Camp Mighty Recap
August 2024
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Psalm 149:13
Wonderfully Made
One of our favorite events at Machaca is Camp Mighty, a special camp designed for individuals with special needs. This year, we were thrilled to welcome an incredible team from the U.S. who joined us in creating an unforgettable weekend for our campers and their families.
Over 20 mighty campers, along with some of their families, were greeted upon arrival by enthusiastic buddies ready to celebrate and get the party started. Each camper was paired with a dedicated sidekick who accompanied them throughout their camp adventures. The weekend began with an exciting activity: selecting their very own superhero capes and masks, preparing them to embark on their empowering weekend mission.
One of the most magical moments at Camp Mighty was witnessing the pure joy and excitement on the campers' faces as they met their buddies and dove into the day’s adventures.
Camp Mighty gave campers the freedom to choose activities that sparked their interest. They could unleash their creativity by painting, coloring, or making bracelets. For those seeking a hands-on experience, the sensory station offered a variety of tactile activities, including digging in the sand and fishing for treasure in an Orbead bucket.
One of the most thrilling highlights was the cardboard city station, where campers could smash, kick, or fly through buildings depending on how their inner superheroes felt. Nearby, a photo booth let each camper step into the spotlight, posing as a superhero soaring through the sky—a perfect way to capture their empowering weekend adventures.
Over the course of three unforgettable days, we planned special activities to celebrate our superheroes. Alongside free time and shared meals, the campers participated in worship sessions, dance, and Bible lessons that highlighted how wonderfully they are made by the Lord and the unique superpowers each of them has been gifted.
Worshiping with the campers and their families was a highlight of the weekend. Many eagerly volunteered to help lead the songs and dances, creating a beautiful display of heartfelt worship. It was truly inspiring to see their joy and enthusiasm shine through.
Watching the campers and their siblings form meaningful friendships, build confidence, and embrace the freedom to be themselves was a deeply treasured experience. For most of them, this camp offered a rare opportunity to enjoy these activities in a supportive and joyful environment.
During camp, we had a few surprises planned for our campers, including a visit from a special guest—Chef John! He joined us to teach everyone how to make pizza, and it’s hard to say who had more fun, the campers or the chef—it was definitely a close tie.
Each camper got to create their own personal pizza with the help of their buddy. They rolled out their dough and loaded it up with toppings of their choice. Some campers stuck to classic cheese, while others piled on so many toppings that the dough was completely hidden! It was a delightful activity and a delicious treat that everyone enjoyed to the fullest.
We also hosted an action-packed water park afternoon that was a hit with everyone! The setup included pools filled with water, shaving cream, and Orbeads, along with water balloons, water guns, and a slip ’n slide—all designed for our mighty campers to cool off and enjoy the hot afternoon.
The campers, their buddies, and their siblings jumped right into the fun—literally! They played, chased each other, and ran around until they were completely worn out. To top it off, we had a special post-pool party complete with cupcakes and juice, giving everyone a chance to refuel before getting ready for dinner. It was an afternoon filled with laughter, energy, and unforgettable memories.
On the final day of camp, three mighty campers—brothers who had loved worship asked if they could lead a worship song. They had been enthusiastically singing and dancing alongside the team all weekend, but that morning, they had something extra special in store for everyone.
Before heading home, these brothers stood before us all and led their favorite worship song. Their heartfelt offering of pure adoration to the Lord was a deep reminder to all of us, you could feel the weight of heaven in their words. It was a beautiful and sacred moment that blessed every camper, buddy, and team member present.