One of my favorite outings at the Fish was when my son, Zack was about 5 or 6 years old. We were at one of our first Dad’s Lad’s and Gal’s at Rockfish Camp & Retreat Center. The weather was rainy and just downright messy.

We were tent camping by the yurts with several others of our friends. We had on our ponchos and hiked every path we could find. Along those paths we looked at the wild plants, splashed in creeks and mud puddles, and just “gettin real dirty!” Nothing like a whole bunch of dirty wet and happy kids!

After dinner, it was windy and still raining as this storm wouldn’t go away. So we built a fire under a tarp and made some awesome s’mores and started conversations on just about anything 5-6 year olds wanted to discuss. Conversations ranged from power rangers, Barney, passing gas (lots of this and laughter, too) and fishing.

Bedtime came early as the wind was howling and heavy rain kept its driving pace. Zack and I curled up and just listened to the rain pounding on the tent. The wind was trying its best to get us uncovered. The thunder and lightning was as loud and bright as the Fourth of July! Zack and I used our flashlights and made shadow images on the walls of the tent. He got pretty creative as I recall. You know, what might have looked like a terrible weekend with wind, rain, thunder and lightning turned out to be one of my best weekends ever. I watched Zack endure a frightening storm, show courage and concern for others, and adjust to a tough situation. God certainly blessed us then and continues to do so through Camp Rockfish and all the experiences there waiting to be had.

Glen Barnes
Rockfish Local Committee

Dads and Lads, 2008 will be held at Rockfish on the weekend of May 9-11th. The weekend will provide lots of opportunity to spend time together hiking, fishing, swimming and enjoying evening campfires. Qualified and enthusiastic staff will be on-site to supervise and assist in the activities. Guests will stay in cabins, tree houses, yurts or they can bring their own tents as Glen and Zack Barnes did! For more information, call 866-762-3474.