Rainbow Retreat

September 28th-30th 2018, I went to the Rainbow Retreat at Camp Overlook. I loved seeing everyone and getting to talk to girls from other assemblies around the state. I was honored to give the devotional on Sunday morning. I spoke about friendship, which is one of the most important things to me about Rainbow. Brianna read some Bible passages and Kaitlyn read a poem on friendship. My favorite moment was when we all sang “Lean on Me”. The experience was such a privilege and it is something that I will remember always. Kensley, thank you so much for the opportunity.

Kate

Mansassas Assembly

On Friday September 28th, Reagan, Sara, Alex, Audrey, Eva, Bella, Amelia, Gina, Jojo , Mom Beth, and Dad Mike got in a big van and then we were off to Camp Overlook. We stopped to have dinner at Chick-Fil-A and I wore my poop emoji slippers and got many weird looks. In the car, we had lots of sleeping children, but my question is how Jojo fell asleep sitting straight up?? Once we got to Richmond we went to the rest area and we took pictures there in front of the van. Guess what? We were back on the road. We sang our own songs and had lots of fun playing games and sleeping. At our next rest area stop we saw South Norfolk’s assembly. Finally we were on our last stretch till we were there. It was pretty late so everyone was asleep and I’m thankful for that because we didn’t have to see the narrow roads. I had so much fun with the Rainbow girls and parents and can’t wait for next year! 

With Rainbow Love And Service,

                                      Reagan

On the Friday of retreat, Kensley and Mom Kim picked up my mother and me to begin the long car ride up to Camp Overlook. We stuffed the car with supplies for the weekend and hit the road. The drive is about 3 to 4 hours from where we live to get to the Shenandoah Valley so we had plenty of time to nap while the moms chatted. About halfway through our drive we got behind a semi and followed behind it for a while, unable to move into another lane because of the traffic, and unable to see too far ahead of us because of the truck’s height. Our GPS told us to take a right off the highway up ahead so when we saw the semi begin to exit, we naturally followed it not realizing that it took a turn off one stop short of the one we were supposed to take. The turnoff we took led us to the weigh station. There sat three 16 wheeler trucks in line to be weighed and one compact Kim car. We couldn’t stop laughing when we rolled up to the scale. The men working there looked so confused as to why we were among the big trucks waiting to be weighed. After we got back onto the highway and made our correct turn, we stopped at Panera for lunch and got a meal to save for dinner. We made it to Camp Overlook a few hours before check in began and laid out the games and candy for when girls would arrive. When the cars started coming in with excited campers, I helped them to their cabins and directed the flow of traffic while Kensley checked everyone in. It was a busy and fun start to an amazing retreat and I look forward to next year with my Rainbow family. 

With Rainbow Love and Service, 

Lauren Ann

On Saturday September 29th, Sara, Kensley, Lauren, Reagan, Alex, Maddy, Eva, Bella, Amelia, and our prospect Audrey attended Rainbow Retreat 2018. On the Saturday of retreat, everyone woke up early for breakfast where Grand Page to the GWA, Sara, gave the meal prayer. After breakfast, all the girls broke up into small groups lead by Junior Grand Executive Board members as group leaders. There were ice breakers and small games for the groups to combine with each other to play. Then, everyone came together into a rainbow circle to introduce themselves and explain what rainbow means to them. After that, there was a poster competition where the winners got to get lunch first. Our Grand Worthy Advisor, Kensley, gave the lunch prayer. After lunch was a small break which a scavenger hunt to determine who would get s’mores first later that night. Then was the obstacle course with group leaders Grand Faith Lauren and Grand Recorder Sara. One of the favorite obstacles of the event was the blind makeup challenge where our GWA Kensley and our GWAA Gigi both got makeovers from a blindfolded girl. The winning team got to get dinner first.  Once the obstacle course was over, girls were invited down to a game of giant bowling and Pictionary. The dinner prayer was given by Grand Religion, Kate. After dinner, everyone got the opportunity to decorate shells that will be used for the next grand assembly. Finally, everyone made the trek up the mountain a bit to reach the s’mores that some of the dads had set up by a fire, and once s’mores were eaten, girls could head down the hill for a surprise dance party! After a day full of exciting events and delicious meals (thanks to all the dads who fed us all weekend!) the girls were all happy to crawl into bed for a good night’s sleep. With so many girls attending their first retreat, Hampton is excited to say that our girls are very pleased with the weekend and excited for more! 

In RL&S,

Sara

Hampton #2