CBS 3.2

It's hard to believe that we have already hit our half way mark for the summer. Last Wednesday evening I was able to start dancing again since I sprained my ankle! Swing dancing for the first time in a year brought me so much joy! We ended the week with a crazy, yet fun kids banquet. Each banquet gets crazy but I am thankful that our amazing staff always rises to the occasion. This past week has been an amazing one. As we said goodbye to our amazing week 2 campers, we welcomed an exciting weekend!!

On Saturday, July 2nd, once the campers left, our staff celebrated the 4th of July two days early with a picnic and field games. We were treated to corn on the cob, ribs, bbq chicken, potato salad, and cake! We had an Egg and spoon race, a water balloon toss, a 3 legged race, "king of the court" knockout style, and minute to win it games. We had four teams with about 12 VERY competitive people on each team which made these simple games seem just as important as the upcoming Olympics. Many people became so passionate about this simple picnic, but it made it so fun! We ended the night with a campfire, s'mores, and worship. We sang with full hearts and raspy voices from screaming our team chants earlier in the day, but not one yelp was wasted. Worshipping together was the perfect way to end such a fun day. 

On the actual Fourth of July, we had a normal morning and afternoon with our week 3 campers. The kitchen was sweet enough to rearrange the food schedule and have burgers on the beach to celebrate Independence Day. The elementary team led the kids in some fun night games and ended the day laying underneath the stars at the cross watching countless firework shows 26 miles away on the mainland. Praise the Lord the sky was clear! These people rock my world and I'm so thankful for the special memories that were made that night. 

This morning 38 staff members did the shore hike into Avalon. This short and dangerous hike is a fun tradition that is only for the staff! We helped each other over cliffs and jumped through the rocks. We left at 6AM and a few laughs and bloody knees later, we made it to town around 7:45. We are thankful that everyone made it safely and we are happy to be in town for our day off!

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for my ankle; I am feeling much better! I hiked the shore into town today with the rest of the staff, so I'm nearing my full recovery. 

If you are wondering how you can continue to pray for our staff, my biggest prayer is that we don't get comfortable where we are. My heart for the staff is to continue to jump out of our comfort zones when serving our campers. I want us to continue to go out of our way to invest in each person's life as well as keep pulling ourselves away to listen to God's voice. I want us to pursue friendships with people we have yet to seek out. I especially pray that each person won't take a single moment for granted.

Christ Alone, Cornerstone.

Weak made strong in the Savior's love.

Through the storm he is Lord, Lord of all! 

-Shel

Shelby Dreves 

Campus by the Sea

PO box 466

Avalon, CA 90704

CBS 3.1

Well, our staff has finished orientation week, Family Camp Week #1, and half of Family Camp Week #2! These last few weeks have been so incredible. It has been cool to see how God has moved in such a short period of time!

As most of you may know, my position this year looks a little different. This year I am the director of the Elementary program as well as a 5th and 6th grade teacher. I have been challenged by this new job in so many ways but the Lord has truly equipped me with the strength I've needed to succeed. The rest of the elementary staff has exceeded all expectations and I am so confident in who we are as a team. This summer I am working with Erik Anderson in the 5th and 6th grade class. Last year Erik and I worked together for a few weeks so it's been cool to pick up where we left off and  work together again this summer. I am astonished the by maturity of the 5th and 6th graders we are leading. They all have big hearts for the Lord and are genuinely curious about what it's like to live a fully-surrendered life. There's nothing more encouraging than seeing how much a 10 year old can grow spiritually in a week. 

I am so happy that I am reunited with so many of last year's summer staff! It's fun to catch up with each person and listen to how God has worked in their life this past year. Many of them just finished their first year of college, and after finishing my first year away from home, it's been really cool to share mutual struggles and joys from the past school year. I am so grateful to be part of a staff full of people who are actively pursuing a relationship with Jesus. It's so refreshing to meet a large group of people who are seeking the same things I am. Their love for God's word is so inspiring and I am so grateful for each friendship. The last two weekends we have spent our time having Bunco parties, playing in the water, practicing our line and swing dancing, and eating as many of Papa Paul's cookies as we can handle. I soak in every moment that I spend with our staff because this uninterrupted time we have on the weekends is rare. 

