I LOVE CAMP!

I grew up going to Riverside Camp in Blaine, Maine.  It was not much by the standard camping ministry but there was something about that place where I could recognize the presence of God unlike any other.

Since there was not much to do onsite (except an in ground pool) we would end up going roller skating, bowling, and other things during the day.  There was something about Riverside that brought out the best. From all the room cleaning competitions to capture the flag with USA vs Canada, and the "talent" shows. I am still friends today with some people that I would only see once a year at camp. There was something amazing about the bond we all experienced together.

It was at camp that I came to know Jesus. It was also at camp when I was baptized. There were many transforming things that happened in my life, from being crazy during Romans 16:19 to the more serious moments at the evening campfire, to hearing Jesus echo over the river as 100 campers would scream it at the top of our lungs and then become as quiet as possible to hear.

It was at this camp that I was introduced to Indiana Wesleyan University. At IWU, I traveled with a summer ministry team just like the team I had met at Riverside. Now I was the one traveling over 7,000 miles in a nine week period attending and counseling at camps all over the United States. I was even able to attend Riverside with this team.

After IWU, I was a youth pastor and I started taking youth to these camps. I was able to see them experience God, some for the first time. I was able to see them transform over a period of time after going to multiple camps and retreats. There is something so amazing that happens when you remove yourself from the world and all the distractions, put yourself in a place with people your same age facing some of the same things. God moves, lives are changed. It was awesome as a camper, and a counselor and is still great as a pastor. Whether you are a kid, a teen, college student, or adult there is a place for you at camp.I LOVE CAMP, and I know you would too.

Here is a link to Cedar Springs Camp website where I currently serve on the board. Check it out, not just the site, but actually go to a camp or retreat.