United Youth Camp Updates

• Philippine Campers Strengthen Their Faith by "Laying a Sure Foundation"
• Camp Woodmen Draws Campers From 19 States
• Camp Davidson Appreciates Lukers; Enjoys Campfires
• Building Bridges at Camp Hye Sierra
• Campers Seek Challenge at Extended Session
• Camp Carter: Rising Above the World Today

Philippine Campers Strengthen Their Faith by "Laying a Sure Foundation"

Thirty-two campers and 34 staff (including three United Youth Corps volunteers) gathered May 4 to 11 at Eden Nature Park in Davao City for the 10th United Youth Camp in the Philippines.

For the fifth consecutive year, the four "dorms" (groups of eight campers and two counselors) slept in tents and cooked their own food. It was a rainy week, but with God's protection and help, the camp proved to be an exciting and a challenging adventure. Here are three of the highlights:

Christian Living Class Expanded and Improved

The carefully chosen theme for this year's camp was "Laying a Sure Foundation." We decided to dedicate the whole morning after breakfast exclusively for the Christian Living class. After briefly introducing the topic for the day, camp director Ed Macaraeg would get all the campers and staff involved in discussing the prepared questions on the selected topic.

The topics covered the basics such as the existence of God, the authority of the Bible and finding the true Church. In addition, common issues like digital addiction, sexual immorality, Sabbath compromise, dating outside the Church and fashion and lifestyle were discussed as well.

After the discussion, the dorms would present their findings and conclusions before the entire group, backed up by Scriptures. Not to be outdone, the staff came up with a series of comical skits on the fly to illustrate the specific points of the Christian Living topics. It was educational as well as highly entertaining.

Wilderness Skills and Confidence Course Made More Challenging

There are three reasons the confidence course and wilderness skills activities this year were more challenging. The first was the heavy rains. The second was the cover of darkness. The third was the raw egg that each camper was supposed to carry uncracked until he or she crossed all four "obstacles" eight hours later.

The first obstacle was the wall climb. Each camper had to climb a 40-foot high vertical wall by grabbing onto holds fastened to the wall. These holds became slippery due to the rain and mud. Climbers, of course, had helmets and safety harnesses (as they had for all the other obstacles). After that, they had to descend 40-feet down by rappelling. As they hiked to the next obstacle, they were overtaken by darkness. It was pitch black (except for the flashlights), it was raining hard, and it was getting cold—since practically everyone was soaking wet.

The second obstacle was the 50-meter pulley slide across a deep ravine. They had to cross this chasm carrying their food, water, firewood and other supplies—and the raw egg!

When they reached the other side, they assigned one person or two to start the fire. They needed to prepare their food without regular conveniences and utensils; they cooked their rice using bamboo tubes and baked their bread without ovens. But since it was raining hard, the food didn't cook that fast.

The third obstacle was to cross a 25-meter monkey bridge across another deep ravine. Then, finally, the food was ready.

The fourth obstacle was arguably the toughest one—the mud tunnel. Due to the heavy downpour, the tunnel was as slippery as oil. The tunnel gradually sloped upward, and it got narrower and steeper as you went. Finally, the campers entered a small horizontal concrete tube about 18 inches in diameter and had to squeeze their tired bodies through the length of it, about 20 or 30 feet.

The wonderful thing is, nobody was complaining. Everyone was excited, upbeat and enthusiastic. We were cheering each other on. Nobody wanted to quit. And every single camper passed through that confidence course. It was an accomplishment when we finally arrived at the campsite at around 10 or 11 p.m.

By the way, all the girls arrived with their raw eggs uncracked. As for the guys, about 50 percent of their eggs were cracked, broken…or eaten!

Lest one think this was nothing but a senseless torture, the objective was to help them develop the confidence to face challenges and difficulties in life. Safety was always a priority.

Youth Corps Volunteers and Ultimate Frisbee

This year, we were privileged to have three United Youth Corps volunteers: Luke and Kristina Crane from Spokane, Washington, and Bobby Ouellette, from Dallas, Texas. Luke and Kristina helped in the wall climbing and also introduced a new sport that was really exciting for everyone—ultimate Frisbee. We also played that under the pouring rain—it was a lot of fun.

