Welcome to the SB2W50 Blog

This blog is here for you, the Summer's Best Two Weeks camper, to continue to grow in Christ throughout the year. We invite you to join the G3 Revolution and compete to the glory of God. We hope that you will find the weekly devos, videos, and other posts helpful in staying strong in your faith the other 50 weeks out of the year. Remember "The Glory Goes to God".

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Introducing Your Que Second Term Captains

Chap Roberts
Year:  Junior
Team:  Galatian
Years as Camper:  5
Hometown:  Richmond, VA

Fun Fact:  I am left-handed!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Taco Night
Favorite Activity: Track
Favorite Comp:  Angleball
Favorite Camp Meet: Track Meet
How has SB2W influenced your faith and what has God been teaching you recently?
God has been teaching me to swallow my pride.  SB2W has greatly strengthened my faith.
Libby Wilmer
Year:  Junior
Team:  Roman
Years as Camper: 7
Hometown: Columbus, OH
Fun Fact:  I am literally Roman born, my Mom was a roman camper at SB2W some years ago!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Yellow Meal
Favorite Activity: Canoe
Favorite Comp:  Angleball
Who has been influential in your life outside your family?  
My old babysitter, Krisen.  She has always been there for me and has always been an encourager.
Influential Book? 
Captivating - It has taught me a lot about a woman's heart and her relationship with God.
Jenna Gilman
Year:  Senior
Team:  Galatian
Years as Camper: 5
Hometown:  Annapolis, MD
Fun Fact:  I was born on New Years Day!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Yellow Meal
Favorite Activity: Summer Life Night
Favorite Comp:  Angleball
Who has been the most influential person in your life outside your family? 
My religion teacher, Ms. B.  I really admire her place in life and her strong faith.
How has SB2W influenced your faith?
SB2W has influenced my faith by providing great fellowship with Christ-centered people.
Wilson Henry
Year:  Senior
Team: Roman
Years as Camper: 7
Hometown:  Sewickley, PA
Fun Fact:  I have crooked pinkie fingers.
Favorite Camp Meal:  Yellow Meal
Favorite Activity: Sailing
Favorite Comp:  Angleball
Why are you so excited to be a captain?
It has been a dream of mine since cabin 6, and I'm excited to lead the Romans.
How has SB2W influenced your faith? 
SB2W has taught me to be 3rd and to play for God in everything.

Introducing Your Lake Gloria Second Term Captains

Karie Holian
Year:  Junior
Team:  Galatian
Years as Camper:  7
Hometown:  Annapolis, MD

Favorite Camp Meal:  Circle Pizzas
Favorite Activity: Canoe
Favorite Comp:  Soccer
Favorite Camp Meet: Wrestling
Influential Movie:  Remember the Titans- great message - "left side, strong side"
Influential person in your life outside your family?
My friend (basically sister) Kendall.  She helped me in a time when no one else was there.  
Why are you so excited to be a Captain?
My sisters have all been captains and I can't wait to lead the team spiritually and through sports and for the rest of the 50 weeks we're not at camp.
Joe McCulley
Year:  Senior
Team:  Roman
Years as Camper:4
Hometown:  Wallingford, PA
Fun Fact:  I can do a backflip!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Senior Dinner at the Biery's House
Favorite Activity: Wrestling and Archery
Favorite Comp:  Basketball
Who has been influential in your life outside your family?  
My wrestling coach, Nate.  He has taught me so many life lessons and has pushed me to the peak of my abilities.  He has been patient and stern with me.
What has God been teaching you recently? 
God has been challenging me to seek Him, especially to understand things that don't work out the way I think they should.
Cate Markert
Year:  Senior
Team:  Roman
Years as Camper:4
Hometown:  Fox Chapel, PA
Fun Fact:  One of my favorite colors is light blue, even though I'm a Roman!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Circle Pizzas
Favorite Activity: Canoe
Favorite Comp:  Water Polo
Favorite Book:  Curious George because it was the first book that I could read.
Who has been the most influential person in your life outside your family? 
My middle school cross country coach, Mr. L.  He taught me how to push myself to do my best and never become discouraged.
How has SB2W influenced your faith?
SB2W allowed me to see what being a Christian really is about and how to bring my faith into daily activities.
Ben Difenderfer
Year:  Senior
Team: Galatian
Years as Camper:9
Hometown:  Pittsburgh
Fun Fact:  I have a collection of panda bear merchandise!
Favorite Camp Meal: Lasagna
Favorite Activity: Crafts & Tramp
Favorite Comp:  Water Polo
Why are you so excited to be a captain?
The leadership role is such an incredible opportunity to grow.
What has God been teaching you and how has SB2W influenced your faith? 
To forgive.  It started my faith in every way.

