Vision Weekend: Bigger, Badder, with a Big Ole Teddy Bear Heart

Vision Weekend is back for it’s third appearance. But, this year it’s been to the doctor to have some work done. Not just any doctor, a doctor in Malibu who has made it look different; it got tucks, lifts, peels and some sort of laser treatment. Vision Weekend is barely recognizable. But, on the inside, I assure you, that it is almost the same weekend that we have grown to love over the past years, kind of.

So, you probably ask, “What’s up with Vision Weekend, why the trip to Weekend Malibu?” Well, I shall explain. For starts, the weekend will not be at the church, it has moved to the woods. Yes, the woods. No more warm cozy tile floor, this year it’s a sleeping bag in a tent for you. No more Amanda and JoAnn cooking eggs in the fellowship hall, this year it is one of the older “yous” (with the proper adult safety patrol watching closely, from a distance) cooking eggs or something closely resembling eggs over a campfire. Think a mixture of survivor and boot camp, with a soft teddy bear heart, and you might come close to understanding the new Vision Weekend.

Now you probably ask yourself, “What, why?” I know that does not look proper when you see it written down, but I am going on my many years of experience here, that is exactly what you would say if I told you all that in person. The purpose of all this campfire eggs and tents and woods and outdoor latrines (yes, outdoor latrines, if you don’t know what that word means - google it, it’s a fun one) is to teach. In an admittedly and somewhat novel way, we wish to teach fundamental elements of leadership, teamwork, endurance, and sacrifice with the proper spiritual emphasis tying it all together.

Admittedly this exercise will be different than what you might expect. Outdoors, tents, working to get your campsite setup, carrying in your water and just plain roughing it is not for everyone. Oh, and so far I have failed to mention, no showers. As such, this event is for current members of the Parkway Baptist Student Ministry Youth, 6th grade to 12th grade. Not for college. Not for guests, while we love to see guest at Parkway this trip is not the ideal environment to be introduced to our ministry. Some folks may not wish to attempt this, which is fine. While I would love to have everyone present, if you are not up to the work and discomfort this experience will require it may be best for you to wait. If it works it is quite likely we will do it again. If it doesn’t work you are lucky, you did not have to be the guinea pig.

This will be a different kind of experience. I believe that you will have a very good time. I also know that it will not be easy. But know this, you will come out of the woods with a better understanding of leading, following, working as a team, and claiming victory. You may also learn a little about failure, endurance, and sacrifice. Either way, my plan is that you will learn, grow, and be more than you were.

When: January 3 – 6, 2008
Where: Some woods in Jefferson county. *
Cost: $10.00
Sign up by and pay Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Everyone must complete and have this form notarized.

* Parents email or call me for details such location specifics and chaperone roster. Also, let me know if you have concerns not addressed in this article. There are some details, which have been intentionally left out.