Youth Camp is a week of living with the enthusiasm, creativity, thirst for knowledge and chaos that defines this age group. They entered the conference center in groups cheering and waiving their color bandanas. They gracefully dealt with what I consider extreme heat and uncomfortable accommodations but for them is the norm. They had fun and camaraderie abounded.
Most of the young people who attended camp.. Here we are at Rancho Luna Beach on the last Friday afternoon, the last day of camp.
For me it was time to focus their energy towards spiritual growth. It requires the ability to touch their imagination with what can be. To exchange the questions that define me from: what I have, I do, and people think of me towhat is God doing, what is God providing, what does God say of me. We focused on being God’s beloved, on the meaning of surrender and why it is important, and times of reflection to allow God to work in our lives. All these are difficult concepts for an age group that is in constant movement. But I am not discouraged. We’ve planted the seed. They heard the word. And many responded.
Oscar checking in with one of the discussion small groups after his teaching
Camp opened on Monday night with the teams walking in displaying their color bandanas. The idea was taken from the Olympics.
Over the years I’ve seen the growth in many of the young people who have develop a godly sense of purpose towards others, a deepening of their spiritual understanding and a commitment to their Christian beliefs. I see these demonstrated as they move in a culture that is foreign to these principles. And I am full gratitude for them and the opportunity to participate in the Youth Camp which is supported by you. We will post their stories so you can get to know them and echo what God says about them.
Oscar
Young people with Jesus Ferro, (wearing a black t-shirt) a student at the Baptist Seminary who attended the Camp. He preached on Tuesday night.