to a little store to buy trinkets for ourselves and people back at home. There were tons of handmade wooden animals, jewelry, baskets, etc. We rode motorcycles to get back to the house! Parents—we wore helmets and the drivers are certified and they go very slow and it was only like a half mile ride..very safe!!!! Hahaha. Everyone here is so happy and content. It is amazing to realize how really spoiled I am and how the simple things can really bring so much joy to these people.

-Jennie

2011-07-07T09:09:00.001-07:00

Day 2 From Elizabeth's Perspective:

We all woke up around 8 and ate a breakfast made of eggs, carrots, and bell peppers. The home-cooked food was delicious and felt so African (I am sure that it was more luxurious than a typical African breakfast). After eating, we packed up to leave to go to Elsie's shop and proceed to Musanze. We were quickly introduced to African time- the bus driver arrived about 2 hours late. During our waiting time, some people went to play soccer with the neighborhood kids while others sat with Elsie in the courtyard. The soccer kids quickly learned that the certain hand gesture called "pounding" does not translate well. When the kids attempted to fist pump the African children, one child responded " I don't do that, I am Christian." We have yet to figure out what that means. Meanwhile, Gretchen was able to talk to Elsie about her experience with the genocide- what an amazing experience to listen to someone who has lived through such a tragedy. Both her mother and her father were killed; she was able to escape Scotland with her two kids and husband. She lived there for 6 1/2 years and returned to Rwanda where she couldn't sleep for nearly 2 years. I can only image the thousands of conflicting feelings that she possessed towards her fellow citizens, her family, and her country. Recently she was able to speak to her father's killer who later told her the location of his body. Her father's body was found and will be buried in August.

When the driver finally arrived, we went to Elsie's store were we bought some handmade items. We stopped by bourbon coffee for lunch and drove two hours to Musanze. The drive was gorgeous as we were driving into the mountains and it gave everyone a chance to sleep, and think about our trip so far. After getting to the city we drove around quite a bit and then went to the cultural village- it was extremely entertaining (pictures will never do it justice). Brett and Gretchen were so sweet to be our queen and king- they fit the part well. After the cultural village, we went to the volcana lounge where we had pizza with another group from Saudi Arabia. It was fun to get to talk to them and hear about their trip- they leave Friday. I wish I could talk in immense detail about everything that we did today but I didn't want to make this longer than it already is. I do want to say thank you to all of our parents- this is an amazing experience that I, and hopefully everyone, will never forget. I cannot help but see God in everything here.

-Lesley

2011-07-07T09:06:00.001-07:00

Day 1 From Millie's Perspective:

The plane ride was…long, yet i walked around and made some new foreign friends! Bourbon coffee looked just like a coffee shop you would see in America, and I had a super yummy smoothieJ Exchanging money made you feel rich cause of the HUGE stack of money you would walk out with and also how many thousands they gave you, much different than America. The Genocide Memorial was a culture shock, not even 20 years ago the murder that happened here is astonishing especially when you see so many friendly people, some pictures you would see of a dead body hanging out of a car or seeing a dead body of a toddler was not something I expected on my first day in the Country but the most surprising was seeing hundreds of real human skulls and femur bones and wrist bones just lined up. It was almost too much. Karibu restraint was intresting. With almost no food and 10 of us trying to eat yet the good attitude of the group was so refreshing! And last of all Elsie's home was stunning, nothing like I was expecting Africa too look like inside the gate, 3 story home with a winding stair case, I was surprised also to have my own bathroom and room! Outside the gate was the poverty I was expecting though. While we waited for our bus to leave that next day everyone was shocked to see all the "mzungu"(translation:white people) as the yell it every where we go! Haha well that's all for now!

-Millie

2011-07-06T14:04:00.001-07:00

Rwanda!

