Youth Camp

August 6-10, 2012

“This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live” (Deuteronomy 30:19).

This was the theme verse of our Annual Youth Camp, held at Lassen Volcanic National Park. The week brought challenging words for campers and counselors alike, as we examined what “choosing life” practically means for a Christian at home, in the church, and at school. After a meeting that specifically focused on how we can be effective in the church, one high school girl reflected, “I don’t think I hardly ever pray for the other girls in my class, and I’m realizing how much time I spend thinking about myself instead of what I can do for my family and friends at church.” Another camper in her class added, “Especially when school starts, I want to be a blessing to girls who are younger than me, by talking to them more and taking them out for lunch. I should be a sister to them, not a stranger.” Many campers made similarly practical resolutions about how they can actively serve God.

A total of fifty youths at the camp, ranging between the 6th and 12th grades, also enjoyed exploring the local sights. Some highlights included swimming at a waterhole and lake, hiking nearly to the summit of Mt. Lassen, and a trek down to the infamous sulfur pits. Other camp activities included arts and crafts, tug of war, volleyball, and a basketball match of high school boys versus a contingency of counselors. This was the theme verse of our Annual Youth Camp, held at Lassen Volcanic National Park. The week brought challenging words for campers and counselors alike, as we examined what “choosing life” practically means for a Christian at home, in the church, and at school.

God truly blessed our camp, and we are thankful to see the many youths at GVCC eager to serve God. On the last evening of the trip, one of the young men at camp prayed, “In the past few years, this youth camp has been life changing for me and others, and it is our prayer that God will continue to work here next year, and the year after that, and every year.” Indeed, this is our collective prayer.

Also see our Youth Camp page.