Living Church of God campers gathered once again for Living Youth Camp this summer, July 18–31. Campers and staff came from all across the United States and Canada—one even came from South Africa. More than 190 people spent two weeks enjoying fun, food and fellowship, while working hard and learning. As in previous years, LYC was hosted by Northwoods Christian Camp, located near the town of Pickford in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Staff arrived in the afternoon on July 16—a couple of days before the campers. That morning, a tremendous storm had knocked out power in the area for seven hours. Everyone was caught off guard, yet everything worked out completely. All plans steamed ahead—yes, literally steamed—as some days were marked by high temperatures and humidity.
Each day's activities began at 7:45 a.m., when campers from four excited boys' and girls' dorms gathered for "Morning Motivation." One dorm would yell out, "We've got spirit, yes we do, we've got spirit— how about you?" Other dorms would reciprocate the chant. Camp Director Mr. Gerald Weston then led campers and staff in singing the "camp song"— with new verses added each day to commemorate events that had occurred at camp. After viewing a newscast prepared the previous day by campers, everyone appreciated a proverb given by Mr. Weston.
After each "Morning Motivation," campers would enjoy breakfast before beginning a rigorous and full day of activities. Each day, campers had a Christian living class in their first activity period, taught by Messrs. Weston, Jonathan McNair, Mario Hernandez, Sheldon Monson, Charles Ogwyn or Michael Elertson. The theme this year was "the biblical Church of God," and campers learned how to use concordances and Greek and Hebrew lexicons to aid their Bible study, as they found for themselves many of the answers to questions posed in class. Not only did this approach prove effective in the classroom; the campers also learned new skills that will serve them for years ahead!
For the remainder of the day, each dorm rotated through a variety of different activities. For instance, a typical day after Christian living might include dance, speech, volleyball, soccer, archery or media class.
Media classes this year were conducted jointly by assistant camp director Mr. Jonathan McNair, Mr. Brian Scarborough, Mr. Derek Forrestier, Mr. Myron Short and Mrs. Sue Ruddlesden. Each day, one dorm would create a newscast presented by two anchors, a weatherperson and field reporters. All this was done with amazing sound effects, background maps and other details that were truly impressive. Campers became familiar with the sound board, lights, cameras and computer software used to create the newscast shown each day at "Morning Motivation." We truly had some talented campers in our midst.
One highlight was to hear each group of campers walking from activity to activity, singing their dorm's own special song, which unified the group and showed its uniqueness. One song this year was, "I'm a little 2B, short and stout, here is my handle and here is my spout. When we get all steamed up, hear us shout, just tip us over and pour us out!" Of course, the song was accompanied by a full range of motions and gestures!
One much-anticipated feature of this year's camp was the return of the overnight canoe trip, led by Mr. Sheldon Monson, area pastor from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Campers learned skills for fun and safe canoeing, then put those skills into practice in the waters of Lake Huron as they paddled out to Government Island. Some canoes this year had to endure strong winds, lots of rain, soggy pancakes and eggs— still, valuable lessons were learned, such as: Never set something against a tent's walls during the rain!
Mr. Monson also arranged a number of challenges on the island, designed to teach cooperation, teamwork and survival. In one challenge, campers had to start a fire using just a magnesium block and striker. Another challenge tested campers' marksmanship skills.
Dr. Douglas Winnail was with us for the last four days of camp. In addition to visiting Government Island, he was able to see most parts of Northwoods Christian Camp, teach some Principles of Living classes, observe many other classes, give the last Sabbath sermon and conduct a leadership class for the staff. He seemed very happy with what he saw!
Girls in the Christian Roles class (taught by Dorothy McNair, Christie McNair and Jenny Penman) were taught the art of hospitality. Each girls' dorm planned an evening of topics and dance for a corresponding boys' dorm. Each girls' dorm decided on a theme—Big Band, France and Hawaii were among the themes chosen. With the assistance of their instructors, the girls prepared the food, decorations and entertainment for the evening.
"Evening Reflection" ended each day, giving everyone an opportunity to slow down before bed. Campers and staff gathered in the main hall to sing hymns, and to listen to Mr. Weston read stories with meaning pertinent to their lives. Each session ended with the hymn, "By This Shall All Men Know" before everyone contentedly and peacefully headed off to bed for the night.
