Christmas Blessings

Buddies love to bless others... and bless we did! In December some of our teens gathered at the Inn of the 7th Mt. for an overnight retreat and to plan for the new year of ASB. At the same time our Big Buddies tested their creativity with ribbons, bows, glue guns and more decorating Christmas trees and wreaths and skillfully crafting tree ornaments. Hopefully the families at Hospice House of Bend and High Desert Assisted Living felt our love and compassion when they received our gifts.

Gearing Up for 2008

Fall is here and it is time to start thinking about our new season of Buddies for 2008. We have had good news this week - we are adding two 2 programs for our elementary students - one for girls and a second for boys. Meeting at Grace Baptist Church across from Bend Senior High School on early release Wednesdays - we look forward to serving students from Juniper School as well as local neighborhood kids. If you are interested in volunteering to mentor our amazing kids while reaping the benefits of being a part of this terrific group of people - WE NEED YOU!!! Contact Char at afterschoolbuddies@gmail.com for more info.

Camp Update 2007

"Definately Dazzling Day Camp 07" lived up to it's name as we celebrated becoming all that God wants us to be. With a Paradise Island theme. 15 Big Buddy teens welcomed 12 Little Buddies to our camp at the Schulz ranch in Bend Oregon.

Our Big Buddy teens, under the direction of five adult facilitators, spent time during June and July in leadership training and planned a terrific camp. Small group sessions focused on activites addressing key skills for surviving change. These included tips and tricks for making new friends, learning to resist temptation by making good choices, exploring tools for better "comm-you-nication", and how to strive for strength to overcome fear and anxiety.

As we had hoped - Definately Dazzling Day Camp provided just the opportunity we needed to see God in action. Our hope was to share His love and empower all involved to know how much He cares about us! Thanks to all of you who helped with your time, your prayers, your donations, and your love. Char

Ladies at the Luau

Musicians helped us celebrate with song.

Lovely ladies blessed us with their Hawaiin dance.
Dancing the Bamboo Stick dance and the limbo tested our agility.
Everyone joined in the act with their own rendition of the Hula.

Happy Campers

From wooden boats to lovely flip flops - our campers loved the various crafts that made them feel like they were wisked away to a tropical island.

Maui Group

Our small groups were named using four of the Hawaiian Island names. Here is a glimpse of our lovely "wahinis" from Maui...

Camp 07 - "Be The Best You Can Be!"

Our dazzling campers say "Maholo" to all of those who helped make this camp possible!