Hi from Musanze, Rwanda! We have had a great few days! It is 11 pm and I snuck away to a hotel to find some internet! Yesterday, we visited the Genocide Memorial immediatley after our flight. I am going to have one of the kids post about it, but to sum it up... WOW! The students were blown away. They learned and saw so much, I think they are still asking questions and processing. After the memorial, we gathered in the gardens and talked about what we had seen. It was great to talk about it and awesome to hear what they thought. Then we left for dinner at a local African style buffett restaurant, then home to sleep. Everyone slept pretty well, especially after a hot shower. Today we got up really early, and waited (Africa time) for our driver to show up. When he arrived, we went to a local business who employees women and children who were orphaned or widowed by the genocide. They sell handmade craft products, which everyone was crazy for. We all have something great to remember the trip and the proceeds go to a great organization. Then we had the opportunity to deliver some very important adoption documents for a US friend. It was great to come out of his office and see all the students playing soccer in the road with a hundred kids. SO FUN! They are jumping right into African culture and life. We followed that up with a 2 hour bus ride through the mountains and volcanoes and patchwork fields of crops. This is when we truly saw it was a land of a thousand hills, blue and misty. We arrived in Musanze, dropped off our luggage at our home went straight to the cultural village, which is INCREDIBLE! We learned about the ancient kings, their homes, medicine men, wheat grinding, arrow shooting, drumming and dancing. We all laughed a LOT! Next we went to Volcana Lounge, the local pizza place. We met up with the group of 20 students from Saudi Arabia and had a fantastic time talking to them, even when the electricity went out and we ate pizza by candlelight! We shared all of our adventures here thus far and we made a lot of new friends, from ALL over the world! Now we are settled into our home, ready for a great day tomorrow, our first day at the preschool! We are all so excited! I have tons of photos but they aren't loading, I'll try again tomorrow. Sorry. And goodnight from beautiful Rwanda!

Rwanda group

2011-07-06T13:14:00.001-07:00

We have had a fabulous first day in Rwanda. We don't have internet yet
but hope to blog details very soon!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!!!!!

2011-07-05T12:51:00.000-07:00

I don't know about you, but I think the neatest way to start a camp term is with fireworks. So, we worked it out with America to start this term right....and with said fireworks. So.......last night was so incredible....food and fireworks everywhere!!!!! There was even a new red one that exploded in a star shape. To add perfect to such a great night was the joy of the campers. They are so much fun and full of outrageous energy. After the 4th party, we all came back for TRON! It was a long, crazy fun night, but sooooo much fun!

2011-07-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

We are boarding!! And we are EXCITED!!!! Rwanda, here we come!

2011-07-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Today was so fun! Our flight leaves tomorrow, so we spent today sightseeing inWashington DC. I don't think there is a cooler place to be for the 4th of July weekend. There is so much going on here. We started off the day at the Holocaust Museum, which was perfect because they have a huge exhibit on genocide. In about 24 hours, we will be touring the Rwandan genocide memorial, so we already have our minds and hearts open to the Rwandan people and the horrible events of 1994, from which they have come SO far! We will be able to witness first hand, the indescribable forgiveness and reconciliation going on still today! Anyways, after the Holocaust Museum, we split into a couple different groups because everyone wanted to see something different. We had people at the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial, Washington Monument, the White House, the Natural History Museum, the National Modern Art Museum, etc. etc. It was so fun to meet up for dinner and share where we had been during the day. During dinner at a great TexMex restaurant, we noticed that it had started raining really hard. The rain totally disrupted our plans to attend the huge4th of July concert dress rehearsal. Everyone was bummed, but we made the best of it, and had a great, talkative, and long bus ride back to the hotel to get ready for tomorrow! There are fireworks going off all over DC and we can see them outside our hotel!

Party Time

2011-07-03T10:35:00.000-07:00

Before term three starts, I want to show you some pictures of the parties from last term. The summit cabin of girls did a great job of dressing the part for each party. From fabulous neon to an older more mature look, these girls knew how to look good.

As always, everyone had a great time two-stepping at the barn dance.

It's fun to look back on how much fun we had together last term because it makes me excited for all that is ahead...Term Three starts today! Yesterday, we sent the campers from last term home. Goodbyes were tough, but we are looking forward to all the campers that are coming in just a few hours. My sister will be one out of the group, and I am so excited to see her.
WELCOME TO CAMP, TERM III! Get ready for the best two weeks of your life!!!

The Kivu Grid

2011-07-03T09:50:00.000-07:00

Term 3 begins today and believe me, the campers have no idea how amazing the next two weeks are going to be. As they step into the world of Camp KIVU they will have a blast, learn so much, make new best friends, reunite with old friends, grow in their knowledge of the Lord. They step into that world today, but tomorrow they step into the world of The Grid.

