Camp Woodmen 2014 was a resounding success! The numbers were incredibly well balanced this year: 42 girls and 42 boys, which worked out to three dorms each. A staff of 44 rounded out the number of people who attended. Northern Alabama provided a picturesque setting where God’s hand was obviously at work the entire week.

Each morning started with Christian living classes that emphasized the camp theme “Leaders: People of Character.” Campers were given memory verses, which were reiterated in each class. The daily themes looked at biblical leaders who stood up for God’s way of life. We learned from God’s Word and looked at examples of how we can also strengthen our relationship with God.

Dance class was one of the first classes for each dorm, as the first day of camp ended with a dance. Team sports such as volleyball, basketball, speedaway, ultimate Frisbee and softball were staples of the schedule. Swimming and the waterslide gave everybody a thrill, and adventure abounded in high ropes, including a newly renovated climbing wall, high swing, and giant zip line. Strategists enjoyed the low ropes course, where dorms worked together to overcome various obstacles. Riflery and archery challenged everyone’s concentration and offered a great way to compete with themselves and others. Individual dorm Christian living classes offered a small group session to dig into God’s way. Each dorm also took their turn in campus improvement and helped clean after meals.

Plenty of social time was worked into the schedule. The campers didn’t seem to mind the heat, as they played ping pong outside on the patio while enjoying a snack. Evening activities continued the fellowship opportunities with activities such as novelty olympics, fishing, fun show, sports, Bible study, and a dance on two evenings. Several campers who had never done any fishing caught their first fish!

Every evening before camper curfew, campers and staff gathered together to sing the hymn “How I Love Thy Law, O Lord.” It was a great way to focus our attention on God’s Word right before heading back to the dorms. Each elder was assigned a specific dorm to visit every evening before bedtime, so the campers had the opportunity to discuss relevant topics and focus on practical application of God’s way of life once again.

Altogether Camp Woodmen 2014 ended up being one of the best years ever. Thank you to everyone for their prayers and support. We had a wonderful group of campers and service-oriented staff focused on God’s way of life. We thank God for His protection and direction.