Some of you may have heard that I sprained my ankle at the end of Orientation week. I spent 3 days hobbling around on crutches and sitting out on some fun activities. Shoutout to my awesome sister Sydney for carrying me back from our living area (Little G's) all the way to main camp on her back. That walk is about a 6 minute walk up hills, and multiple flights of stairs and I wish I could say I was surprised that she did it, but she's a beast to say the least.   For those of you who are familiar with Campus by the Sea, you have an idea of how difficult it is to "walk" with crutches and miss out on all the fun activities. After 3 days on crutches, 5 days of limping around, I am finally back to walking normally and playing simple games. My foot is still in a little pain but I am thankful for a fast recovery! Thanks for the way you have prayed and supported me this summer! 

Prayer requests:

-Stamina for the staff

-Continued healing for my ankle

-For the kids in my class who have a hard time focusing during discussions

-For the staff to not get tired of going out of our way to serve people

All I have needed thy Hand hath provided

Great is thy Faithfulness Lord unto me. 

-Shel

Shelby Dreves

Campus by the Sea

PO Box #466

Avalon, CA
 
 

I'm Unsatisfied

I'm Unsatisfied. Lately I have been a unsatisfied person. I have been given the world this winter break yet when one thing goes wrong I get so frustrated and it keeps me from counting the blessings that are happening right under my nose. There are so many examples I could share but this one illustrates it the best: 

(#)= blessings counted

My family was able to take an incredible trip to New York this past week. Most of you may know that we used my sister's flight benefits to fly standby in order to cut down the cost of the trip (1). We arrived to New York with no travel complications and enjoyed our 4 days in the big city. It was truly an incredible trip. It was probably the last opportunity that the 5 of us would all be traveling together, alone (2). We saw the Statue of Liberty (3), the Rockefeller Christmas tree (4), we saw our ancestors' name on Ellis Island (5), we went to see Jennifer Hudson perform in The Color Purple on Broadway (6), and we spent hours getting lost on the subway TOGETHER (7). We arrived at the airport only to find out that every single Virgin America flight to Los Angeles was overbooked by at least five seats, leaving us stranded at JFK. When you fly standby you can only get on a flight that has empty seats, so we were completely out of luck. I waited in the airport for 20 hours for a flight home. That was a really long day. A happy day lasts a minute and a stressful day lasts a decade. We debated driving home (yes, from NYC to LA) because we had absolutely no hope of getting on any flights. We decided to stay in the airport with the hope of getting on the 7AM flight. Long story short, we all made it home by the early evening (8). During those 20 hours I was completely consumed with stress. Not knowing when I was going to arrive home or if I was going to be able to travel to Boise for the New Year. I completely blocked our incredible trip out of my mind because I had was too busy worrying about not getting home. I didn't have time to think how lucky I was to spend an extra 20 hours with my family. I didn't have one second to think about how precious that time was, or a second to think of how lucky we were to experience a trip like that.

I'm done being unsatisfied. It's distracts me from counting my blessings. I'm so consumed with what others can do for me instead of looking back at the things at the things that God has already done. 

So I'm here at the airport and I missed my flight to Boise because I read my itinerary wrong (9). I consider this a blessing because this time at the airport has given me time to reflect of how important my blessings are. I saw God do great work in getting us home safely from New York after hours of waiting and I'm honestly thrilled to see how God uses other situations to bring Glory to Him. 

Friends, if we are too unsatisfied with where we are at in the moment, we miss out on what God is trying to do. 