2011-07-02T19:29:00.000-07:00

Rwanda bound T- 1.5 days!! We just picked up our last student from the airport. Everyone made it to D.C. safely and with few delays. We are now all hanging out in our hotel learning names and getting to know each other before we embark on this incredible adventure to Rwanda! Depending on our internet availability, I plan to have one of our group members blog everyday we are in Rwanda so we can be sharing with you all where we are and what we are doing and learning! You will learn more details soon, but to sum it up quickly, we will be staying in Musanze Rwanda and will be working with a preschool called PREFER, volunteering in the community and seeing the area, including Lake Kivu (where our camp got it's name)! This is my 3rd trip to the area and I can't wait to share it with our group! Here are a few of my favorite little friends from the school we will be working at!
-Lesley

Let the KIVU CREW TO RWANDA Begin...

2011-07-01T13:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a dream of mine to train up, and send out. Summer camp has always wrestled with the idea of the 'summer camp high' most students experience and then allow to fade away during the year. I've been brainstorming for the last 10 years how we can solve the problem.

This weekend is our first shot.

For the next weeks, KIVU is sponsoring kids to travel around the globe. We hope they've soaked up all the worldview training possible, so they can go be the hands and feet of the gospel to other people.

We're not interested in the amount of salvations and baptisms that might result from this trip. We know God is at work in the heart of Rwanda already. Our mission is to simply go and serve.

We're not looking to make something that doesn't need to be made.
We're not looking to paint a building that doesn't need to be painted.
We're not offering the "American" style God in place of the ministry already happening.
We're simply going to show the Love of Christ to people in a far away land.

Much has been said of the effectiveness of short term mission work, and I've often debated the value more for the participants than it is for those we go and serve.

I've been taking teenagers around the world for the last decade, and I've seen kids grow in their relationship with God LEAPS AND BOUNDS because they were put in a position where all they had was to reach out and help someone. They didn't know the language. They didn't know the politics. They didn't know the community strife. But they knew how to play, they knew how to work, and they knew how to help.

I can't wait to read the updates from the first KIVU SUMMER MISSION heading out this weekend. We appreciate your prayers, and your continued love for what is going on out here as we try to Train Global Leaders in the Context of His Creation.

K-CO Challenge Insanity!!!!

2011-07-01T09:35:00.000-07:00

A little late but worth the wait! The challenge was so much fun to be a part of....and everyone loved the adventure of everything! But, I'm not going to go into details because it's going to be a surprise for EVERY term. And it's going to change EVERY term...so those of you getting all your ideas are gonna be surprised whether you plan or not!!!!

Can't wait for the next challenge day with more INSANITY to come!!

Get On Your Bike This Summer!

2011-06-30T15:30:00.000-07:00

Taking a Journey

2011-06-29T20:09:00.001-07:00

Ever looked down the long river corridor and wondered, "Where is this going to take me?"

The kids here at KIVU get a chance to do that everyday.
Everyday brings a new adventure.
Everyday they get a chance to do something they've never done.
Everyday is more beautiful than the last.
Everyday they get a chance to write another story.

Just another day at KIVU....BEAUTIFUL

There's Just Something Different

2011-06-27T07:44:00.001-07:00

There's just something different about waking up in the wilderness.
Maybe it's the quiet?
Maybe it's the fact there's no way technology can interfere?
Maybe it's the thought, 'I just slept in a tent and didn't encounter a bear?'
Or maybe it's the fact we were created to enjoy.

We were created to enjoy each other.
We were created to feel the rhythm of nature.
We were made to experience God's creation.

I was thinking the other day about the men of the Bible who went to the wilderness, and it seems to me; every BIG event in the Word was preceded by someone who spent time in the wilderness. Moses, Abraham, Paul, Jesus, and the list goes on and on. Is it coincidence? Or is there something we can learn?

I was reading Aesop the other day and found another story that tells of nature's ability to rest a man's soul. It's the Story of the Traveler and the Plane Tree. “Two Travelers, worn out by the heat of the summer’s sun, laid themselves down at noon under the widespreading branches of a Plane-Tree. As they rested under its shade, one of the Travelers said to the other, ‘What a singularly useless tree is the Plane! It bears no fruit, and is not of the least service to man.’ The Plane-Tree, interrupting him, said, ‘You ungrateful fellows! Do you, while receiving benefits from me and resting under my shade, dare to describe me as useless, and unprofitable’?”

I wonder if sometimes we see nature as something of a useless activity, when actually it gives us a sense of God's bigness, a sense of our community with each other, and prepare us for something God might want to show us.

The KIVU experience is one to help teenagers escape everyday life. It slows them down. It gives them the tools to see the benefits all around them, rather than simply taking them for granted. It helps them understand production versus living. It helps put nature into perspective.

