Wednesday, October 31, 2012

2012 Classis Fall Retreat @ Circle Square Ranch - Part 1

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the Annual 
Classis Eastern Canada Fall Retreat. 

This year it was held again at 
Circle Square Ranch in Arden, Ontario.  

We had THE FIDGETS, a three person Christian Improv group, come and join us again.  I know THE FIDGETS from my Sarnia ministry days.  They are a hoot!  

Dave doubled as our speaker again this year.  

We had 66 people come this year, about the same as last year, but there were new faces.  Our church had the most attendees (YES!!!!), but for some of our group this will their last retreat....sniff....sniff....  

I have a three part entry this time, due to all the GREAT number of GREAT pictures that John V took this year.  So, read on and enjoy.  





This is a picture of the entire group this year.  
Don't we look wonderful.  : ) 




Each year John and Debbie V do registration.  This year John went without Debbie.....change is hard to take sometimes. : ) 

Here's John working his way through some of the registrations, with a helper in the background.....weird, Just like John. : )


Dan's group arrived (they are in charge of worship as well)  and here he is checking in by giving us all his cheques.




Reuben arrived with his group.  Nice Teeth!


And a handshake just wouldn't do, so why not a hug. 


After all the groups arrived, and checked in to their rooms, we began our first session of the weekend.  Here I am giving some rules for the weekend  (yes, there are rules).  


Dave giving his talk for the evening.  


The group getting to know each other through some fun games. 


Christine came along this time, not as a worship leader, but as a Youth Leader.  She's already having fun.  

Laura and Tobie doing some sort of get to know you exercises.  I think they know each other pretty well already. 


Kevin and Jonathan doing the Rock, Paper, Scissors game.  Elimination rounds.  


Time for THE FIDGETS. 


This game has members of the audience shouting out nouns to a running story.  Hilarious.  

Praise and worship time. 


From a different angle.  




Piano Player and worship Leader, Leader.


Chris did the sound for the team.  
Couldn't resist, could ya sonny boy.  


After our session it was snack time!



Everyone hanging around until instructions are given.  


Chicken wings....got enough there Reuben?  
Must still be a growing boy.  : ) 

Yummy! Notice the Apple as well.  Trying to eat healthy. 


Dave is still growing to...bahahahaha

After snack it was more get to know you games.  


David...I wonder what he's thinking? 


A golden oldie....people bingo.  Megan and Amy...sisters figuring out what square to get signed.  



William and Ben......nice staring Ben.  

This is the Youth Leaders Corner....just standing and watching.  


A final group game.  

Hey Tobie....how ya' doin'?  



Megan H relaxing.  


Hey Sarah.  Enjoying yourself?  


Dave sure is.  Participating in some sort of game in which someone has to get him to smile.......

Didn't work for Ian.....


Just before everyone goes off to bed, it's time for a Leaders meeting.  We always have a couple of leaders stay up to ensure kids stay in their rooms, etc.  Never had any problems yet, but one never knows....  : ) 



Annette and Christine bonding.  


AND soon, it was morning. 
Good morning Amy, Sarah, and Laura.  



John and Dave mingling with the commoners...
Dave...being himself......


Oh, now he's roped John into something.  


I don't think they are a mirror image of each other..do you? ...and John looks like he's in pain....





Breakfast is served.  


Dave and Chris enjoying breakfast.  


Everyone smiling.....


Now that's scary Dave.....


and that's just gross!!!!


Getting Madii into the act, we see....


enough of those images.....moving right along...


...To Laura......needing the cup of coffee now. 


Joy doesn't look so joyful this morning.  Sorry Megan, I forgot to crop you out....bahahahaha


Time for morning worship and "the wave"

Chris on Sound...David...in a daze I think.  


John wondering what he's gotten himself into with this group from Classis Eastern Canada.  


The back row....senior's section.....


More FIDGET time.  


Tori had a great time this weekend.  





John and Dave roped me into doing the "CHANGE" game, if that's what it's called.  John and I talk on a subject (in this case it was John coming to Youth Pastor Ron for some counselling advice)  and Dave yelling CHANGE after we say a line and we have to then repeat that line with a different ending...I found it difficult at times, but it was fun. 


Relaxed there, are you Chris.  




After our morning session with Dave our speaker, and worship, and THE FIDGETS, it was time to enjoy the beautiful fall day, and do some outdoor games. 





I see Tobie is being her usual devious self.  


Ah, she's calmed down....for now.  


Time to blow up balloons...






Here's Joe, our game coordinator, in the absence of Andrea. He did a great job this weekend.  Here he is explaining what we are going to be doing with those balloons.  



Dave is just so emotional......




So, the game was soccer baseball, but you had to put a balloon between your legs as you played, and ran.  Not as easy as it looks.  


Go Jonathan Go.  


Simon running to first base...


John, Dave, and myself wondering what's going on. 


Not so easy bending down to get that ball.  


Run Megan D Run.....




Good Kick Megan H.  


The 3 stooges....you pick who is who...  : )


Of course, Dave and John tried to blow up their balloons.  These were extra strength ones, and they couldn't do it...


Now that's gross...AGAIN! 

Ah, Reuben getting into some artistic poses to try to blow up the balloon.  He couldn't do it either!

Ben, ready to steal second.  

David....well, just waiting and wondering.  



Here's the pitch from Chris H.  


Must have been a good hit....go Rosy go.  


Oh, now Megan D's pitching.  


I think Rosy doesn't like this game....

William guarding Micheal on First base. 


Joy...cheating.....



Now it's Chris B turn to pitch.  



Some kicks were great....
and some were well....
foul, ball Megan D....
bahahahaha


Rosy, nice kick....
Megan D needs to take lessons from you.  : ) 




Way to do Sarah

The Red team lined up and ready to kick away. 


Hey Ian, that's a creative way to move forward on a base....




I think Reuben is hogging the balloons..again...stay tuned for the reason why.....


It sure was a beautiful fall morning.....
On to entry #2

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