The Sword of the Spirit

I have procrastinated on writing this blog because I don’t want to face the emotions that come with this post. It is true that God loves Campus by the Sea; and He delights in using that space to change people’s hearts. Usually the lamest week of the year is the one after I come home from CBS; Which usually consists of me sitting on the couch watching Netflix, and thinking of what my camp friends are doing at the moment. I ask myself “If I was at camp right now, what would I be doing?”. I exhaust my friends and family with stories about my camp friends. I say things that I know my camp friends would laugh at, but my family doesn’t even catch. I tell 20 minute long stories that finish with “I guess you had to be there”. It’s hard. It’s hard because every summer I discover a community that can only be found in one place. And that place is 26 miles across the sea away from me.

People have a hard time believing me when I tell them that each summer is different than the last. The people who have been following my ministry at Campus by the Sea probably think the stories are redundant. With each summer comes new friends, growth, and silly stories. I loved this summer for a completely different reason than the last. The growth that took place in my heart was incredible. One thing that made a huge difference was entering the summer with a lot of prayer. Most of you already know that my job looked a lot different this summer. Yes, I was still an elementary teacher, but I was also the Assistant Elementary Director. I knew that I could handle the responsibilities that came with this job, however, I had some worries. Being a leader has never been difficult for me, but being humble while doing it was what I struggled with. My prayer for the summer was not to take control of a team but to really lead a team humbly. Throughout the beginning of the summer I was constantly worried about stepping on people’s toes and making sure that I wasn’t micromanaging certain things. One awesome tradition that the staff has is writing each other encouragement notes on a weekly basis. These itty bitty notes are commonly used to affirm one another throughout the week. It was so awesome to be affirmed as a leader throughout the summer. People’s kind words helped me more than they knew. This reminded me that God was using my friends to answer the prayer that I had been praying since before I even got to the island. All summer we discussed that, as Christians, it is important to spur each other on and the staff did a great job of doing just that. I have never felt more encouraged and affirmed than I did this summer.

Some of you may know that our staff read A Compassionate Call to Counter Culture by David Platt. Each chapter of Platt’s book addresses some of the most pressing social issues of today. He talks about how Christians can take a stand against our culture while using the Bible and a moral compass. Our staff met every Sunday morning to discuss the chapters and talk about how we can learn to address the hard topics that David Platt challenged us with.  For example, near the beginning of the summer, the Supreme Court legalized gay marriage in all 50 States. Of course, Platt wrote about this topic in one of his chapters of his book. It was so refreshing to sit in the room with other believers and talk about ways we can speak truth into our peer’s lives with grace, while using the Bible as our number one reference tool. I have had so many cases where my friends have asked me about certain social issues and how Christians view them. The best I could do was explain to them how we view certain things, but at times I wasn’t able to back it up biblically.  David Platt’s book encouraged me to dive into the Bible and really search for answers. I feel like for the first time in my life I was really craving God’s word.

 Our staff also had the opportunity to study Ephesians. In one of our morning meetings we discussed chapter 6; When Paul writes about putting on the full armor of God in order to stand against the “spiritual forces of evil” (Eph 6:12). We went around to each person at the meeting and had each person talk about which piece of armor we needed the most in the following days. (To reread or refresh your memory of Ephesians 6 click HERE). I am aware that we should put the full armor on, but I have been starting each day thinking of which piece of armor I need most. After reflecting on the summer and looking ahead at the school year, I am aware that even though I am attending a Christian school, I am still facing a hard battle against the evil one. After really seeing what its like to look to the Bible for answers, I’ve decided that the piece I need most is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. I challenge you to find time to read through Ephesians and think about which part of the armor you need most entering this new school or work year.

This summer was a very important summer for me; Considering that after it's completion, I would move away from home for the first time. The last few weeks I have been plunged into college and dorm life. Even though there are plenty of opportunities to grow spiritually at the Christian school I attend, it's up to me to take advantage of those opportunities. Not all the people that attend my school love Jesus, or even believe in God for that matter. I have told my family and friends that I have never felt more ready for college because this past summer I have been encouraged so much by my peers and equipped with the truth of God’s word. So here I am at Grand Canyon University, starting a brand new school year at a brand new place with the Sword of the Spirit in my back pocket.