Gideon Was a Pipsqueak

In Judges chapter 6:11-16 we read that God calls Gideon to be a leader for his people.  The Lord says, "Go in this might of yours and save Israel from the hand of Midian; do not I send you?"  The Israelites are under the oppression of the Midianite people and God has chosen Gideon to step up.  I love Gideon's response.  "No way! Not me!  I'm just the weak, little guy in my family." This is my paraphrase...take a look at verses 15 for his actual words.  Do you ever feel this way?  Do you ever feel like with all your weaknesses and failures there is no way God could use you for big purposes?  Perhaps God would say the same thing to you as He said to Gideon.  "But I will be with you."  When God through His Word or a sermon preached convicts you to take action in some area of your life,  He will be with you all the way. 

Check out verse 27.  Gideon was afraid.  Most times when God has called me to take action on something in my life, I can think of plenty of reasons not to obey.  Usually these reasons are related to fears.  I'm afraid of what people might do, what they might think, how they will react, etc.  I'm encouraged that Gideon is a lot like me.  I'm challenged by the fact that he takes action in spite of his fears.  I'm also encouraged that God was gracious enough to let him do it at night.  Read verse 25.  Knowing Gideon's fears, God gave him the command at night.  He did not challenge Gideon beyond what he could do.  You may feel weak.  You may be little.  You may be filled with anxiety and fear.  You may feel like a pipsqueak just as Gideon did.  Don't let that stop you from being obedient to what God has placed on your heart to do.

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous.  Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."  Joshua 1:9

Monday, April 25, 2011

Devotional Passages for Week of April 24-30


Sunday:  Judges 2:10-3:31, Luke 22:14-34, Psalm 92:1-93:5, Proverbs 14:1-2

Monday:  Judges 4:1-5:31, Luke 22:35-53, Psalm 94:1-23, Proverbs 14:3-4

Tuesday:  Judges 6:1-40, Luke 22:54-23:12, Psalm 95:1-96:13, Proverbs 14:5-6

Wednesday:  Judges 7:1-8:17, Luke 23:13-43, Psalm 97:1-98:9, Proverbs 14:7-8

Thursday:  Judges 8:18-9:21, Luke 23:44-24:12, Psalm 99:1-9, Proverbs 14:9-10

Friday:  Judges 9:22-10:18, Luke 24:13-53, Psalm 100:1-5, Proverbs 14:11-12

Saturday:  Judges 11:1-12:15, John 1:1-28, Psalm 101:1-8, Proverbs 14:13-14

Sunday:  Judges 13:1-14:20, John 1:29-51, Psalm 102:1-28, Proverbs 14:15-16

Friday, April 22, 2011

Good Friday

Certainly there is an irony to this day being named good Friday, for it was on this day that humans crucified God's beloved Son.  They did not want to submit to him.  They did not want him to reign over them.  Out of envy, jealousy, lust for power, selfish-pettiness, and all manner of other sinful reasons they betrayed and rejected Jesus Christ.  Like them we all have rebellious hearts.  Our hearts are also prone to a long list of sinful vices that would have caused us, if we had been there in Pontius Pilate's courtyard, to cry out with the crowds, "Crucify Him!!".  So why do we call this "good" Friday?

What happened on this day that was good?  If we have eyes to see deeper, eyes to see beyond, eyes to see a bigger picture, we would see that God was using humanity's greatest sin for God's great purpose of salvation.  "By his (Christ's) wounds we are healed." Is. 53:5

Good Friday was good because on that day:
1.  "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son..." John 3:16
and
2. "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8
which means 
3. "God presented [Jesus] as a sacrifice of atonement..." Romans 3:25
which means
"God made him (Jesus) who had no sin to be a sin offering for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."  2 Corinthians 5:21
which means
4. "that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16






Thursday, April 21, 2011

Maundy Thursday

"Do this in remembrance of me." Luke 22:19

You may or may not be familiar with the significance of Maundy Thursday, or why many Christians will be attending their churches tonight for a worship service.  Maundy is a word derived from the latin word, mandatum.  It is where we get our word mandatory.  It is used by the Church to refer to the command given by Jesus to his followers on the night before Good Friday, the night he met with His disciples for the Passover meal.

