How Sweet it is to be Loved by You

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

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

Looking Forward to a Summer in Colorado...

"I lift up my eyes to the hills - where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2

When camp ended last summer, I thought I was leaving Kivu for the final time. Only the Lord knew I would be back, and I am so excited about what this summer will hold! Here are some things I always enjoy at camp: fellowship with old friends, experiencing the joy of the Lord with people from all over the US, waking up to the view from the girl's field, the institute and worship, delicious meals in the warming hut, girls' night and other fun parties, playing games and singing songs on trips (especially backpacking), ultimate frisbee day, and playing outside in the beauty of God's creation (one of my favorite views from last summer is shown in the picture above).

Last weekend, the leadership staff met and cast a vision for this summer. Get excited everyone because this summer's going to be awesome! Before I drive out to camp in May, I will be planning for Bible studies, parties, and other fun things that will go down in almost one month. Can you believe how soon that is!?! I'll keep you guys posted on everything as it starts coming together more. I am looking forward to seeing what the Lord will do at Kivu this summer, and I am PUMPED to take part in it!! Get excited for a great time in Colorado. :)

Great Adventure

I believe Stephen Curtis Chapman said it best, years ago, when he suggested that everyone should "saddle up your horses" because this summer at Camp Kivu "we have a trail to blaze" and it's going to be a blast. As you can see, I have already started my "Great Adventure". Though it's been pretty cold, every second has been worth it. As I fight, climb, and trudge my way over mountains and through snow I know that camp is just over the horizon. So bring me that horizon, and the memories with it. I Praise God for the opportunity to communicate the joy of the Lord this summer. Have a fantastic Spring season and hopefully the snow will have melted off of my beard by then. If you haven't yet started your "Great Adventure" toward Kivu, then hopefully this video will inspire you. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVFPjIp6nkk

Great weekend!

Kivu Leadership weekend was an AWESOME time of planning, praying and fellowship. This is going to be the best summer yet! I cant wait for it to get here.

Camp always brings back so many wonderful memories when I walk through it and this will be the 9th summer in a row I will be doing that. CRAZY! There is just somehing about that place that draws people back year after year.

At the tail end of the weekend Peter Cunningham (programs director) and myself did a little fly-fishing while the water was still nice and slow. This is one of the big boys we cought. I LOVE THAT RIVER!!!

Anyway, can not wait for the summer to start! The fish are ready to be cought!

Adam Martin
Kivu trip Director

2011 Leadership Weekend

This weekend our leadership staff came to Durango and we had a BLAST planning to make KIVU Summer 2011 the best ever! Right now, as I am typing, they are planning the parties and they are all going to be super fun!

To the right side of the blog are pictures of our new leadership staff. I will be introducing them throughout the spring. They are a fantastic group of people and they are going to be a blessing to the campers and staff this summer!

Our girls' leadership staff.

For those of you who don't know. . .our own Adam Martin is GETTING MARRIED at the end of August!

The guys' team (missing Luke because he is still in the Philippines with the Gap Year).

Stay tuned to KivuToday as we bring you "things to come" for Summer 2011. This will be a great place for you to get information and inside details that you won't be able to get any other place! The countdown is on!!!

It all begins tonight!!

It all begins tonight. The 2011 summer KIVU season is in full swing!! Tonight, the leadership team, both the guys and the girls, are coming into Durango to put the finishing touches on the summer. We're going to be talking, programs, job descriptions, overall feel of the camp, and where we want to go into the future.

If you get a chance, we'd love for prayer this weekend.
Prayers that God would lead and guide us.
Prayers for Wisdom.
Prayers for future growth ideas, and eyes to see into the future mission.
Prayers for unity.
Prayers for cohesive team building.

Thanks so much.

I can't wait to tell you how it goes.