Gull Lake 2012

Gull Lake, Michigan

July 2012

Every year, for the past 20 some years, the Slater's have traveled to Gull Lake.  Specifically Gull Lake Ministries, Family Camp.

The camp has had MANY changes over the last 2 decades and it is much more resort-style now.  It used to be real family "camping"  - as in you stayed in non air-conditioned cabins and you had to bring linens, food,...everything except your kitchen sink.  NOW they SERVE you.  It is their mission to serve the families that come.  They want everyone to have a great time but mostly grow closer to the Lord through this process.  

Family Camp is split into 8 or so week sessions.  You pick the week you want to come.  We stay in a house right on the Lake and share it with family.  It's gorgeous.  Every week there is a mission group that is focused.  While we were there it was JAARS.  This ministry's focus is sending helicopters with missionaries and Bible translators to jungle and hard-to-reach places to present the Gospel.  There are still around 2000 tribes/villages that have yet to receive the Bible in their native language. 

SO of course we got helicopter rides with the guys from JAARS

Kellen got to ride with the pilot! 

The kids go to their own sessions in the morning while the adults go to their sessions.  The afternoon is free time! We usually spend it in the lake or zip lining. 

Cousin Bennett and Kellen getting ready for the zip line

On two of the evenings the staff takes our children and feeds and ministers to them. The adults get alone time with each other and the staff serve us some really nice dinners!

Hanging out on the boat!

I would really like that house in the background as my own!!

Getting ready for the banana boat! It's wild.

At the end of the week the kids put on a little production that they had been working on throughout the week. 

Mexican Fiesta Night!  Each night is a theme night. You don't have to dress up but it's fun too see what everyone comes up with.  This week we had Mexican Fiesta, Stars and Stripes, Night out at the Ballpark, and Ozark Mountain Games...(think redneck olympics!)

If you are looking for a great family friendly camp I would suggest this! I have learned not to expect that it will be relaxing....because it's not! :-) It's high energy! But the kids LOVE it and ask about it all year long.