Our four day youth camp experience is almost over - only the afternoon/evening activities are left. The days (and nights) have gone by quickly. We have met wonderful youth and their leaders; it has been wonderful to associate with all of them.
Three groups were formed for the afternoon. The first group went to the zip line area; the second group to a grassy spot under the zip line to catch balls dropped by those on the zip line; and the high wire ropes course. 
Everyone had the opportunity to participate in all the three events if they wanted to - and I think most of them did. Several leaders rode the zip line, but I don't think I saw any on the high wire.
Everyone knows what a zip line is. This one starts high up on a Paraná Pine tree. I have mentioned these trees before as they are protected - it is illegal to cut one down for any reason. They grow tall and straight with foliage only on the top - perfect for both the zip and high wire activity. This zip line added the task of dropping a ball into a net below - looked like it would be easy, but very few balls were caught. The 'catchers' had to react very quickly to adjust to where the ball was dropped and calculate where it would land. They didn't seem to understand the momentum and gravity laws in force. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Araucaria_angustifolia
The high wire activity was a lot more challenging and required team work. Each person was put into a harness and climbed up steps on the tree to a landing. Once on the landing, they would transfer to a series of round discs controlled by ropes being held on the ground by other members of the team. The first few had a more difficult time in maneuvering as they had to figure out the best way to accomplish the task. Those that followed had examples of what to do and what not to do. It still took a leap of faith to move from a stationary position to a moving target being controlled by others. 
Several hours passed quickly as everyone had a great time. The last of the zip liners straggled in at dusk Those who completed all the events were found playing soccer - after they had taken down their tents and organized their belongings. Food 'magically' appeared in the lodge again provided by Rafael's mother in law - enough for an army (cakes, breads, meat pockets, and juice). Fresh fruit was still available so no one could complain about going home hungry.
A sense of things coming to an end was in the air as everyone was called back out to the soccer field for one last gathering. Pres. Nunez talked to the youth and then turned the time to them for testimonies. As 7:30 p.m. approached (time the parents were to start picking them up), Pres. Nunez stood to end the meeting; he was interrupted by someone who wanted to bear their testimony; and then another, and then another.
About 8:30 p.m. a young man approached Pres. Nunez with a paper that he had been writing on. It was the script to a rap he had composed and wanted to share with the camp staff (and everyone else). He had a couple of background rhythm helpers and summarized the events of the camp and expressed thanks to everyone who made the camp successful - especially João (pronounced John) and his crew.Everyone enjoyed the 'music' and the laughter and ended the evening with lots of hugs and tears.
Farewell to everyone until we meet again!
Except for the few of us who stayed late to gather up all the forgotten items from the lodge and campground, to put things back in order, to pack our own things. Pres. Anderson, Camila, Merl, and I were the last to leave, closing the door behind and taking the last photo from the camp ( a cute little beetle with bioluminescent eyes - about one inch long).News from Ann for the day:
Tues., Feb. 17--I am trying to memorize this years new Primary song in Portuguese "I Know That My Savior Loves Me". Left for the church at 3:00 so I could do some piano practicing for myself. Later I taught William, Paulo Benito, Victoria and Maria Vitoria. Left the church at 7:00 to come home. Went to bed at 9:30. Kathlyn and Merl not home yet. I think they are having too much fun!
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