Sunday night was the much-expected climax of camp. It was a bittersweet evening—the campers really looked forward to the final banquet, but it was also hard to say goodbye to old and new friends. After a scrumptious steak dinner prepared and served by the staff, everyone watched the camp video (prepared by Seth Forrestier), which recapped many highlights of the previous two weeks. Mr. Weston then gave the concluding remarks, and presented Steve Olson and Brian Scarborough with achievement plaques for their many years of tireless, humble and selfless sacrifices and service.
Though some campers and staff have come to LYC year after year, every year has a few "firsttimers." One father came to LYC for the first time this year, to see exactly what he was sending his son to. He wanted to see if camp was the real thing. He concluded, "I'm going home and talking up camp to every teen I can find." These words and examples say it all!
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Pre-Teen Camp, Troy, Missouri
From June 18–25, 81 staff and campers gathered for a Living Church of God Pre-Teen Camp at Cuivre River State Park, in Troy, Missouri. The Church has used this location for several years; campers and staff alike have grown to appreciate its beauty.
Each day began with a fitness class led by Shirlene Solomon and her staff. After working up an appetite, it was time for breakfast, followed by a Christian Living class, taught by Mr. Larry Solomon, Mr. Barry Howdeshall or Mr. Bill Oswald. Then came a wide range of activities, including rifle safety, archery, square dancing, canoeing, fishing, flag football and kickball. Campers and some staff were challenged by an obstacle course. Another favorite activity was arts and crafts; boys made clocks, and girls made handbags. The final event on Friday was a treasure hunt enjoyed by all the campers.
Evening activities included a dance, a singalong, a variety show, and a Friday evening Bible study in which Mr. Solomon gave an overview of Christ's life. Campers were joined for Sabbath services by the St. Louis congregation, and heard a sermon by Regional Pastor Mr. Rand Millich. After services, everyone enjoyed a covered-dish meal, and many took part in a Bible game. Campers departed on Sunday, June 25, already looking forward to next year's camp.
— Larry Solomon
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Pre-Teen Camp, Mexia, Texas
June 11–15 was an exciting time for 36 campers and 35 staff members at the Living Church of God Pre-Teen Camp in Mexia, Texas. Campers between the ages of 8 and 12, mostly from Texas and Louisiana, spent five days at Fort Parker State Park, where teen and adult staff members led them in a wide range of activities, from archery to kickball to rock-climbing to classes in Christian living.
Mr. Gerald Weston, who oversees Living Church of God youth programs, provided guidance and support for those working with the Texas camp. Evangelist Charles Bryce, Regional Pastor for the southern United States, also provided guidance and support. Camp Director Mr. Charles Ogwyn, area pastor for Church congregations across most of Arkansas and part of Tennessee, was assisted by Mr. Deric Forrestier of the Gladewater, Texas congregation.
Campers enjoyed the beautiful setting on Fort Parker Lake, where they stayed in air-conditioned dormitories and ate their meals in an air-conditioned dining hall—which included a full institutional-style kitchen. Campers also made use of the park's playing fields and hiking trails.
There were six classes each day; three in the morning, and three in the afternoon. Campers and staff together attended the first class each day, which covered Christian living topics on the theme, "Building Blocks for Life." Mr. Ogwyn taught the class every day except Wednesday, when Mr. Bryce taught the class during his visit to the camp.
Other classes included archery, riflery and canoeing (including an overnight canoe trip on the Navasota River, complete with a treasure hunt in which campers learned to use a map and compass.
After supper each evening, campers enjoyed activities such as tossing Frisbees or water balloons. Thursday evening featured a fun show, with many campers and staff members performing for everyone's enjoyment.
By the time camp ended, everyone was tired from the full schedule of activities, but anticipation of next year's camp had already begun. The pre-teens had learned new skills and made new friends, while having a lot of fun in the process.
—J. Charles Ogwyn
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LYC 2006 Tacloban City, Philippines
Seventeen youthful campers spent May 1–5 at Bayanihan School, in Tacloban City. More than half had never before attended a youth gathering such as this. Six camp staff served as counselors and took care of food preparation, while the campers heard lectures on Christian living topics such as the Kingdom of God, the Festivals, living in the world, and Christian leadership. There were also classes in journalism, music and etiquette. A Bible Bowl deepened campers' familiarity with Scripture. We are already looking forward to next year's camp, perhaps at the national level or combining Davao and Tacloban.
—Felipe Casing