SEP Connecticut--
the heart of a champion

By Steve Botha
Camp director

PLYMOUTH, Connecticut—Seventy-two campers and 54 volunteer staff members took part in the Connecticut Summer Educational Program (SEP) Aug. 18 to 24.

God blessed us with an exceptionally wonderful camp this year. The delicious food, prepared under the able supervision of Dale and Sybil Martin, was once again a big hit. Campers enjoyed a variety of activities: archery, arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing, volleyball, flag football, soccer, riflery, C.O.P.E (Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience), which includes team building and low and high course elements of a challenge and ropes course.

The real blessing was the spiritual dimension of camp. This regional youth camp has been in existence for more than 20 years and even though our Lord Jesus was certainly present during those years, this year campers and staff acknowledged his presence in a special way.

Our daily chapel services were superb, with worship led by campers and staff under the guidance of James Newby, pastor of the Chicago Northwest and Joliet, Illinois, churches. The discussions following the chapel messages were truly meaningful.

Young and old responded to the theme of camp—The Heart of a Champion. Everyone seemed to acknowledge that the real Champion of champions is the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit seemed to touch every heart in camp.

It was difficult to choose awards for campers of the sessions as many of the campers exemplified the theme of camp in their attitudes and conduct. However, the awards were presented to Jasmine Broadnax, preteen girl camper of the session; Jason Ekonomakos, preteen boy camper of the session; Ruth Anne John, teen girl camper of the session; and Antoine Elliott, teen boy camper of the session.

Staff and campers alike shared their joy of celebrating the grace of God at SEP Connecticut.

HIGH WALL—Jason
Ekonomakos makes it
down the high wall.

HIGH ROPES—Ruth Anne
John gets ready to go
up high ropes course.

CAMPERS AND STAFF [Photos by Peter Ekonomakos]

PRAISE AND WORSHIP—Teens
lead worship.

Copyright © Worldwide Church of God, 2002