“Destination Dig” in Knoxville, TN

Spring break 2024 was spent in Knoxville, TN with the Oakland Baptist Church Youth Group. A fine group of high school, college age, and young adults (LOL) left Corinth, MS at 12:00 p.m. traveling to Knoxville to lead a Back Yard Bible Club at City View Baptist Church. 6 1/2 hours of looking at the back of these guys was a lot easier with the fabulous snack bags Kalah prepared for everyone. (Except the yucky cheddar cheese straws)

Not a Trip Without a U-Turn

We drove in at 6:30, made a few U-turns, circled the area, said a few prayers, made a few phone calls, and still arrived in time to take some of their youth, youth workers, and the pastor’s family to eat at Calhoun’s on the River. It was a great time of fellowship, encouragement, and getting to know each other. Can’t let those fantastic views get away, so I took photos over the river of some of our students willing to pose.

Fabulous Food at Calhouns’s on the River

Brad had preordered our food and it was all so yummy. biscuits, cornbread, cream corm, beans, claw, chicken, candied apples, and Boston Butt.

Detour(s) Ahead

I didn’t realize that Knoxville was so hilly. They were doing road work around the church area and detours were wide spread. For anyone who has ever driven a bus you know detours are a bus drivers nightmare. With Brad driving, Travis giving encouragement, all passengers that were paying attention praying, we made it to the church to prayer walk. The students had the opportunity to walk around the church and pray for the children attending this week. We prayed for the youth workers, youth, pastor, and church members. These pictures were actually taken the next day when the sun was out. Imagine doing these roads at night in a 45 passenger bus.

Never a Dull Moment

There was a little excitement upon arriving at the hotel at 10:00 p.m. and getting checked it. No, Brad was not the issue despite what my picture looked like. No one was ever in any danger and our OBC students were so polite and well behaved. Everyone got to their assigned rooms and crashed for the night.

Breakfast and Detours

Breakfast was served at the hotel, bus was loaded up, and we were off to the church to get ready for the kiddos to arrive for Back Yard Bible Club at 10:00. Strangely enough, the detours signs had been moved, added too, and new roads closed so the adventure was real.

Getting Started

Registration started a little before 10. Brad started everyone off together by introducing them to Wyatt, our local archeologist. Destination Dig is the theme of the club. He explained how Wyatt was digging to find treasures in rocks and everyone would be digging for truths in God’s word.

Great Leadership by the OBC Youth

The students quickly got involved making friends with the young kids , teaching them the songs, and talking with them. After the opening session, we divided into 2 groups ,and began the bible study. Each group had a couple of student leaders that lead them around to their bible study, art and crafts, music, and recreation rotations. The interaction was so much fun to watch and our youth were AMAZING at being the teachers and leaders.

Food Run

During rotations, Doug and Kalah took a trip to Sam’s for supplies. Our guys helped unload the goodies and preparations for lunch began. Everyone pitched in. No one was too old or too young for a job! Lunch day one was ham and turkey sliders with apple sauce, chips, and cookies. Go boxes of hoagies, fruit, chips, and dessert were prepared and sent home with each child who came today.

Ouchie

Ouchie Fingers were bandaged, conversations were held, and food was enjoyed. Yep, that is Brad offering to cut help her out by removing the ouchie. with pliers. This little cutie quickly straightened him out. Bandaids were found and she decided to put it on herself. (Do you blame her? )

Youth Serving Others

Playground Fun

I’m not sure who had more fun on the playground this afternoon, the student leaders or the kids. They did play well together and made LOTS of static electricity. The weather was beautiful and enjoyed by all.

Debrief

Brad gathered everyone back together for one last event as we closed the day. The kids showed us how well they had learned the songs and motions as well as the bible stories that were taught. Pick up time went well. The team from City View and Oakland debriefed in the youth room and discussed what was needed for tomorrow.

Top Golf Fun with City View

Everyone gathered at the bus to head out for Top Golf. Fun was had by all. Snacks were eaten, muscles got sore, and bad shots were made, but most of all we fellowshipped and laughed together.

Steak and Shake

After MORE detours, the City View folks were dropped back off at the church and OBC headed to Steak and Shake (Brads favorite) for dinner. The students were excited to try out the pool and workout room while some of the ladies cut out treasure boxes in preparation for tomorrow’s activities. Everyone was tired and headed to their rooms by 9:30 get ready for bed and prepare for tomorrow’s bible stories. Looking forward for another great day.

Stay tuned for more OBC Youth Adventures, Days 3 and 4 coming soon!!!!!