What were His commands that night?   One of His commands was "to remember".  Indeed this is why we celebrate this weekend, in order to remember Christ's death and resurrection.  Why is it so important that we remember?  This question can be answered in many ways.  Let me mention just one way that has struck me.  In Luke 22:19 we read that Jesus "took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it."  Jesus explains that the broken bread is representative of His body.  In this moment Jesus is fully aware of how His body is about to be broken in the coming 24 hours.  He will be beaten with rods, scourged with a whip, punched, pierced, and placed on a cross to die.  Imagine being aware that this was going to take place to you...and being thankful!!  I don't know about you, but thankfulness would not be my first inclination.  Jesus stared a painful death in the face, including atoning for sin, and did it with a grateful heart.  I don't know what hardships you have been dealing with or what difficulties you see approaching on your horizon.  I'm guessing it will not include scourging and crucifixion.  Whatever the circumstances of your life, Jesus reminds us to remember Him.  Remember His sacrifice for you, and remember to give thanks in every circumstance.  This is His will for you this Maundy Thursday.

Monday, April 18, 2011

Introducing Your Que First Term Captains

Mic Velloney
Year:  Junior
Team:  Galatian
Years as Camper:  4
Hometown:  Chesapeake, VA

Fun Fact:  I can lick my elbow!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Tacos & No Bakes
Favorite Activity: High Ropes Course & the SCREAMER!!
Favorite Comp:  Hockey
Favorite Camp Meet: Octathlon
How has SB2W influenced your faith and what has God been teaching you recently?
Camp is a place where I can fellowship, learn, and be spiritually encouraged.  God has been teaching me that I am not the one in control, He is.  I am going to have to always trust in Him.  Proverbs 3:5-6
Dave Wainwright
Year:  Senior
Team:  Galatian
Years as Camper: 7
Hometown:  Pittsburgh
Fun Fact:  I like the color pink and I also fight crime in my spare time!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Circle Pizzas
Favorite Activity: Sailing
Favorite Comp:  Angleball
Who has been influential in your life outside your family?  
My cross country coach, she has been battling cancer for the third time and still takes joy from the Lord.
What has God been teaching you recently? 
He has been teaching me to trust Him more fully.
Amanda Dupuis
Year:  Junior
Team:  Roman
Years as Camper:1
Hometown:  Burlington, IA
Fun Fact:  I can wiggle my ears!
Favorite Camp Meal:  PB + J and anything else that includes peanut butter.
Favorite Activity: High Ropes Course (the Screamer!)
Favorite Comp:  Basketball
Favorite Book:  The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis revealed how present temptations are, but it also showed that with the help of God all of them can be overcome.
Who has been the most influential person in your life outside your family? 
My English teacher has taught me to think for myself and to be wary of simply following the "crowd".
Curt Megivern
Year:  Senior
Team: Roman
Years as Camper: 8
Hometown:  Burke, VA
Fun Fact:  I love bright blue!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Yellow meal with no bakes.
Favorite Activity: Sailing
Favorite Comp:  Ultimate Frisbee
Why are you so excited to be a captain?
I'm really hyped to return to camp and see all my friends grow stronger in their faith and with each other as teams.
How has SB2W influenced your faith? 
SB2W helped open my heart to God.  It may have taken awhile, but the camp messages each year slowly sank in.  I really appreciate everything I've learned at camp.

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Devotional Passages for Week of April 17-23


Sunday:  Joshua 15:1-63, Luke 18:18-43, Psalm 86:1-17, Proverbs 13:9-10

Monday:  Joshua 16:1-18:28, Luke 19:1-27, Psalm 87:1-7, Proverbs 13:11

Tuesday:  Joshua 19:1-20:9, Luke 19:28-48, Psalm 88:1-18, Proverbs 13:12-14

Wednesday:  Joshua 21:1-22:20, Luke 20:1-26, Psalm 89:1-13, Proverbs 13:15-16

Thursday:  Joshua 22:21-23:16, Luke 20:27-47, Psalm 89:14-37, Proverbs 13:17-19

Friday:  Joshua 24:1-33, Luke 21:1-28, Psalm 89:38-52, Proverbs 13:20-23

Saturday:  Judges 1:1-2:9, Luke 21:29-22:13, Psalm 90:1-91:16, Proverbs 13:24-25

Friday, April 15, 2011

Introducing Your Gloria First Term Captains

Maddie Westfall
Year:  Senior
Team:  Roman  
Years as Camper:  6
Hometown:  Erie, PA       

Fun Fact:  I love snowboarding!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Circle Pizzas
Favorite Activity: Sailing
Favorite Comp:  Soccer
Favorite Movie: The Blind Side - it is truly an inspiring story about love, family, determination, and compassion.
How has SB2W influenced your faith and what has God been teaching you recently?
SB2W has influenced me by strengthening my relationship with Christ and giving me awesome fellowship.  God has been teaching me to trust in his plan for my life.

