United Youth Camps Team Plans for 2008

by Dave Myers

Enthusiasm abounded at the home office from Oct. 22 to 24 as the United Youth Camps team convened to review the 2007 camp season and plan for 2008. UYC Coordinator Larry Greider opened the ninth annual conference by congratulating the camp directors for doing another excellent job this past season.

"It is rewarding to see our teens developing a clear vision of the need for the return of Jesus Christ and the value of developing a better relationship with God, adults and peers," said Mr. Greider.

Each camp director gave a brief summary report of how camp went this past year. The reports were positive and uplifting as each director described both the successes of this year and lessons learned to improve the program for next year.

Other topics for discussion included financial reports (the camp program finished under budget again this year!), updated standards from the American Camp Association, a review of our UYC policies and guidelines, an update on our preteen camp program, staff training materials, integration of all our youth programs in the Church, planning for the 2008 camp video and magazine and approaches/themes for our Christian Living instruction.

Several home office personnel also addressed the group. President Clyde Kilough showed slides of summer camp in Zambia and expressed how the focus of all of our camps around the world is the same—teaching our youth God's way. Director of Ministerial Services Jim Franks thanked the team for their hard work and expressed how much he enjoyed attending the camp in Texas this summer. Director of Education Programs David Register instructed the team on educational models and outcome-based planning.

On the final morning, home office Information Technology personnel Richard Kennebeck and Paul Wasilkoff led the team through sessions on computer security and a tutorial on the new online registration system being implemented for the 2008 season.

Mr. Greider summed it up by stating, "It is heartening to see the growth and development of God's camp. A huge thank you to the camp team and the administration for all the effort to create the 'Zone' environment for our youth." UN