Welcome to the Cleburne 1st Seventh-day Adventist Church's Family Camp Site!

This annual/semi-annual event is in its 24th year (at least). The earliest years of Family Camp found Cleburne First each spring and/or fall at Lone Star Camp in Athenns, TX. During the years Lone Star affected repairs at the camp, we used the facilities of other camps in the (not always so immediate) area and enjoyed them all. But now for the last several years, we've returned to Lone Star Camp.

How the years have flown! Well, they say, "time flies when you're having fun". That just means we're ever nearer to our Lord's return. I'm hoping to get some pictures of Family Camps we've enjoyed in the past, but as with all good pictures, they get "put away" "with the rest of my pictures" "and I just have to remember where they are." We're bound to get some, but don't know when they'll get here. As soon as I can I'm scanning 'em, and loadin' 'em up. We hope you enjoy them. These pictures depict a "whole lotta" the good times, fellowship and worship in nature that the members, family and friends of Cleburne 1st have experienced over the years. Hopefully they'll inspire you to join us "next time."

Each camp we feature a special guest speaker for the 11 o'clock worship hour and someone for an afternoon seminar on an interesting topic. One year we had Neal Nedly, from Life Style Centers of America, present an antidepression seminar, loaded with references and examples from the Holy Scriptures.

At least two times we have had Dr. Art Chadwick out to camp to address the subject of dinosaurs, and to relate some of his experiences and "finds" at the Montana dinosaur dig which he directs each year. That was quite facinating expecially as Dr. Chadwick followed his presentation with a Q & A session. Dr. Chadwick's slant on dinosaurs reinforces our conviction that the world was created in six literal days by the Creator who is also "the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world," (Revelation 13:8), Jesus, the Messiah.

Camp begins

Camp begins on Friday with campers coming in as early as possible to set up before sunset. Friday supper is soup, sandwiches, fruit in any combination—just so it's simple.

Sabbath morning . . . . Ah, fresh air, friendly folk—and the campfire! Some campers stand toasting themselves by the open fire, while others,wait in the food line for their toast. Usually it's warmed up by noon, though.

After the breakfast cleanup, groups separate by age and Bible study commences. All groups gather for the 11:00 worship hour in the main pavillion—or around the open campfire it that's the central location. And all raise their voices in praise to the Creator before we bow in thankfulness and praise to the author and finisher of our faith; to present our requests and invoke the Lord's blessing on country, state and statesmen, community, church and families within it.

After the morning's message has been delivered, some are actually ready to participate in the hearty lunch. Filled with the nutritious lunch, a few have their eye on a camp cot for some "lay activities", but most head out for a nature walk. There are always plenty of hiking trails at whatever camp we use.

Bikes are welcome at camp, too, though, please ride safely and stay on the designated biking trails. Eleven-year-old Samuel didn't observe this and broke both his forearms just prior to the 11:00 service "a few years ago," but he was okay. (At his wedding a few weeks ago.he was 26.) When I asked Samuel's mom for pictures of past FC's, I learned that Samuel and another boy were riding the trails when he broke his arms. While the other boy went for help, Samuel started walking back to camp. They sent a search party after the other boy 'cause Samuel got back first! That was an exciting time, I can tell you. And, "All's well tat ends well." Reminds me of a text in the Bible that says, "And you know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called, according to purpose." Romans 8:28.

You can be sure that no matter what kind of activities were participated in on Sabbath afternoon, everyone is eagerly awaiting the sound of the dinner bell!

At Family camp we close out the Sabbath with songs and a vespers program, gathered around a campfire, singing with guitar accompaniment those old childhood favorites:

to name just a few (for real!). And don't forget, Jesus Loves Me! It's always, requested and signed. Lots of these songs have "sign language" so the "younger" set can do more than just sit and sing. "Signing" the songs is always great fun.

And then, of course, there are the "rounds":

Over the Sea

Father, I Adore You,

Behold, Bless Ye the Lord, et cetera.

When we're just about sung out, someone, usually Pastor, leads a devotional, beginning and endng with prayer.

Now it's evening. The sun has set. Stars are just beginning to twinkle in the heavens. And it's game time! There's volleyball—if there's a net, horseshoes, tag—lots of tag and children running everywhere. Some campers are content to just sit and visit, catching up on old friendships or just plain relaxing! Oh! and how could I forget the dominoes! Camping and dominoes are synonymous to a select group at camp (I won't mention any names.), but anyone is welcome to join the game. The stakes?— the stakes are used in horseshoes. Get it? stakes, horseshoes, toss, score . . . or not. Fun! just for fun.
Did I mention popcorn? Of course, there's popcorn!
As campers tire and children's energy wanes, "goodnight"s echo from the pavillion walls and over the lake, and figures can be seen moving toward cabins and tents and RV's. Some folk are leaving, having come out just for the day and depending which campgrounds we chose, Cleburne might be an hour away. Anyway, it's been a wonderful Sabbath. And there's still Sunday, for those who spend the night!

Sunday begins early, too, at camp. Whoever's turn it is to help in the kitchen better not be late!

I can't remember a time when there weren't pancakes on Sunday morning. Gotta have pancakes on a campout. Maybe there'll be hashbrowns, too.

After breakfast we usually lose a few more. But for others usually there's boating, canoeing or paddle-boating, maybe horseback riding (especially if you brought your own). There may be that last round of horseshoes or just hiking and photography. When dinner is served, it's leftovers. Yums! And then it's time to be heading home. The Social Committee makes it's final check and another Family Camp has been emblazoned on our memories as "just a little bit o' heaven"— working together, worshipping together, playing together, praying together—and, hopefully, all to the glory of God.

Well, "So long, ya'll!"     'Till next time at Cleburne 1st's Famly Camp!

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