What is summer time without a week at camp?"Almost nothing" is the answer that a growing group of teens and adults would give. Those who participate in the tradition of church camp, as sponsored by Christian Educational Ministries,are avid supporters of the youth in Sabbath-keeping circles. From the director and his wife, Larry and Kitty Watkins of Big Sandy,Texas,all the way to the "rookies" , those who came for the first time,all were enthusiastic and eager as we all met for eight great days. We used the group camp facilities at Sequoyah State Park near Wagoner,Oklahoma and had campers from the ages 13-18. As these campers are special young Christians and camp is a place for them to fellowship with one another,to have great fun and to learn more about God and honor him with their presence.(cem newletter)
This years camp was nothing short of remarkable. YEA 99 proved to be a great experience for all the campers, and counselors alike. The beginning of the week brought anxious smiles, "CAN" (camp action news!!) and maybe a little nervousness. By the end of the week, we had all forged new bonds and grown together in faith and in the flesh.With the tears and laughter filling the air, promises were made to keep in touch, and continue this tradition. All the friendships made and strengthened by camp no doubt hold strong today, and will contuinue to flourish in the coming years.
NO doubt about it, this years camp is one we wont soon forget. We learned some good lessons about how willing we are to help a fellow camper in need. We learned that even when things happen that we might not have been able to predict, with God's spirit leading our lives, nothing is impossible. I know that not only the campers learned important lessons. This year we had a group of "associate" counselors, and each of us took away a sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as gratitude for the oppurtunity to participate in this years camp.
This years theme for the bible studies was "faith". Everyday we had bible studies in our cabins and also a group study. Through the week we learned lessons of exhibiting our faith, and 'letting our light shine' to the world, and also on how to build our faith and establish a closer relationship with our savior, Jesus Christ.
|
