"Our goal is to continue to provide a great SEP experience, but to do it at a price and in a location that will make it available to many more of our teens," Mr. Rogers said. "This requires that we move from a remote and expensive national facility to a regional camp model."

The WCG will introduce seven regional camps this year. Six will be launched this summer. They are the camps in California, Washington, Arkansas, North Carolina, Ohio and Connecticut. A winter camp is planned in Colorado for late December.

Thus far, 298 campers and 81 staff members have been accepted to the six regional summer camps. Plenty of room is available at each camp, but prospective campers are urged to apply soon. Applying is easy by going on-line at the WCG website (www.wcg.org) and clicking on the "youth" button. Or you may request an application by calling the national office at 1-972-712-5737. Detailed information about each camp is available on the web site or by calling the national office.

Those attending the camps can expect the same great experiences that were the trademarks of the national program. Chapel services, seminars, activities, games and social events will punctuate the one-week programs. As an added benefit, the most that a camper will need to pay for the SEP they are accepted to is $300, or half of what the traditional program cost.

Plan now to apply for the camp of your choice, and bring a friend.