Zach Tolles
Year:  Senior
Team:  Roman
Years as Camper: 11
Hometown:  Summit, NJ
Fun Fact:  I have a twin brother.
Favorite Camp Meal:  Beef Stroganoff
Favorite Activity: Summit
Favorite Comp:  Waterpolo
Who has been influential in your life outside your family?  
My wrestling coach, Eric Watchel.  He's shown me that hard work and dedication will make you a better man in life.
What has God been teaching you recently? 
God has been teaching me to trust Him and that He has a plan for my life.

Caroline Dahl
Year:  Junior
Team:  Galatian
Years as Camper: 9
Hometown:  Los Angeles, CA
Fun Fact:  I am on a comedy/improv team
Favorite Camp Meal:  Baked Ziti + GORP!!!
Favorite Activity: Canoe
Favorite Comp:  Hockey
Favorite Book:  Crazy Love by Francis Chan (it called me out and pushed me to be a more devoted follower of Christ.
Who has been the most influential person in your life outside your family? 
Kate Durkee - a family friend who is like a third sister.  She always gives great advice and encourages my faith.

Graham Gonzales
Year:  Senior
Team: Galatian
Years as Camper:  7
Hometown:  Austin, TX and McLean, VA (I can't have just one hometown, my heart is in 2 cities.)
Fun Fact:  I play and write a lot of music, this summer I'm try to finish enough Christian songs to make them into a small album.
Favorite Camp Meal:  Circle Pizzas
Favorite Activity: Summer Life Night
Favorite Comp:  Soccer
Who has been the most influential person in your life outside your family? 
My friend Brogan.  His faith will someday move mountains and he is an inspiration to me and to everyone he meets.
How has SB2W influenced your faith? 
SB2W has been a major anchor in my faith every year and it keeps me accountable during the summer months.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Devotional Passages for Week of April 10-16

Sunday: Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24, Luke 13:22-14:6, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs 12:26

Monday: Joshua 3:1-4:24, Luke 14:7-35, Psalm 80:1-19, Proverbs 12:27-28

Tuesday: Joshua 5:1-7:15, Luke 15:1-32, Psalm 81:1-16, Proverbs 13:1

Wednesday: Joshua 7:16-9:2, Luke 16:1-18, Psalm 82:1-8, Proverbs 13:2-3

Thursday: Joshua 9:3-10:43, Luke 16:19-17:10, Psalm 83:1-10, Proverbs 13:4

Friday: Joshua 11:1-12:24, Luke 17:11-37, Psalm 84:1-12, Proverbs 13:5-6

Saturday: Joshua 13:1-14:15, Luke 18:1-17, Psalm 85:1-13, Proverbs 13:7-8

Friday, April 8, 2011

Introducing Your Que Summer One Captains

Teresa Dallatore
Year: Sophomore
Team:  Galatian 
Years as Camper:  8
Hometown:  Mars, PA       

Fun Fact:  I can't role my r's
Favorite Camp Meal: Ziti with no-bakes
Favorite Activity: Sailing
Favorite Comp:  Angleball
Favorite Camp Meet: Octathlon
Who has been the most influential person in your life outside your family? 
I've been influenced by all my camp counselors, they are always so in touch with God and really give me a goal to strive for.

Roman Lamagna
Year:  Junior 
Team:  Roman
Years as Camper:  7
Hometown:  Pittsburgh
Fun Fact:  If you hadn't noticed my name is Roman and I'm on the Roman team!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Ziti
Favorite Activity: Canoe
Favorite Comp:  Football
What has God been teaching you recently? 
How to be the only Christian in a crowd of non-believers.

Luke Wagner
Year: Junior
Team:  Galatian 
Years as Camper:  7
Hometown: Gibsonia
Fun Fact: I once threw a touchdown pass to myself!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Ziti
Favorite Activity: Canoe
Favorite Comp:  Football
Favorite Movie:  Remember the Titans
What has God been teaching you?
God has been teaching me how to walk closer with Christ.

Alison Snow
Year:  Sophomore
Team:  Romans
Years as Camper:  5  
Hometown:  Winchester, VA
Fun Fact:  Tiedye is my favorite color!
Favorite Camp Meal:  Tacos
Favorite Activity: Canoe
Favorite Comp:  Angleball
Favorite Book:  Soul Surfer - it showed me how to trust in God through the most difficult times.
Who has been the most influential person in your life outside your family?
My SB2W counselor Julie, because she was the one who encouraged me to accept Jesus into my heart.

