This marked the 14th year of United Youth Camps sponsoring one of its teen camps in the Pacific Northwest. The 97 campers and 52 staff members enjoyed their time together in the Zone—God's way of life in action. It was a trouble-free camp where campers and staff appreciated the blessing to be able to learn and grow together. God blessed the camp with wonderful weather (in the 90s most of the camp week), unity among both campers and staff and spiritual growth. Campers identified with the UYC-wide theme of "Rising Above the World Today" in their daily Christian Living classes. Denny and LeeAnn Luker gave two classes on Excellence in Living on the theme of identifying your love language. They also gave a class on femininity and masculinity. This marked their 12th straight year as staff. Because of their upcoming retirement from the full-time ministry next summer, both staff and campers gave words of appreciation to them for their years of loving service to hundreds of campers over those 12 years. Camp activities included the ever-popular evening campfire. At these campfires the dorms give greetings to one another and campers can sing songs or participate in lighthearted contests with one another. Each campfire ends with an inspiring story and a closing prayer. Each evening is concluded with a visit by the "dorm parents." Dorm parents visit each dorm before bedtime for a chat about the day and God and His way of life in some regard. Camper comments included: "I believe this year at camp taught me more about how to deal with the world around me with real-life experience" and "I am going to read the Bible more and pray in the morning instead of night." The staff was impressed with the maturity of the campers in terms of their desire to connect with God and His way of life. Daily activities included the morning Christian Living class, waterskiing, kayaking, dance class, volleyball, basketball, arts and crafts, archery, golf, swimming and water polo, rock wall and high and low challenge courses. Two camp dances gave campers an opportunity to relax and practice the dance steps they learned in dance class. Staff and campers concluded the week of activities on Friday afternoon with indoor games. On the Sabbath, split sermons were given by Rex Sexton and Larry Walker. Beautiful special music was given by a large brass ensemble made up of campers and staff, plus a camp choir. A question-and-answer session for each dorm was also a part of the Sabbath day. We wish to thank our staff who donated 10 days out of their summer and who drove many miles to serve the youth. Without their dedication, camp would not be possible. Here is how one camper summed up the camp experience: "I am going to keep the Zone going even after I go home." Camp Davidson will be held at the same facility from Aug. 2 to 9, 2009. We certainly see evidence that the United Youth Camps are training, mentoring and inspiring the next generation of servants for service in God's Church. This is truly exciting!