Cousin's Camp 2009!

The 2009 Annual Cousin's Camp

was held at the Sutton's Cabin in Ovid, Idaho, just East of Emigration Canyon, Camp Bartlett, and the Cache National Forest. The big, beautiful six-bedroom cabin allowed each family and Grandma & Grandpa to have their own room. Rain was forecast for the entire four-day retreat, but we made the best of it anyway.

The showers actually came and went, and the afternoon of the last day the sun even came out! Activities this year included arts and crafts, workshops, lessons, singing, eating, devotionals, game night, archery target shooting, bucking hay bales, four-wheeling,

hiking, exploring, sightseeing, napping, photography, free time, and spelunking!

The first two days Grandpa Dave taught us all everything we needed to know to become skilled archers!

We all spent time working on our form, technique and sighting in our bows.

For many of us (except Grandma) the guided tour through Minnetonka Cave was the highlight of the camp.

Originating millions of years ago and discovered in 1906, the half mile long cave has 9 rooms of fascinating stalactites, stalagmites and other formations.

The air temperature is a constant 40 degrees, and the cave is still considered "alive" - but it's hard to tell, as the formations continue to grow at a rate of about a half-inch per ten thousand years!

Back at "camp", Clover had a great time exploring, and "bounding" through the tall grass like a gazelle!

With three four-wheelers in camp this year, everyone had the opportunity to do some riding.

We covered many miles on some beautiful forest roads and OHV trails.

Each day included brief workshops or devotionals, as Grandpa shared his wisdom,

and always found a way to relate the day's activities to a spiritual lesson.

The last day culminated with a high-stakes 17-round archery tournament.

Mr. Sutton was so nice to bring out his antique car collection for our group picture backdrop.

He also gave all the kids (and some adults) rides, and took some great pictures for us! It was another awesome camp to remember - especially since the oldest cousin (Zac) just graduated from high school, and may not be here for next year's camp. Thanks for the great time Grandma & Grandpa W.

and thanks to the Sutton's for their hospitality!

Here's a quick video of some Camp highlights!