Just like Aesop's tale gives us a view of paradigm, just because the tree didn't produce fruit doesn't mean it was useless. The traveler just had to see it a different way.

I wonder if we can't recognize God's movement in our lives it's because we haven't taken the time to see Him a part from business.

We're having a BLAST out here at KIVU! Wish you were here.

A Great Day of Pursuits

2011-06-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the group of senior camp kids who went to the rock had a great time scaling the mountainside and enjoying the beauty of the day.

I spent the entire day at the lake. :)
We soaked up the sun on the boat, and several campers learned how to wake surf and wake board. Daphne (our summer storm who usually visits each day) didn't stop by, so we were blessed with a gorgeous afternoon. The cold water was refreshing on such a hot day.

From biking to climbing we are having fun playing out here in Colorado!

When you hit the hole...

2011-06-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

So, when I'm not teaching about the value of the Christian Worldview to teenagers, I get a chance to guide students down the Animas River here in Durango. I've accumulated over 2300 river hours over the last 18 years, so as you can imagine, this is one of my passions.

I like it because when you get 6 kids in a raft and there's no where to go but float, it's amazing what kind of conversations you get into. We talk about everything from the Creation around us, to what they like to do back home, to what they think about camp, ITS AWESOME!

This day we were gliding down the River and we snuck right up on the infamous rapid called Smelter. The locals named it Smelter for a reason. You know what smelting is right? It's the process where metal ore is extracted from it's natural state, and it's a pretty violent process. Thus the rapid...SMELTER. (I think you get the point.)

If you walk down to Santa Rita park between 2-4 in the afternoon, you can usually witness several rafting companies trying to navigate this hydraulic turmoil, and if you're lucky; you'll be privy to one of the greatest spectator sports around these parts. If a rafting guide doesn't know quite how to enter Smelter, the raft will tip over and you'll see what we like to refer to as a 'yard sale.'

A yard sale on the river is when everything in the raft starts floating helplessly down the river, as the guide tries to save the raft, gather the paddles, and oh yea; make sure everyone is safe. HA! It's quite a spectacle.

This particular day, I had the raft positioned just right.
I gave the order for everyone in the boat to start paddling.

We cruised right through the rapid and the kids started cheering.
It was awesome!
But we forgot something important...
Right after the Smelter Rapid comes another important River Feature. The locals call it 'Corner Pocket.'

Corner Pocket is one of those hydros that form in a river when the water re-forms and re-shapes. Usually its a wave, but at times it changes to become a river hole. A river hole is a feature along a rapid that sucks the boat in and keeps it in the river until you can position or paddle your way through.

So while we were cheering, the boat entered Corner Pocket, and well...This is what it looked like.

Well, we pretty much ended up engulfed in the water like you see here, and the kids just stopped. Nobody said anything for a moment, and they looked at me like "What do we do now?"

I put the guide paddle in the water, and we maneuvered out and got on with our trip, but the memory of Corner Pocket was the subject of our talking points at the end of the day.

"What did you guys feel like when we got sucked in the hole?" I asked.
"We felt helpless. We didn't know what to do." one of the kids responded.
"It was kind of scary." another retorted.

Isn't that just like life?

We get to a point of celebration because we got a good grade on a test, we scored some points in the game, or we found out our friends are really with us, and then life smacks you with something else. If you're not ready, if you're not watching out, sometimes life can suck you in and before you know it; you're wondering how you got there.

Everything we do here has a life lesson, and I believe the teenagers that experience these kinds of high adventure sports walk away with a more grounded approach to how to deal with life. They see the value of working together, facing challenges, and in the end they get a real feel of accomplishment. It's pretty awesome!!

I can't wait to get back on the river and get to know some more kids.

We're having a BLAST here at KIVU.

Wish you could join us.

When Teenagers are FREE!

2011-06-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

So much can be said for the state of the union of the Teenage Generation. Too crazy. Too contemplative. Too cool. But what would happen if you gave students the opportunity to be free?

That's exactly what we want to do here at KIVU. We want to afford kids to be free from the world, free from the thought of having to prove themselves, free from pressure, and free to enjoy life like Jesus wanted. "I have come that you might have life, and life more abundant."

A couple of nights ago we set up the camp like the GRID on the latest TRON movie. We had DJ wars, dancing, and a sporting disc tournament. It was AMAZING!

