Camp Ghana

The 2025 United Youth Camp in Ghana came with a lot of joy and eagerness to learn and grow in Christ, while also having fun. Held from Dec. 21-28, 2025, on the campus of Valley View University in Accra, we had a total of 22 youth campers and 22 volunteer staff coming from six different congregations in the country and also including four visiting staff—two from Nigeria and two from the United States.

This year’s main theme—Building On The Foundation—served as a reminder that much like any building requires a strong foundation to stand the test of time and adverse weather conditions, we as Christians must have a firm foundation in Jesus Christ; the model from which to learn, grow and fashion our lifestyle and choices, ensuring that we are rooted firmly in God’s word and His ways, so as not to be swayed by trials, doubts, temptations or the evil of this world.

Each day of activity began with early morning, low intensity calisthenics to prepare for the rest of the day. Activities this year included: archery, chess, crafts, swimming, team challenge, volleyball and Christian living classes at the beginning of each day. For the entire week, campers engaged in activities tailored to not only develop their individual strengths but to also encourage teamwork and contribute to their spiritual growth by prompting certain Christ-like characteristics.

Unusual rains during this period threatened to mar what had been a seamless camp experience, but thankfully, the joint effort of campers and staff was more than enough to mitigate any disruptions and ensure that activities went on as scheduled.

Members of the Accra congregation joined the Sabbath service at camp as we were treated to melodious special music by the campers and split sermons from Mr. Carl Koester and Mr. Paul Moody. Services were followed later that evening by a banquet and an awards ceremony to acknowledge and encourage exemplary campers.

Overall, camp was a wholesome and spiritually enriching exercise for both campers and staff, as well as a timely escape from the bright lights of the Accra Christmas season.

Paa Kow Ferguson-Aikins

Camp Kenya

Camp began on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, with a green environment, as it rains year-round in this region. The youth stayed in tents, as did some of the staff, while others dwelt in bandas (eco-friendly cottages). We had 22 campers and nine staff members.

The theme was “Building On The Foundation.” All Christian living lessons were based on this theme. The youths were taught on how to pray, the Ten Commandments, career choice, mental health, making decisions, developing discipline, God’s character, purity, self-control, integrity, godly fear and others like Bible study, campus chat, question and answers. There were outdoor and indoor games.

Delicious breakfast, lunch and supper were served each day. The camp ended after seven days and all campers arrived home safely. We thank God for giving us that wonderful opportunity, protection and a conducive environment. We also thank the parents for sending their children for this special occasion.

We want to appreciate everybody who supported this function to be successful.

Mark M. Nyakwara

Camp South Africa

The South African youth camp was held in December 2025 at the Moolmanshoek Leadership Development Centre in Free State Province. Located on a game reserve, it offered truly unique and unforgettable experiences.

Despite being significantly down in numbers (16 campers compared to last year’s 27), we were blessed with good weather when we needed it, no injuries or serious illness, a new activities to enjoy, and much enthusiasm from our youth. We were once again blessed to have international staff, provided through Good Works, who always bring a unique flavor and fresh perspective to our camps; a great reminder to our kids that we’re a part of something much bigger.

The Christian living theme—Building On The Foundation—was supplemented by an Excellence in Living class—How to Build a Stable Life, introduced last year by Mr. Ken Loucks at Northwest camp, Oregon.

Many lessons were learned and memories made. We look forward to the next opportunity to learn God’s way in the inspiring environment of the Zone.

Vivien Botha

Camp Peru

Camp was held in Lima, Peru, for the very first time, and it was a joyful and memorable success, clearly blessed by God. From across Latin America, 21 young people attended—three from Argentina, one from Colombia, three from Mexico, three from Chile, and eleven from Peru—reflecting the growing unity of our youth throughout the region. They were supported by nine dedicated staff members whose service and care helped make the camp both meaningful and inspiring.

The young people expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to participate, and throughout the camp there was a strong spirit of unity, learning, encouragement and joy. We are deeply thankful to God for His many blessings and to everyone who contributed to making this first UYC in Peru such a positive and uplifting experience for the youth of the Church in South America.

Marcelo Saavedra

Winter Camp

Winter Camp 2025 wrapped up its ninth year in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. A total of 185 campers and staff gathered together with an abundance of winter weather. The day before campers arrived brought about five inches of snow accumulation and almost daily flurries. This added to the wintery atmosphere and encouraged lots of fun in the snow followed by fellowship and time to bond in the warm indoors.

Camp activities this year included arts and crafts, basketball, Bible class, broomball, dance, escape room, field sports, and volleyball, and a ski/snowboard trip for our oldest dorms. The theme, “Building on the Foundation” was woven into the daily compass checks to start the day, and then brought to a conclusion in the evening Christian living class before dinner. Real life examples were brought out to reinforce the daily themes. Concepts that might not be familiar to teenagers, like blueprints, foundations, and other technical building terms, were explained in concrete ways that were easy to remember and related to our spiritual “house” or life that we are building.

God’s blessing over the camp was evident with His protection from sickness, which can sometimes prove to be a challenge for winter camp, safety from accidents or mishaps, while allowing us to fully enjoy a very wintery camp week. Hot chocolate and great conversations were abundant this week as new friendships were formed and longtime bonds were reinforced. The slower pace of the winter camp schedule allows for ample fellowship time, which the campers and staff both enjoy. With sunset being before 5 p.m., activities move indoors much earlier than summer camps, which helps add to the close-knit winter camp environment.

We are very thankful for the wonderful support of the staff who sacrifice their time and effort to help serve the campers. We also appreciate the parents, who entrust us with the campers for a week, and who put in the work at home to help the teens build the foundation for their life. Winter Camp is a wonderful experience in the middle of the winter, helping to bridge the gap of fellowship time with friends at the Feast of Tabernacles until they are able to see each other again at summer camps.

Aaron Creech