Camp has always been a place where old friends meet, new friends are made, and memories that last a lifetime are built.
This past summer at Tween camp I was called into the girls village on Monday night. A camper was threatening to go home. There were a lot of strong “feelings” going on as I walked in the door. Tensions were high. With God’s leading I came into the cabin and sought common ground with the group. The mood lightened and with a prayer in my heart I began to unpack the stressful situation. I asked the girls if they understood what I was saying. One of the campers, who had been deep in the tension, smiled and said, "This is where we all tell Pastor Charlie yes we totally understand.” Tension melted from the room, and the rest of the week went well for everyone in that cabin.
The girl who had spoken up was Hannah. As the week went on, we developed a relationship. On Friday night, she came forward and dedicated her life to Jesus. Later that night she asked to talk with me. Hannah told me that life had been difficult and that she had not handled it well in the past. In fact, before camp, she had pretty much given up on the idea that she was even interested in a relationship with Jesus. Hannah had literally been kicked out of another camp that very summer. After a week at Timber Ridge Camp, she felt the Holy Spirit’s presence in her life and decided it was time to give God another chance.
Each summer, our Lake Union summer camps make a huge impact on our campers. They are places where our staff represent Jesus with love, compassion and yes, just good old fashioned fun that can only happen at camp. Come see us this summer! Let’s see what God has in store for our staff and campers!
Location: Timber Ridge Camp, 674 Timber Ridge Rd, Spencer IN 47460
Camper Email: trcampermail@gmail.com
Phone: 812-829-2507
Charlie Thompson is youth director for the Indiana Conference.