These guys decided to come out in full force, and it's crazy what happens to teenagers when they don't feel the pressure to prove. They smile. They laugh. They discover. They become human!

Not to say they aren't human, but there could be a case made that today's teenager resembles more of a production asset than someone who enjoys life. They work hard with grades, sports, relationships, college applications, scholarship stuff, not to mention all the other extra activities they are involved in.

KIVU gives kids the opportunity to be kids.

Come have fun in the Colorado mountains.
Come explore the possibilities of living life abundantly.
Come hear how God can free you from the world.
And when it's all over, hopefully; they can take those lessons back home, and live life to the fullest!!

We're having a Blast here at KIVU, wish you could join us.

Addition to the Lake

2011-06-21T17:43:00.000-07:00

Aaaaaaaannnnnd.....here it is!!!

KIVU's very own LIQUID FORCE WAKE SURF!!!!!! Get ready for some crazy rides behind the boat!

THE GRID was AWESOME!!!!

2011-06-21T08:11:00.000-07:00

Last night we kicked of this term with a really high energy black light party based on the Disney movie Tron.

These campers are full of energy and the techno music kept them going for a full hour of crazy fun dancing. Everyone slept well last night for sure.

This term is starting really well! Thanks parents for sending such great kids!

KIVU Friends

2011-06-21T08:04:00.001-07:00

It was all GRID party all night last night.

I was looking through some pictures and found this. These are some of KIVU's longest running friends. They show up every year, and they're from right down the road (most of them.)

How cool is it to know there are people you can count on every year to come back and celebrate life together. They'll be experiencing new adventures while they rekindle old relationships.

The world spins the right direction when friends dwell together. I've heard that somewhere before...

TERM TWO: Opening Day Fun!

2011-06-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

Today was round two for new campers arriving at KIVU...and I think by the look of the pictures, the excitement and anticipation is evident!!

There were so many campers arriving all at once that we used a BUS to get them all here! It was so thrilling just seeing them pour out with smiles the size of the Colorado mountains on their faces! This term is already proving to be a fun group!

Tomorrow we are kicking off the week with a "play day" rotation where the campers get to know everyone and the ways of camp and just relax! It's the best after a long day of traveling or sitting in an airport in anticipation of getting to camp. So, I think it's safe to say, Term Two is getting off to a great start!

Backpacking at KIVU!

2011-06-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

Mt. Bike VIDEO KIVU Style

2011-06-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

So, this is what happens when we take KIVU kids mountain biking. Let me know what you think is the funniest part!! This is AWESOME!

Another Day on the River

2011-06-16T08:01:00.000-07:00

Yep, this is happening!

Come join us at Camp KIVU this summer. www.campkivu.com and register for our one week or two week sessions.

Great day on the Rock!

2011-06-15T21:51:00.000-07:00

It was a great day on the rock climbing trip today! With this view as a backdrop and great staff like Preston, Tucker, and Kelsi to hang out with...a day at Kivu doesn't get much better!!!

Here are some faces of the men who came and conquered not only the rock, but did it in style as well!

Josh

Hays

Aaron

Carter

Mitchell & Marcus

Shaffer

The Men

You may notice some dirt on a few faces...I was informed it was 'war paint' so if a bear happened to come along they wouldn't be seen. We didn't see any bears...don't know if it works or not. =)

The Men with all their Muscles

Kelsi W. and I had a great time getting to hang out with these fellas...thanks for a great day!

Keep conquering fears and taking on challenges one rock wall at a time!

Hot where you are? Check out this Backpack trip.

2011-06-15T20:22:00.000-07:00

With record temperatures all over the US, you won't want to miss the KIVU backpack trip to the wilderness. CHECK THIS OUT!

PARTY PARTY PARTY

2011-06-15T20:14:00.001-07:00

Every summer we hire programs guys to come and fill the night activities with fun! We raft, bike, hike, and climb during the day, but when the sun goes down, it's all out party time!

You may wonder, why? Other than the obvious, we like to have a good time, why would you spend so much time and energy to put together theme parties. After all, it is a LOT of work.

But I think it's important.

It's important to teach teenagers how to have a good time without all the alcohol, drugs, and sketchy stuff going on at high school.
It's important to teach students that Christians can have fun.
It's vital we model a place where kids can be kids, full of imagination, and full of life.

The other night we did our GRID party. The story line...two DJ's from the future square off to a battle of the Mix. They go head to head in a futuristic world to see who can play the most danceable tunes.

