June 1 - June 6, 2008 I answered the call to help introduce a special group of boys and girls in Buffalo Mountain's Kayak Camp to whitewater kayaking. The camp theme for the summer was a direct quote from John 7:38, "If you believe in me, streams of living water will flow from within you" and kayak camp provided many wonderful opportunities for discovery, investigation, and discussion of the "Living Water" (Holy Spirit). Our experiences on the river mirrored the Bible studies done back in camp and everyone grew closer to the Lord and to each other as we noted how God's love for us was revealed at every turn.
Some of our time was spent fitting kayaks to campers and developing some familiarity with the Jackson Kayaks on and around the camp's pond but most of our time was devoted to paddling in moving water on the Nolichucky River which flows nearby. The Nolichucky, like most southeastern rivers, showed the effects of our lengthy drought. Since several of the kids were not comfortable with either their wet exits or rolls, and since the water was relatively low, we aired up an inflatable raft, placing it in duty alongside the kayaks, providing a change of pace and a moving playground as we made our way downstream.
Here I am in the big green Jackson Super Hero which I paddled all week long at Kayak Camp.
Jess Christian, shown here making good eye contact as she helps a paddler learn to roll, has directed Buffalo Mountain Camp's whitewater paddling program for a number of years and her love for the Lord, love for the sport, and love for the kids shows in everything she does. It is always a pleasure working and/or paddling with her.