Kristina and Luke also taught volleyball, while Bobby helped out in soccer and basketball. We really appreciate their taking the time to travel to the Philippines to volunteer and help us. They made a lot of friends and left a lot of positive memories.

Other Activities

Other activities were dance, first aid, inline skating, riflery and swimming. We also had workshops to pass on a marketable or useful skill. Each camper could choose to attend up to two workshops: art illustration, baking, basic electronics, beading accessories, calligraphy, conversational English, envelope production, journalism, LPG/home fire safety, organic fertilizer production, public address system and rubber slipper making.

For the other evenings we had orientation night, novelty games, fellowship time, a Bible study open forum and a talent show and dance night. For the Sabbath, we had Bible bowl and Sabbath services. We thank God for a very successful camp, with many valuable lessons learned.

—Daniel Macaraeg

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Camp Woodmen Draws Campers From 19 States

The week of June 29 through July 6 marked the 11th year for Camp Woodmen, Alabama. This year 107 campers from 19 states joined 54 volunteer staff workers for a wonderful week in the "Zone." God's blessing on the weather was evident as high temperatures fell in the mid-80s early in the week to around 90 degrees late in the week. Low temperatures ranged from the low 60s to around 70 degrees.

Since camp last summer, the camp facility had been given a facelift. Sidewalks had been poured all the way down to the boys' dorms, buildings had been painted, a new ceramic tile floor had been installed in the dining hall, bunk beds were sandblasted and repainted, and the girls' bathhouses had been refurbished.

Each morning's Christian Living topic focused on aspects of this year's theme of rising above today's world by building a bridge to the future. Daily activities included basketball, dance, flag football, golf, high ropes, low ropes, riflery, speed-away, swimming, water sliding and sand volleyball. It had been a few years since having an actual dance class. Angela Moen and assistants taught the Cleveland shuffle and other line dances.

Evening activities included two dances, an open activities evening, novelty Olympics and a challenge sports night. For Friday night Bible study, small groups composed answers to actual questions received by the Vertical Thought Personal Correspondence team.

On Thursday, July 3, the camp was delighted to have UCGIA President Clyde Kilough and his wife, Dee, spend the day with us. Mr. Kilough spoke to the combined camp that morning about the Ambassador Bible Center and also the importance of looking to the Kingdom of God. Throughout the day, the Kiloughs toured the various activities and joined in a number of times.

Feedback about the success of Camp Woodmen 2008 has been very positive. One camper in Dorm 1G wrote on her survey, "I learned that the physical aspects of life are so unimportant in comparison to relationships with God and His other children."

A first-time member of the counseling staff wrote, "Being a counselor taught me so much about myself and ensured me that our Church is developing an amazing group for the next generation of believers." In comparing the Zone to the carnal world around us, another counselor wrote, "Camp is a great motivator that God's culture is far better!"

Over the years, we have watched young 12-or 13-year-old campers come to camp for their very first time. This year's staff included several we have seen grow up at camp over the years. What an inspiration it is to now see them serving on the staff, giving back to those who are younger. In some cases these young staffers have attended ABC or are baptized members of God's Church. Truly the UYC program is bearing tremendous fruit not only for today's Church, but also for the future as we walk across our Father's bridge to the Kingdom of God.

—David Dobson

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Camp Davidson Appreciates Lukers; Enjoys Campfires

Campers and staff from 10 states and two Canadian provinces enjoyed a weeklong stay in the beautiful Oregon Cascades from July 6 to 13.

This marked the 14th year of United Youth Camps sponsoring one of its teen camps in the Pacific Northwest. The 97 campers and 52 staff members enjoyed their time together in the Zone—God's way of life in action. It was a trouble-free camp where campers and staff appreciated the blessing to be able to learn and grow together.

God blessed the camp with wonderful weather (in the 90s most of the camp week), unity among both campers and staff and spiritual growth. Campers identified with the UYC-wide theme of "Rising Above the World Today" in their daily Christian Living classes.

