Youth Ministry

Florida is host for winter camp

By Marty Davey
Camp director

HIGH SPRINGS, Florida—Sixty-five campers and staff attended our newest regional camp, in High Springs, Jan. 1 to 5. Since the Florida camp was added and announced late in the year, the smaller group made for a family atmosphere.

Although it takes place in the winter, we still use the name SEP because it is part of our national Summer Educational program, and it is truly a spiritual enrichment program for all who come.

The praise and worship and the chapel services were motivating and inspiring. About 12 campers ages 11 to 18 made decisions to accept Jesus Christ, and commit their lives to him. Two requested baptism and plan to make arrangements with their pastors in their home church area. In addition to learning about coming to Christ the campers were also taught about strengthening their existing relationships with the Lord, and going out into the harvest field as participants in the Great Commission.

Activities included a low ropes course and low elements challenge course, which helped to develop a sense of teamwork and bonding among the campers. In addition to chapel services, most campers said they especially liked the go-kart course, horseback riding and the final banquet and dance. Dorm life was enjoyable, and sports, such as football, volleyball and basketball, provided exercise and friendly competition. In the arts and crafts class, campers painted scriptural and Christian sayings on the back of one of their SEP shirts.

An appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation was reinforced by the wooded setting and by the half-day canoe trip down the Santa Fe River and back.

Every evening we enjoyed a different activity, such as a block party with novelty games the first night, a talent and music show the second night and an extra praise and worship service the third night. During the dance on the fourth night, campers enjoyed dances with their new friends and applied what they had learned in the dance instruction classes.

On the last day of camp, we gave a survey to campers and staff, and they gave some suggestions for improving camp next year.

Comments included:

"It was fun, because I ended up meeting people who always want to get to know Jesus."

"At first I didn’t want to come, but it ended up being fun after all."

When asked how they had changed while at SEP Florida, campers responded with:

"I have gotten closer to Jesus."

"I have opened up while at SEP and have become more comfortable in my relationship with God."

"It has made me realize that I need to spread my religion more."

"SEP changed me to be a better person and to be a nicer person, and it changed the way I look at other people."

"I am closer to God, and I liked how we were all best friends and talked to each other about God."

"I learned to be more patient with people, and I definitely learned some humility."

"It changed me a lot. I’m not as mean, and I think before I say stuff."

Our next Florida winter camp is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 28 to Jan. 1. The cost will be $225 per person. To keep in touch with the details as they develop, check the SEP link on the WCG website (www.wcg.org) or send e-mail to me at MartyDavey@prodigy.net

CAMPERS AND STAFF

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