So the kids fill the gym and the music blares. The black lights are in full effect, and they are privy to a TRON-like battle of the bands.

You should have seen their faces when these guys walked out all lit up.

One of the kids told me today, "THAT was the coolest party I've ever been to."

See...it works.

We show them they can have fun, and it frees them up to fill their imaginations as to how they can duplicate fun back in their home towns.

I can't wait to show you pictures of the next extravaganza. Come on back to KIVU today, and we'll show you how to throw a hoe down like no one else.

Just Another Day in Paradise

2011-06-15T09:30:00.001-07:00

We've got a saying here in Durango. When someone you know approaches you and says, "How's it going," the answer is inevitably, "Just another day in Paradise!"

We started yesterday with a little treetops action as we put the kids 60 feet in the air to experience the high life at KIVU.

Then we took a little tube trip down the river for a relaxing break. There's nothing like tubing the Los Pinos with new friends.

And Paradise wouldn't be complete without a couple of friends to share it with. All smiles. All around.

Every day at KIVU is another day in PARADISE!! Last night we had our GRID party, and the kids were having a BLAST! We started in the Lantz and introduced them to two rival DJ's. They went up to the gym for a little 'disc war' TRON style, and then danced the night away.

Keep checking back, as we'll be uploading different pictures and videos here at KIVU TODAY!

When the Stage is Set

2011-06-14T06:10:00.001-07:00

Worship is a key component to the night as we enter into our program called 2Deep. This year we've got a host of incredible talent to form one of them most cutting edge sounds KIVU has ever heard.

There's something special about listening to hundreds of people worship the Lord together, most of whom are teenagers.

There is plenty of fun going on out here in Durango, but we're excited as God continues to move in the hearts and minds of the students here.

Term One Opening Day Awesomeness!

2011-06-12T20:22:00.000-07:00

We are so PUMPED that camp has begun for the KIVU 2011 Summer! Today we greeted our first term of campers and went straight to the freezing cold river for crazy wild, super exciting tubing fun! WHOOOOOO!!!

Campers and counselors loving KIVU!

These girls braved the ice cold river for a wild ride!

Boys conquering the river!

Boys living it up their first day at camp!

For more pictures of all the excitement and adventures going on here at camp, visit our website for daily postings! Go to Parents Place at campkivu.com to see more updates of the week's activities!!

- Allison, Sarah, and Katlyn

Staff Photos

2011-06-12T13:17:00.000-07:00

Meet our 2011 Camp Kivu Staff!

These are the guys you'll love all summer...our multi-media crew!

Fun with the Neighbors

2011-06-12T09:50:00.001-07:00

The other night we had our annual Neighborhood Picnic for the folks who live close to KIVU. It was an unbelievable time of fellowship. We love being part of a community of people who understand what we're doing down here, and with all their love and support, it's just amazing!

Every year after our neighbors come, we throw an Old Fashioned Barn Dance in a real live barn built in the 1800's. The staff have a great time dancing, and just unwinding after a long week full of work.

As I sat back and took the social, physical, and spiritual temperature of our staff, I am more convinced than ever; 2011 is going to be the BEST SUMMER @CampKIVU yet! If you're looking for a couple of weeks to come to Colorado this summer, don't hesitate to click over to http://www.campkivu.com, and register for this summer! Can't wait to see you soon.

Come Ride The River at KIVU

2011-06-10T15:19:00.001-07:00

Happy Girls

2011-06-04T06:07:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of fun pictures from last night! Our girls' staff is so much fun this summer!

"The mountains are calling, and I must go."

2011-06-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

This quote by John Muir is the most fitting summary of what the Kivu gang has been up to. Here's a photo-chronicle of the past week or so:

Once our high school group headed home to Arizona, we welcomed some old Kivu vets back for our traditional Alumni Weekend. We always head to Silverton to catch the finish of the Iron Horse Classic (which our very own Tamara dominated) and enjoy some incredible views of the Lord's handiwork.

By Sunday we were pretty experienced "cheerers", and we had the chance to put our new skills to use in a few more races. Peter ran in the Narrow Gauge 10 mile run, and one of our vets rode in the mountain bike race through town. Both did outstanding!

Nothing like a little Bieber music to get Peter smiling around mile 7.

Monday marked the end of Alumni Weekend, so about 16 of us headed into the backcountry for a 3-day trip in the Weminuche Wilderness. Soaking up God's creation is a great way to bond as a staff, and the pictures are only a small glimpse of the beauty seen and the memories made.