Denny and LeeAnn Luker gave two classes on Excellence in Living on the theme of identifying your love language. They also gave a class on femininity and masculinity. This marked their 12th straight year as staff. Because of their upcoming retirement from the full-time ministry next summer, both staff and campers gave words of appreciation to them for their years of loving service to hundreds of campers over those 12 years.

Camp activities included the ever-popular evening campfire. At these campfires the dorms give greetings to one another and campers can sing songs or participate in lighthearted contests with one another. Each campfire ends with an inspiring story and a closing prayer.

Each evening is concluded with a visit by the "dorm parents." Dorm parents visit each dorm before bedtime for a chat about the day and God and His way of life in some regard.

Camper comments included: "I believe this year at camp taught me more about how to deal with the world around me with real-life experience" and "I am going to read the Bible more and pray in the morning instead of night." The staff was impressed with the maturity of the campers in terms of their desire to connect with God and His way of life.

Daily activities included the morning Christian Living class, waterskiing, kayaking, dance class, volleyball, basketball, arts and crafts, archery, golf, swimming and water polo, rock wall and high and low challenge courses.

Two camp dances gave campers an opportunity to relax and practice the dance steps they learned in dance class. Staff and campers concluded the week of activities on Friday afternoon with indoor games.

On the Sabbath, split sermons were given by Rex Sexton and Larry Walker. Beautiful special music was given by a large brass ensemble made up of campers and staff, plus a camp choir. A question-and-answer session for each dorm was also a part of the Sabbath day.

We wish to thank our staff who donated 10 days out of their summer and who drove many miles to serve the youth. Without their dedication, camp would not be possible.

Here is how one camper summed up the camp experience: "I am going to keep the Zone going even after I go home."

Camp Davidson will be held at the same facility from Aug. 2 to 9, 2009.

We certainly see evidence that the United Youth Camps are training, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of servants for service in God's Church. This is truly exciting!

—Steve Nutzman

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Building Bridges at Camp Hye Sierra

High in the Sierra Nevada mountains campers and staff from across the United States, and as far away as New Zealand, learned to build bridges to the future. Following this year's theme, and the message of "rising above the world today," campers and staff were not only at a 4,200-foot elevation, but they were also above the world in attitude, service and being in the "Zone." God's blessing was on the camp and the weather. According to many, this was the best year of Hye Sierra!

Morning Compass Checks and evening Christian Living classes focused on the theme and subthemes of family, friends, faith, truth and the Kingdom. There was a lot of enthusiasm from and interaction between campers and staff, and bridges were built in many ways.

Several evenings were enjoyed around a campfire, and the camp skits were some of the funniest the campers have delivered.

Campers were able to take a day hike through the giant sequoias and see the earth's largest living thing, the General Sherman tree. They also climbed Moro Rock and took in the breathtaking views it has to offer.

Activities during camp included kayaking, basketball, volleyball, speedaway, swimming, dance, crafts, rock climbing and rappelling, hiking, fishing, a Ping-Pong tournament, novelty Olympics, campfire skits, a talent show, team building and capture the flag.

On the Sabbath, camper Aaron Meidinger gave a sermonette, and in the afternoon we were privileged to have a visit from Dave Register, director of Educational Programs, discussing the ABC program. Several campers then gave speeches before everyone attended the evening banquet and dance.

God's way of life permeated the camp this year and was an example once again to everyone present that God's way of life works. The camp manager, Gary Langely, stressed several times that among all the groups using the camp, we were by far the best. He said he wished all the camps were like the United Youth Camps, and that it is a delight to have us use their facility.

Campers left with a full week of fun, fellowship, wonderful memories and lessons that will be a "Bridge to the Future."

—Paul Carter

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Campers Seek Challenge at Extended Session

After a full week at California's Camp Hye Sierra, 18 adventurous campers didn't go home—not yet! Instead they headed higher up and farther in to the mountains of the dramatic Sierra Nevada range to participate in a challenging three-day extended session.

Day one was a "down day" to rest from the previous week and set up our base camp at Big Meadows, 7,600 feet in elevation. We climbed to the top of nearby Buck Rock fire tower for a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains, had dinner and a Christian Living discussion around the campfire and prepared for the next day's activities.