Thank you to my family and friends who prayed for me and supported me throughout my time at Campus by the Sea. And thanks to the amazing staff that I got to work with this summer, I am humbled to have had the opportunity to serve alongside you all.

My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.

Psalm 25:15

-Shel

CBS 2.6

And just like that, we are done with 6 and a half weeks of Family Camp. We only have half a week left of our summer. This past week has been so rad and so great having my family in camp. It was truly a refreshing week! 

Joe and I have had the pleasure of working beside Erik Anderson for the majority of our time here. When an individual class has a large number of kids, the teaching team is given a third person to help them out. My Joe and I absolutely adore Erik and his heart for the kids. We love everything he brings to the table! This week Erik is not with us in class because we only have 13 kids. We really miss him but we are still having a great time!

Every Friday we have our kids think about something they struggle with. Common things that come up are; obedience, gossip, fighting with siblings, mean words, and bad attitudes. After they talk about each thing, they write it on a rock and they throw the rock into the ocean. This symbolizes getting rid of the things that hinder them from living to the praise of God's glory. Before they throw their rock, each teacher prays for them individually. I look forward to this exercise each week because when we separate each child from the group, it really gives them the opportunity to open up. Each week, I trust with my whole heart that God is going to use me, Joe, and Erik to really speak into each kid's life. We have one young girl in our class who has not grown up in a Christian home and doesn't know what it looks like to follow Jesus. We are trying to share the truth with her without overwhelming her. She seems open to hear what we have to say and for that we are thankful! 

This past weekend has definitely been a memorable one. When the campers left we spent the afternoon swimming and relaxing. Each Saturday the staff puts on a big event and this week's event was a CBS Staff Coffee House. I volunteered to coordinate and MC the entire night and it was simply amazing. Our staff is so talented! We heard many original songs, poems, and a' Capella performances. It was truly a great night of celebrating the talents God has given us. Afterwards, we played a hide-n-go-seek type game called Grey Wolf. It was so awesome! I just love each and every person on staff and I am so happy that God so intentionally put us all together. My most favorite moments from this summer have been the times when the camper are gone. We absolutely love our campers but we cherish the time we have with each other as well.

All this to say, this weekend reminded me that it is so evident God intended for us to be in community with one another. A community in which people are spurring each other on to love and good deeds. The way God has used each person, makes my heart sing with Joy. 

All the ways of the Lord are loving and faithful toward those who keep the demands of his covenant. Psalm 25:10

CBS 2.5

My family is here *sigh*. This week has been a refreshing (and wet) week. It has rained 4 times since my last blog. We said goodbye to our week four campers and welcomed in a huge weekend thunder storm. It wasn't a storm that was miles away but the thunder sounded as lightning was striking. We did our traditional "Rain Dance" on the pier in the rain. It was so awesome! I spent the rest of that rainy afternoon listening to the thunder and munching on popcorn with Virginia (one of our family camp directors) in her and her husband's cabin. It was such a fun time of hanging out while watching the rain fall. 

Most of you may know that my family is here for the entire week of Family Camp! Ahh!! The Langs and Ellisons are here too and it has been so fun spending time with them and watching them enjoy time off the mainland. They had a somewhat new welcome because it was pouring down rain when they got off the boat. However, nothing could "rain on my parade" because I get my family (minus Alex) for an entire week! 

The rain has not only affected day time activities but also sleep activities. Rain can be a big issue for us because most of the staff sleeps outside. On Monday night I went to bed as it started to drizzle. I didn't think it would last so I didn't move inside. Well it lasted all night and I stayed out the entire time. Other then the soaking wet hair and lack of sleep it was a fun change. 

