Well, after having done missions trips for the past 2 summers, we decided that we would go back to camp this year. We had been to Indian Creek Baptist Camp the past 2 times we'd gone to camp, but I decided to try a new camp this year. I got in contact with Cornerstone Baptist Temple in Dayton, OH. Each year, they rent out Camp Chautauqua in Miamisburg, OH and run their own camp. After talking with their youth pastor, I began to feel that this camp would be a pretty good "fit" for our teens and decided to give it a try. Well, we were there this past week, and I can honestly say that it was one of the best weeks of youth camp I've had in a long time. Our kids loved it- it "fit" them better than even I expected it would. I'm already making plans to go back next year. Chad Hayes Assistant Pastor Columbia Road Baptist Church, North Olmsted, OH www.crbc-online.org
Very cool to hear Chad... Hit me up with some more info on how it fit you. I am interested what they did that you liked. 1 Corinthians 2:2 For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.
Well, for starters, the preachers were excellent. Bro. Dave McCoy (People's Baptist Church in McDonough, GA) spoke the first half of the week. He has a laid-back, humorous style that really seemed to connect with the teens. Also, he always got his point across in 30 minutes or less. I'm not one who usually times sermons, mind you, but it was nice to see someone take a teenager's attention span into account. Literally, after each service he preached, my kids would comment to me about how good a message it was and share some nugget of Scriptural wisdom that they had gleaned from it. Bro. McCoy was only there through Wednesday morning, so Bro. Kirk Kirkland (assistant pastor of the camp host church) took over. He was louder and more active, but he still connected with the teens just the same. The music was right up our alley- mostly Southern Gospel with some hymns and praise & worship choruses thrown in. There was also a ladies' trio from Crown College there for part of the week to do special music.
Activities-wise, everything was well-organized. Also, the schedule was flexible. The only catch is that, since the church runs its own camp, they need the help of the adult leaders from the attending churches for things like officiating games, judging music competition, etc. However, they make sure they don't overburden you with things like that, and it's your choice as to whether or not you help with these things. I refereed one basketball game, umpired two softball games, and judged the music competition. That's all I did, and I still had plenty of time to spend with my kids. I also liked the fact that they had a variety of activities- not just sports. They had art, music, girls' storytelling, boys' preaching, etc. Sports-wise, they had the usual (basketball, softball, volleyball) as well as some different options (dodgeball, mini golf, bowling, pool, etc.) They struck a good balance between activities and free time.
All of the campers were divided up into four teams. They make sure that all of the campers from a particular church are on the same team. They then divide the teams into 4 categories: jr. high boys, jr. high girls, sr. high boys, and sr. high girls. This is how they compete in the activities. There was a camp-wide crazy game each afternoon, and more crazy games and skits in the auditorium each night around 9:30-10:00 P.M.
BTW, the food was good as well.
No camp is perfect, but this one ranks pretty high on my list. There are a few things I'd change/do differently, but they take input from the attending churches to use in planning the next year's camp. Overall, if you're in the area, I'd recommend it. Believe it or not, there were churches from Idaho and Florida there!
Chad Hayes Assistant Pastor Columbia Road Baptist Church, North Olmsted, OH www.crbc-online.org
I have been taking my groups to the Anchorage in NC (http://www.anchoragecamp.org/) It is a smaller camp but very well done they are situated on a lake so they have water skiing and such. They also have indoor rollerskating and rollerblading, rock climbing wall. They are definatelly not afraid to use the airconditioning which is excellant in the summer. Most of the counselors and op staff are students at Bob Jones University. They music is very Godly and the line up of speakers is excellant. I highly recommend it. Steve Crank Youth Director Victory Baptist, Goldsboro NC
From games, to ideas, to illustrations, flyers, files, and free downloads, this is the place to find 'em all! Free, Independent, Fundamental Baptist Youth Ministry Resources. All Biblical references are from the KJV.
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Camp Reviews
15 Feb 
