“I don’t mind the rain, you’re going to get wet,” said Cary Farrell. And that about summed up the we’re going to have fun no matter what attitude of those who ignored threatening skies and bleak weather reports to attend the Fourth Annual Family Lake Day hosted by Student Ministries.

Family Lake Day, held at White Oak Recreation Area at Jordan Lake State Park, was a huge success! There was a brief, light rain mid-afternoon and one distant rumble of thunder, but weather did not dampen the spirits of almost two hundred students and their families who flocked to the lake Saturday, August 22. Undeterred by rain, dozens of kids ran wildly into the lake to swim and hovered around boat pick-up sites for their turn to go “tubing.”

For those less familiar with water sports, tubing is one wild ride behind a boat— hanging onto a ski rope, while perched on a large round tube. “The wakes were massive and they still stayed on,” said Sam Clendenin after coming in from a boat ride and tubing run with a group of friends. “He did a phenomenal job,” said Christa Boland of one boat driver. “He flipped them around… they liked being pulled under the bridge.” Christa went out on one of six boats provided by Colonial members or their friends to watch her sons, Luke and Andrew, give tubing a try.

From the shore loud screams could be heard as one boat powered in pulling an extra large tube carrying seven girls. “It was awesome…all seven girls on one tube!” said Brooke Fuller. “That was hard, but really fun…I love tubing,” said Mica Cline. The other brave young ladies were: Jamie Wertz, Laura Graham, Lanelle Fuller, Grace Klema and Carlee Richards.

Less adventurous lake-goers enjoyed sitting on the beach and watching the boats come and go; reading a good book; and catching up with friends. Several little attendees sat all afternoon, rain or shine, digging in the sand and building castles. At the picnic shelter others played horse shoes and volley ball. “Horse shoes can become quite a competition,” said Student Ministries Pastor Aaron Miller.

About three o’clock, a team of dedicated grilling experts began cooking hamburgers and hot dogs for the hungry crowds that would be gathering to eat at five. The grill-team included Bob Dascombe, Jeff Brodd and Sid Graham, while Dennis Ferrell provided his famous Family Lake Day Chili. After dinner, Cary Farrell and Kim Pohlig set up a small bonfire in a grill so kids could roast marshmallows for s’mores. For almost an hour, there was a constant throng of kids around the fire waiting to prepare their own gooey treats.

Pastor Aaron said Family Lake Day is an extension of an event called Grillin and Chillin that was held at Bond Park for several years as an annual kick off to the school year for students. In 2006, the event moved to Jordan Lake at the White Oak Recreation Area which can accommodate large private groups—so families were invited to join their students in the fun. Swimming and boating—especially the tubing— are a big draw. Hundreds have come out for Lake Day over the last four years. “I really want it to be a time for all families to have fun, not just those with kids in Student Ministries,” said Pastor Aaron. “The food’s good. It’s a good day for everyone.”