I've spent the last few days playing card games with my family. My most favorite part of them being here is that they get to meet all my new friends.  I thoroughly enjoy each person on staff and it's fun to see my family enjoy them as much as I do. 

I am teaching seventeen 3rd and 4th graders with Joe Yardley and Erik Anderson this week. It is a really fun group and we absolutely love our kids. I am so grateful for my wonderful teaching partners. I admire their love for the Lord and people. They serve so selflessly and I genuinely want to be more like them. It's so cool to be surrounded by such Godly men. They are the seriously the best. 

If you are wondering how to pray, I have a few things! 

Health: A few of our staff have colds and they are in desperate need of healing. However we are thankful for only a small virus. 

Seth's shoulder: He heard from the doctor last week that he separated it. He has been resting it as much as possible. The other day when he was running down one of our trails I shouted his name to encourage him and as he looked up he took a tumble. Don't worry, Mrs. Heinz, he's okay! He set his personal hiking record that day and I think the fall (caused by me) helped him! He also claims that his shoulder is starting to feel better but we really want to pray for complete healing.

Finish strong: The staff is starting to get super close to each other and as much as we want to enjoy time together, we really don't want to miss out on time spent with campers. Pray that we can stay focused on serving and serving well. 

A scandal of Grace,

you died in my place so my soul will live. 

Shelby Dreves 

Campus by the Sea

PO Box 466

Avalon, CA 90704

CBS 2.4

I'm in town after a five mile hike! I'm still trying to decide if I'm happy I hiked or if I regret it! Either way it was a good time with friends.

Last weekend was so refreshing. We sent off our week 3 campers and welcomed in a weekend of rest. Some of you may have known that my friend  Seth was gone last week because of a prior commitment he had at church. He came back on Saturday and it was so good to see him and catch up with him. On Saturday afternoon, the women staff had a tea. It was a delightful change of pace and time for conversation with other women. After the tea, I went fishing with Phil and Seth off the work float. We sat there with our toes in our water and a fishing rod in our hands waiting for a fish to pull up. We didn't catch anything but it was a fun time with some good friends. That night we had a pizza dinner followed by a time of worship at the camp fire. It was so nice to pause and worship the God that has done so much right in front of our eyes. Later that night the staff went on the annual night snorkel adventure. I bravely agreed to go but only stayed in for a few minutes. It was fun to see the water at night but cold and scary at the same time. Two days ago I caught an eel off the rock jetty! My friend who is the camp's naturalist put it in a tank for the kids to look at! I caught it with a dropline and I screamed like a 7 year old girl, hence why my voice is still gone.

 This week we have a very vibrant group! My friend Christy, who was on staff last year, is in camp with her family this week and it is so nice to have more familiar faces. Our class this week is great! Our kids have a lot of energy but they know when it's time to pay attention and have a good time! 

I went into week four with an open heart to serve this next round of campers. I am especially praying that I can live in the moment. I have been missing my family a lot the past week and I am anxiously awaiting their arrival this Sunday. I just really want to be present with the campers that I am seeing instead of focusing on what's coming. It has been so cool to see God move this summer. He has given hope to marriages that were failing and helped restore people who are completely lost. He has also done a lot of work in my heart. Even though I have been in leadership positions in the past, this is the most serious position I have been in. It's cool to see how God is using me to encourage, lead, and love on my team. As a leader, not every conversation is easy but God has given me so much wisdom and grace. Also, the people here are so easy to lead. They are all on fire for God and that fire is fast spreading. I'm so crazy about what God is doing in everyone's hearts. God must have a huge heart for Campus by the Sea because he continues to use this unique atmosphere in beautiful ways. 

Pray that I can stay in every moment and contain my excitement for my family's arrival. Also, pray that as a staff we can finish strong and remember that we are not just serving people, we are serving the Lord. Also, just take a second to praise God for his goodness. 

Shelby Dreves

Campus by the Sea 

PO Box 466

Avalon, CA 90794

Sorry for any typos, I forgot how to type.