CLC’s Camp Director, Becca, headed to San Diego over Labor Day Weekend to join the DiscoveryBound Outreach National Event.
We kicked off the weekend with an inspirational talk, given by George, the CS Practitioner supporting the event. We discussed the theme for the trip, The Kingdom of God. The metaphysical theme comes from this quote from Retrospection and Introspection by Mary Baker Eddy (79: 30-2) “We recognize this kingdom, the reign of harmony within us, by an unselfish affection or love, for this is the pledge of divine good and the insignia of heaven.” What a great foundation to build upon! With all of the activities we would participate in and meeting a lot of new people, it is important to recognize that God, good is always in control and has dominion. George also asked for some questions from the participants and was able to answer a few. After this great sharing, the kids were then able to play some get-to-know-you games and pick their travel groups for upcoming activities.
Our first full day started with a joint camp show and a lecture given by Josh Niles. In the afternoon, we headed to the Birch Aquarium and the beach! In the evening, teens from the National Leadership Council, or NLC (one of DB’s programs), led peer discussion groups focusing on the topic of image and social media. It was great to hear everyone contributing to the conversation and giving insight into what models we should be trying to hold in thought and presenting/living and demonstrating.
We started Sunday morning off by seeing Sea Lions at the beach. Following this, we headed to the Christian Science Church in La Jolla for Sunday School. We were warmly welcomed by the church and their members, and had some really fruitful Sunday School classes. 
In the afternoon, we headed to the San Diego Zoo! We had an amazing time walking around and seeing all of the animals. Highlights included seeing a 4-D short film of Rio, the monkey exhibit, and the red pandas. Our evening concluded with a river boat cruise and dance.
Azaria and Cameron, two CLC campers, were participants on this trip and were both in Becca’s dorm and her travel group. Azaria says:
I just want to say, this weekend in San Diego was amazing…I felt like I was in camp it was so easy to relate to [my dorm mates]…I never thought that I’d feel like I had actual sisters until I met them…It was a blessing that Cameron and I were able to get to go, I’m extremely grateful for that and also the people who put the stuff together and I hope to go again! #ILOVEDISCOVERYBOUND.
Overall, this past weekend was an amazing opportunity to meet teens from around the country, and 
recognize that the Kingdom of God is ever-present! Most kids shared their thanks for the weekend during the Gratitude Session held on the last night. Many of them expressed how easy it was to make friends and how they felt loved and accepted, like they were all part of a family. I think these testimonies relates directly to the metaphysical theme, where Mrs. Eddy indicates that by having “an unselfish affection or love” we are expressing the Kingdom. This truly was demonstrated all weekend, and it was wonderful to see that being expressed by this group of teens.
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