Summer 2022 Kicking Bear Camp Season

  Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”–Matthew 19:14

  I had the insane privilege to kick off the Summer Camp season in Florida at Grace Church back in March and then we cruised to Warsaw, Missouri the first weekend of September to close it down. In between, there were 46 Kicking Bear events in multiple states!! God truly blessed us all with 6 months of amazing opportunities to serve communities by shooting a ton of archery, meeting new friends, and families, tossing a few tomahawks or marshmallows, and most important of all, sharing the Gospel and baptizing believers!

As Ray and I sent the Kicking Bear van north after the last camp we giggled like school kids. Why? Because we were sharing about the awesome season and just how incredible it was! The way that Kicking Bear is used by God is incredible. The unity in the community of praying, planning, and setting up camps really helps bring us all together and see how God provides. Then on the day of the events, it is so cool to see relationships grow out of all the fun activities we have for families.

Whether it is the first time a kiddo sticks an arrow or tomahawk, or the laughs shared from tug-of-war, tough courses, or marshmallow fights, there is really a special way that people bond at camps. This bond is so important as kiddos feel loved and seen, which is exactly what Jesus shows us in the Gospels!

The highlight of every single camp is the moment we gather to share the message. To see so many kiddos and their families lean in and hear the Gospel and then have so many of them respond is truly inspiring. When you are around it, it will fill you with a special kind of joy. We can never take for granted how God moves through these moments and the kingdom impact that is created through evangelism.

We are excited to now move into our next seasons of ministry. Our mentors are ready to take kiddos on hunts and also land some fish in the months to come! We are also planning to do some Adventure Days with other organizations such as The Boys and Girls Clubs, schools, and Outdoor companies. We have Veterans hunts and speaking engagements scheduled too. Additionally, there are several Center Shot programs as follow-up with Churches and KB events.

Another big task ahead will be fundraising as we get our calendar printed, plan for Giving Tuesday, and also look ahead to our LaCrosse banquet coming back in the spring! Kicking Bear is ready to keep moving as we have already added 3 more states to our summer camps next year!! Alaska’s team is gearing up for nine new events.

There are a lot of people to thank as we change seasons here at Kicking Bear. First, the servant-hearted volunteers who plan/pray, find resources, spread the word, give time, recruit even more volunteers, and show up on the camp day. Thank you!

To the sponsors and landowners that provide such vital resources and spaces so that we can send out big open invites and provide events free for families. Because of your generosity, we have been able to provide every event completely free for nearly 24 years! Thank you!

Thanks to the families who volunteer, share event details with friends, and bring their kids and other kiddos from outside their homes. The kids show up with such great energy and beautiful hearts and smiles. Thank you!

And most of all, thanks be to God! God continues to bless Kicking Bear Ministry and we are so thankful for the opportunity to serve in such an awesome way. Thank you!