This past Saturday I volunteered to help out at the annual Chargers Retreat at Camp Allen in Navasota, Texas with many of my Chi Alpha brothers. We left bright and early that morning after a quick trip to the Starbucks and Jack in the Crack. When we got there we signed in and waited for further instructions. There were two groups of volunteers. There were the one on one big brothers and sisters and then there were the people that worked different events around the camp. We were instructed to work the carnival. I helped unload the balloon tank and started blowing up balloons. After that, the parents and kids started showing up. I quickly started setting up the fishing booth and the next thing you know, I was the fishing clown man. There was something special about the kids there and there was something even more special about the parents and the volunteers that came out to make it happen. Many of the kids could barely see or hear, had balance problems, or were attached to oxygen tanks. The determination and joy that many of the kids had still shined though them. They would fish, throw balls at peoples heads, play tag, bowl, golf, laugh, and cry just like any other kid. They were truly awesome. After the carnival, we were fed some good cafeteria food. The afternoon consisted of bounce house domination, jumping off two story dock into cold lakes, and watching Mr. Mingle roll around like a soldier while kids chased him. Truly good times and good fellowship. As far as training, the soul was filled. I rode my bike on the trainer when I got home. It was one of those rides where it just felt so good to breathe, jam, and pray. It makes you look back on life and be grateful for the friendships that you have developed. All in all, a very very good day.
More info on the conference can be found at http://texaschargers.org/events.htm
Loves,
Corey Ray
More info on the conference can be found at http://texaschargers.org/events.htm
Loves,
Corey Ray
