Home Office Weekly Update

Report: Camp Ochoco Preteen Camp

We had 72 campers come together at Camp Ochoco in central Oregon July 13–16 for four days filled with fun, friendship and spiritual growth—all centered around this year’s theme: “Build on the Rock.”

Each morning began with Christian living classes designed to bring the theme to life in creative and memorable ways. One class used braille Legos to show how communication and understanding can be built even through barriers. Another used colored building blocks to demonstrate the importance of having a strong spiritual foundation.

Throughout the day, campers rotated through a variety of engaging activities, including archery, wilderness exploration, aquatic kickball, swimming, field sports, gaga ball, dance, Bible explorers, pickleball, and arts and crafts. The pool and water sports were a huge hit, especially during the hotter afternoons. In arts and crafts, campers expressed the theme tangibly—creating decorated backpacks and building lighted houses “on the rock.”

A new feature this year allowed teen staff to participate in scheduled activities during their free time, giving them a chance to enjoy camp from a camper’s perspective while continuing to serve as positive examples. Their energy and hard work were a key part of the camp’s success.

Evenings brought everyone together around the campfire for songs, skits and spiritual lessons to close the day. This year, special guests from South Africa added an international flavor, sharing stories that reminded everyone of the global nature of God’s Church and our shared foundation in His truth.

Camp Ochoco continues to be a place where preteens can grow in confidence, character, and faith—all while having a blast. The foundation being built here is one that will last.

—Jeff Richards, director, Camp Ochoco

Report: Philippines Youth Camp

The 2025 United Youth Camps Philippines was successfully held June 8–15, at Eden Nature Park, Brgy. Bayabas, Toril, Davao City, with the theme “Building On The Foundation.” This year’s camp gathered a total of 50 campers, 40 serving staff and 15 mini-campers. The camp activities officially began with advanced training and orientation for counselors and staff June 3–6. During this period, they reviewed camp manuals and participated in forums aimed at improving the overall camper experience.

Each camp day started with dorm time focused on prayer, meditation and housekeeping. The day concluded with a compass check session in the evening, where campers reflected on the day’s challenges and lessons learned. Campers also took turns preparing breakfast for the entire camp, assisted by kitchen staff, with presentations graded for quality and teamwork. A key component of the camp was the Christian living classes held each morning.

In addition to spiritual lessons, campers attended career guidance workshops to help them in choosing their educational and professional paths. Service workshops were also offered to prepare campers for serving in their home congregations. Boys participated in song leading and public speaking workshops, while girls learned unleavened bread baking and flower arrangement. Campers further enjoyed a variety of outdoor sports and team-building activities, including basketball, soccer, volleyball, and park adventures such as the Skyride (zipline), SkyWheel, Sky Bicycle, horseback riding, and the Sky Swing, which was a favorite among both campers and staff.

Another highlight of the camp was the skills development workshops, which included basic webcasting setup, computer troubleshooting, graphic design, online job orientation, baking, networking and dance. One of the most memorable events was the island tour to Talicud Island, Island Garden City of Samal, a one-hour boat ride from Davao City. Campers participated in their final Christian living class on the island, followed by outdoor games and swimming on the island’s white sand beaches.

The final day featured the “Biblympics,” a Bible Bowl Quiz Bee that the campers thoroughly enjoyed and participated in, followed by Sabbath services in the afternoon. The camp concluded with a talent show and awards night, highlighted by a cowboy night-themed program where campers showcased their talents and received certificates and awards. We are truly grateful to God for another enjoyable, meaningful and successful year of United Youth Camps in the Philippines. Campers left encouraged and excited, already looking forward to next year’s camp.

—Rey Evasco, camp director

Report: Camp Gilmont Preteen Camp

We are grateful to God for another successful year at Camp Gilmont! From July 27–30, 46 pre-teen campers along with 34 adult and 13 teen staff enjoyed a camp experience that was abundant with His blessings. Throughout the year many prayers were offered up regarding the weather, as Texas summer temperatures can be quite high. God provided wonderful cloud cover for the first day of camp, and we powered through the sunny days by maximizing water activities and the large pavilion play area.

Fun activities included using the swimming pool and splash fountain two afternoons in a row. A new activity this year for the four eldest dorms was archery, while the two youngest dorms got to experience an “epic playmix” of dancing, small pin bowling, marble sets, Legos and a Play-Doh station. A variety of sports, water games, arts and crafts, hammock circle, Bible charades, music, line dancing, and free time under the pavilion rounded out the activities. Camp photos can be viewed on this public site, in addition to the UYC Facebook Page.

The UYC theme of Building on the Foundation was well received and reinforced within various activities and in the Christian living classes. A notable project this year was the making of cards for those affected by the flooding of the Guadalupe River. One of our staff members has a direct connection to an area resident who is putting together supplies for victims and survivors and will deliver the cards. The cards were beautifully decorated with colorful jeweled stickers, glitter paint, markers and crayons. Some of the campers made multiple cards and many of the cards included words of encouragement and Bible verses. It was moving to see our youth express heartfelt concern for those who are in the midst of trials.

We are deeply thankful for the labor of love of our adult and teen volunteers who come serve at camp. It is vital and much appreciated. We couldn’t have camp without you! As always, camp goes by very quickly, and we’re looking forward to Camp Gilmont again next year when we return to an early summer time slot.

—Jim & Laurel Moody, directors, Camp Gilmont

Get Fueled by Faith at Winter Family Weekend 2025!

Planning for the 2025 Winter Family Weekend is in full swing, and we are excited to announce this year's theme: “Fueled by Faith!”

Get ready for an unforgettable weekend packed with opportunities for faith, fellowship and fun. We’ve listened to your feedback and are building our best event yet, with inspiring seminars, a massive family carnival, and more social events than ever before.

A special note for teens and parents: One of our biggest goals this year is to relaunch our teen basketball and volleyball leagues with more energy than ever! We know it’s more fun to play with your friends, so we are encouraging all interested teens to start the conversation now. The upcoming Feast of Tabernacles is the perfect time to connect with friends from around the country and get your team roster ready.

Get a sneak peek! We've just launched a new teaser page on the official WFW website. Head over to wfw.ucg.org to get a first look at the exciting activities we have planned and take our fun new quiz to discover your “WFW Vibe.”

Stay tuned for more updates. Official registration will launch soon!