“20 Years and Counting” adorned the back of each ball cap and visor. The 20th year at Pinecrest was truly an excellent year for a number of reasons.

On June 19 the camp program began for 80 campers and 50 staff with an orientation to prepare for the week ahead. With orientation completed, staff and campers proceeded to the gym for get acquainted games organized Randy and Penny Urwiller. With the games completed, the campers and counselors headed back to their dorms for meetings and their first opportunity to interact with their dorm parents.

Camp Pinecrest begins with the Sabbath. This provides a time to relax and enjoy a spiritual focus before launching into a busy activity week.

Saturday morning, after a sumptuous breakfast, the campers and staff enjoyed a Bible study, “Waiting on God,” presented by Brian Shaw. The study was followed by an ABC presentation and Sabbath singing. A leisurely Sabbath continued with services that afternoon. Randy Urwiller and Gary Smith gave split sermons introducing the week’s theme, “Be Like Our Heavenly Father.”

The first day ended with six Bible challenges. Each dorm had to solve a Bible word search, identify Bible Mad Gabs, search and read the Scriptures, identify Bible stories, draw clues in Bible Pictionary, and use clues to discover biblical people, places, and things.

With a most positive Sabbath concluded, the activity week began on Sunday. Each day began with a Christian living class for all campers and staff. With a spiritual foundation established, dorms proceeded to the activities. Regular activities enjoyed included riflery, archery, ropes, softball, speedaway, journalism, rock climbing and rappelling, and volleyball. Three new activities were introduced this year: stand-up paddle boarding, nerf tag, and Frisbee golf.

Each evening after dinner, a different activity was offered. Campers and staff enjoyed dodgeball, a question-and-answer Bible study, the Amazing Race, a fun show. To cap off the week, an awards ceremony was followed by a dance.

As the camp came to a close, various members of the United leadership team heard from those who work at the camp, who made positive comments about UYC teens displaying qualities of “the Zone.”

The week at Camp Pinecrest came to a close on Friday, June 26. It is to God’s glory and honor that Camp Pinecrest is an annual reminder that this glimpse of the Kingdom will one day be a reality for all mankind.