The girls on day 1.

Seth enjoying the view at our day 2 lunch spot.

When camp is closed, the kitchen staff heads out to play in the mountains.

Sunset on day 2.

Drying socks over the warm fire after snowshoeing all day.

Cheers!

The rest of staff arrived yesterday, and the excitement around camp is palpable. We've had a great time thus far, but the best is yet to come....campers! You've seen the beauty, so hurry up and get here. The mountains are calling.

In Him,

Emily

14 DAYS!

2011-05-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

I cannot put my excitement into words! 14 days until first term finally begins!! I feel like we have been waiting forever for those buses, cars, and planes to arrive in Durango this summer! So many previous campers faces won't leave my mind, I can't wait to see you again!! And I am thrilled to see the new faces the Lord blesses us with this year! We have been praying for all of you!! This summer is going to be amazing..I can see the Lord's plans are already unfolding here! We are truly blessed with this place and I am beyond thankful to be apart of it. My heart is overwhelmed with joy! 14 days!!!!

Kym Dalton

Summer Missions: Rwanda

2011-05-24T17:54:00.000-07:00

We have a couple more spots left on the summer mission trip to Rwanda if you want to sign up!!! Just email lesley@campkivu.com and we can get you on the trip of a life time! Lesley spent six weeks in Rwanda this spring with the Gap Year preparing for this amazing week in July! Your teenager doesn't want to miss this trip!

-Jamie Jo

The Kids Are Coming!

2011-05-23T07:50:00.000-07:00

So, our first group arrives in just a few minutes! They are a Senior Class from Valley Christian High School in Scottsdale, Arizona. We are going to host them for their Senior trip and we are so excited! They will raft and zipline and mountain bike and do all kinds of other activities. They will also have a barn dance and a huge bonfire! We're ready to have some fun! Welcome, VCHS!!!

-Jamie Jo

It's Official...Here's the evidence

2011-05-19T20:49:00.000-07:00

I know some of you are having a hard time believing your eyes that I blogged today...and may be having a heart attack that I am blogging twice in one day...but there is a monumental event that took place this evening the Kivu world should know about...

THE Mr. Bob Webb is now on facebook.

That's right, he is now on that world wide web thing where they do that cyber stuff...

Intense concentration was needed for the first wall post...

this was the take two...he wanted to make sure his eyes weren't closed this time

take one...Think you blinked bob! yes, that's his own personal FB coach in the background

best tutors around...or cheering squad at least!

Where you will find Bob the rest of the summer now... =)

(working hard in the barn of course!!!)

So find Bob and send him a friend request. It might be a few days before he responds...Luke hasn't taught him about notifications yet or how to accept friend requests.

Get to know the man that has been at Kivu since the start and takes care of us all year long.

He is a man of much wisdom.

His words are few...or were til FB...who knows now?!? =)

Welcome to the cyperspace (is that what you called it tonight, bob?)!

Glad you are here...

and even more glad of your presence in real life in real time at Kivu!

Merry May to you!

2011-05-19T15:18:00.000-07:00

Guess what we got to wake up to today?!?

SNOW!!!!

Yep, that's right...it is May 19th and we got some snow...Craziness, I know! =) Earlier this week it was shorts and a t-shirt...today I had to dig out some gloves and a hat that were already packed away for the season.

It is absolutely beautiful..and amazing! Where else can I see snow falling, a tree budding, and blue birds all in the same view. So fun!

In a couple days it will be 75 degrees again...so don't worry the summer is coming quickly and we are so excited for you to be here soon!

...but I just had to share the ironic moments of watching the guys getting out the lifejackets for the lake and rafts for the river while snow was falling to the ground.

C'mon summer, we are ready for you to be here...especially since that means Kivu is full of fun and amazing people! See you soon!

a little sunshine for a while to show of the green leaves with snow

wishing you were here to join the fun today

welcome to Kivu springtime...you never know what you will get for the day! =)

daylight and sunset

2011-05-18T07:07:00.000-07:00

I'm so excited! This month I have had the opportunity to travel through and visit family/friends in 4 states, 7 cities, and then go on so many more adventures! But the best part of all this movement is at the end of my travels. CAMP! Gosh...I have been ready since August 2010 to be back in the middle of these two mountain ridges! I realize that you can never have a bad outlook on life when your view is from a standpoint like that! But camp for me is waking up to the smell of fresh dew on the grass, walking up to the office when all camp is still asleep (minus Jamie Jo and the good morning guy), listening to the soft whir of the hummingbirds, seeing the sun creep over the treetops, and then knowing that my day only gets so much better!

