United Church of God

2017 Camp Report: Camp Hye Sierra

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2017 Camp Report

Camp Hye Sierra

Camp Hye Sierra is a privately owned facility built by Bob Mathias, two-time Olympic gold medalist. The camp offers a fantastic location perched high in the Sierra Mountains where campers can get away from the world and come together as a family of like minds and values to have fun, be challenged to try new things, and grow in understanding of God and His way in the “Zone.”

At our main pavilion at the lakefront we enjoyed our first dance and had dance classes throughout the week as well as Sabbath services. Also at the pavilion we enjoyed gathering together for a Fourth of July picnic with grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and all the trimmings. 

One of the most unique activities at Camp Hye Sierra is the opportunity to see the giant sequoias at the Sequoia National Forest coupled with rock climbing in beautiful Kings Canyon area.

Other popular activities for campers are speedaway, archery, basketball, capture the flag, bubble balls, volleyball, kayak, water polo, orienteering, challenge course and drama. Also a life skills class prepared campers for the final banquet Saturday evening when the boys escort the girls to dinner and have the opportunity to practice good manners and enjoy good food and conversation with one another.

The Christian living classes provided thought-provoking discussions about using God’s Word as our daily guide in building a relationship with God.

It was clearly evident God’s dynamic hand was involved, and we are thankful there were no serious injuries or health issues, and the weather was ideal. Our daytime temperatures were moderate and pleasant, while the evenings and mornings were chilly and crisp.

We also had the privilege of having Steve Nutzman, the national director of United Youth Camps, with us. He gave us a gift of a three-fold cord to remind us with God, our friends and our family on our side we are stronger. We also had the pleasure of having a member of the Council of Elders and director of the Spanish work with us, Mario Seiglie, who led the basketball activity.

Thank you for your prayers for a success Camp Hye Sierra. They were answered on a daily basis. It is very clear God is calling our youth, and it was a great pleasure for all of us staff to have the privilege of serving them.