After breakfast and a Compass Check, we set out on a 12.4-mile round trip hike to Jennie Lake, gaining over 1,600 feet in elevation and topping out over Poop Out Pass at 9,250 feet before dropping down to the crystal-clear lake for lunch and a refreshing swim. Campers took turns leading the group during the hike, responsible for map-reading, route-finding and the general well-being of the group, to get a feel for leadership responsibilities.

After dinner back at base camp, we traveled to Boyden Cavern, located beside the tumbling rapids of the Kings River at the bottom of Kings Canyon, the sheer rock walls of the Windy Cliffs rising 1,500 feet above us. We spent the evening on a flashlight tour, climbing among the rock formations and crawling through narrow passageways to explore the "off the beaten path" sections of the cave, then spread out our ground pads and sleeping bags to spend the night in the cavern.

After breakfast and a Compass Check beside the Kings River, we spent the last day canyoneering in the Boulder Creek canyon. Most felt this was the real highlight as we hiked, boulder-hopped, scrambled, bush-whacked and rock climbed our way up the creek through true, trailless wilderness rarely visited by any but the most adventurous. We waded the narrow and shallower sections of the creek, swam the deep, clear pools, slid down water shoots and rappelled a waterfall.

Back at base camp, our final Christian Living discussion around the fire—as our clothes were drying and our bags were mostly packed in preparation for leaving early the next morning—was on "The Challenge of Leadership" and reviewing our experiences during the extended session.

—James Capo

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Camp Carter: Rising Above the World Today

This year 95 campers from 12 states and one European country came to Camp Carter July 6 to 13 to make new friends and renew old friendships. Most came from Texas and the surrounding states, but there were also campers from Florida, Virginia, Ohio, Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and even Holland. They were served a week of activities, social time and exploring biblical principles by 41 dedicated staff members.

Although the temperatures were in the 90s each day, we were grateful for some clouds, nice breezes and the huge trees throughout the camp. Getting to the lake or the pool every afternoon helped keep everyone comfortable. The YMCA moved our dates up this year from the end of July to the early part, and it was a blessing for the camp since there isn't usually such a nice breeze at the end of July.

The staff helped campers focus on this year's Christian Living theme of "Camp as a Bridge: Rising Above the World Today" to help them see how they are to stand out as lights in a darkened world.

Our morning Compass Checks each focused on an aspect of how we stand out. They began with an overview reminding everyone that our way of thinking sets the stage for who and what we are. The next topic was appearance, where the main point was that it's not just what we wear, but our attitude and mental approach are also critical. That was followed by a reminder about how our speech should be "a cut above" the world. Thursday the focus was on the influence of media and a reminder that we must monitor what we listen to or watch.

Wrapping up our Compass Checks for the week was the topic of our work ethic. The camp was reminded that we should work as though we're working for Christ. Those who show a good work ethic—being dependable and hard working—will stand out from the rest.

The split sermons on the Sabbath also followed the same theme, exploring the topics of respect for God and others and of the importance of vision to keep us motivated to stand out from the world.

The activity schedule changes from year to year and old favorites—basketball, crafts, dance, football, afternoon at the lake (with skiing, tubing and kayaking), strength training, swimming and volleyball—continue to rank high on the camper surveys.

This year we added speedaway, a cross between soccer and football, and had a life skills class on nonverbal communication. We also switched the evening Bible study Q&A sessions to include an all-boys and all-girls session and one with each individual dorm. And we added a new addition to the Friday night meal that we hope to make a tradition—grilled steak and chicken.

Evening activities are a chance for more fellowship, and on two nights campers were able to choose which activity they wanted to participate in. Monday night we added a camper-staff volleyball challenge, while other staff and campers did a mix and match in speedaway.

Tuesday night was our Getting-to-Know-You Dance with mixers and line dances, and Thursday night the entire camp participated in Novelty Olympics. Bible-based skits were presented by each dorm for Friday night, followed by ice cream and more friendship building.

Every year bonds are strengthened among campers and staff, and eventually it's time go back home. E-mail addresses and phone numbers are exchanged, and plans are made to reunite at the Feast of Tabernacles, regional sports events or at camp next summer.

—Ken Treybig

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