Camp is home to so many people, and for me it is this amazing feeling of familiar comfort. And that feeling is back with camp again for another year! I think the leadership team can all agree that in the time we have spent together, we have grown so much. We enjoyed our building time when making decisions and planning this summer's activities and parties. We prayed over campers, families, staff and all the things that God will be working on this summer at Kivu. And it was incredible the community we all felt together for camp! God's presence was all around as we planned for camp, we grew so much, and we are ready for camp! Are you?

I think John Wayne said it best in The Cowboys: "We're burning daylight!" So get ready because this summer is going to change your life!!

-Katlyn

Parent Information is ONLINE NOW!!

2011-05-01T15:22:00.001-07:00

PARENTS:

We are so excited to have you guys out at KIVU this summer. We know, as summer gets closer, you're going to want to know what to pack, how to get here, the closest airport, what parties to plan for, and much much more.

No worries.

This year's packing guide is right here and downloadable to your computer right now. Just click on the image to the left, and a PDF should immediately begin downloading.

Happy Reading, and we can't wait to see you this summer!

How Sweet it is to be Loved by You

2011-04-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

This morning I was marveling of what an incredible life we have the opportunity to live. The creator of the entire universe desire an intimate relationship with us. He desires and longs for us to be content in his grace and mercy. His love is unconditional and never ending. He is the only constant thing on this Earth that will never change.

Two weekends ago when I was in Durango for the leadership weekend, I was in awe of the fact that Colorado still had so much snow! On the last night of our fun filled weekend, we went snowshoeing up a mountain to where we normally take the staff pictures every summer. It was so interesting to see the exact same setting, except one month earlier, covered in 5 feet of snow! Jessie and I were talking about how beautiful the snow is and she said something that has stuck with me. Snow is not needed, at all! If the Lord wanted to water the earth, He would make it rain. The Lord sends snow simply for beauty, so that we might stand in awe of his perfect creation. Even though that is such a simple thing to think about, in baffles me that God would give us the perfection of snow, just to make our world more beautiful and to remind us of His cleansing grace (Pslam 51:7) and beauty.

You are probably wondering why I am ranting about snow instead of talking about this incredible summer coming up. Once the snow melts, it surfaces a new kind of beauty, nature full of life, color and excitement. For the Lord is always good, and that will never change! This summer will be one full of life and excitement. We can not wait to see old friends, make new ones, and live in community together, sharing our hearts, and connecting with the life God has in store for us. We can't wait for you all to join us this summer and stand in awe of the creator whose love for us is eternal!

See you in only a few short weeks!!

Caroline Pierce

One Week Closer

2011-04-28T00:47:00.000-07:00

I’ve had the summer countdown going on my computer for quite some time now. It’s funny how the number can seem so daunting, but little by little it ticks away until suddenly what you’ve been waiting for is right around the corner. Well, what I’ve been waiting for is getting back to Kivu, and I’m overjoyed to see that it’s so close. Bear with me as I try to explain why.

For me, Kivu means community. Sure, we have awesome trips, great programs, and fantastic food (shameless plug for the kitchen), but that all falls flat unless it’s bound with love for one another. Colossians 3:14- “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” This is why I look forward to camp each summer: because I know that I will be refreshed as I live life alongside people who are excited to wake up and see what God’s going to do each day.

The leadership team was fortunate enough to get a little taste of the camp community two weekends ago when we gathered in Durango to start scheming for the summer. Even in just three short days I was reminded of what sets Kivu apart: the phenomenal staff, the breathtaking scenery, the insanely fun parties and activities, but most of all a desire to love on every single camper that walks through our gates as a reflection of the love bestowed on us by Christ. This is at the heart of everything we do, and I can’t wait to get started doing it.

So, if you’re a parent whose son/daughter is already signed up for camp, know that we are actively praying for him/her and are counting down to opening day! If you’re a parent who hasn’t signed up your son/daughter, what are you waiting for? Their summer-of-a-lifetime is just a few weeks away. Finally, if you’re a camper, you need to start getting crazy excited right now…and start brushing up on your dance moves.

The girls' leadership on our late-night snowshoeing adventure.

Counting down with you,

Emily