Introducing Your Gloria Summer One Captains

Kent Schumacher
Year:  Senior
Team:  Roman  
Years as Camper:  8
Hometown:  Kent, OH         
Fun Fact:  I love to juggle! 
Favorite Camp Meal:  Circle Pizzas 
Favorite Activity: Archery 
Favorite Comp:  Volleyball 
Favorite Book:  Crazy Love by Francis Chan 
Who has been the most influential person in your life outside your family? 
Greg  - My student teacher.  We started a Bible study together this year.  He has given me a lot of help with some of my struggles. 
Jana Bontrager 
Year:  Junior 
Team:  Galatian 
Years as Camper:  8 
Hometown:  State College, PA 
Fun Fact:  Many people know me as Eunice! 
Favorite Camp Meal:  Circle Pizzas   
Favorite Activity: Crafts 
Favorite Comp:  Volleyball 
Favorite Movie:  The Shawshank Redemption - Inspirational, never give up. 
What has God been teaching you recently? 
He has been teaching me to find my significance in Him. 
Dan Malecki
Year:  Senior 
Team:  Galatian 
Years as Camper:  6 
Hometown:  Pittsburgh 
Fun Fact:  I am my school's mascot (a fox)! 
Favorite Camp Meal:  Meal with Apple Crisp dessert 
Favorite Activity: Waterski 
Favorite Comp:  Soccer 
Favorite Camp Meet:  Track Meet 
Who has been the most influential person in your life outside your family? 
Kent Schumacher, he has helped me get through some tough times and always find my way back to the light. 
Shannon Myers 
Year:  Senior 
Team:  Romans
Years as Camper:  5  
Hometown:  Bay Village, OH 
Fun Fact:  I love to ski backwards! 
Favorite Camp Meal:  Circle Pizzas 
Favorite Activity: Summer Life Nights 
Favorite Comp:  Volleyball 
Favorite Book:  Radical by David Platt, because it has really opened my eyes to what being a Christian looks like. 
How has SB2W influenced your faith? 
It was at camp that I accepted Christ into my life, so SB2W has influenced my faith greatly.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

What goes around, comes around...right?


Luke 10:27
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”

But who is my neighbor?
Is it the family living next door or the kids across the street that you play with?
The prevailing opinion in Jesus’ day was that your neighbor was one you hung out with or had much in common with.  In the case of the Pharisees they thought that included only other Pharisees.  But in Luke 10: 30-37 Jesus tells the familiar story of the Good Samaritan that totally blows the top off this narrow definition of a neighbor.

Samaritans were considered an evil people, enemies of God and were generally hated by all.   As a result they were not treated well and shown little compassion.   Conversely you might say that Samaritans would be justified in smiling upon the misfortunes of those who show them no love.  That is, when the Samaritan sees this man beaten and left for dead lying in the ditch it would seem natural for him to say, “this man is not my neighbor and deserves none of my love and compassion. “

If you’ve read the story you know what actually happens though.  It says that the Samaritan had compassion and essentially cared for this stranger as he would a close friend or family member.  His love even went to the extent of giving up two days wages to pay others to care for the beaten man while he was away.   A sacrifice of time, money, and energy.

Wow 
Shame on me for restricting who I love and show compassion to.  Shame on me for rejoicing in the misfortunes of those that have hurt, laughed at, or despised me.   We often assume it is up to others to prove themselves a neighbor to us first.  But when Jesus asks,  “So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”  He is making it clear that each has a responsibility to be a neighbor – especially to those who are in need, friend or not, good or evil.  We are to hate evil and sin in ourselves and in others but that does not give us permission to spitefully loathe the person.  Who is my neighbor? Everyone -SH

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Devotional Passages for Week of April 3-9


Sunday:  Deuteronomy 23:1-25:19, Luke 10:13-37, Psalm 75:1-10, Proverbs 12:12-14

Monday:  Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26, Luke 10:38-11:13, Psalm 76:1-12, Proverbs 12:15-17

Tuesday:  Deuteronomy 28:1-68, Luke 11:14-36, Psalm 77:1-20, Proverbs 12:18

Wednesday:  Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20, Luke 11:37-12:7, Psalm 78:1-31, Proverbs 12:19-20

Thursday:  Deuteronomy 31:1-32:27, Luke 12:8-34, Psalm 78:32-55, Proverbs 12:21-23

Friday:  Deuteronomy 32:28-52, Luke 12:35-59, Psalm 78:56-64, Proverbs 12:24

Saturday:  Deuteronomy 33:1-29, Luke 13:1-21, Psalm 78:65-72, Proverbs 12:25