Camp Tomahawk, held July 23 to 27 in Eva, Tennessee, filled to maximum capacity this year with 66 smiling campers, 24 inspiring teen leaders and 55 enthusiastic staff members, representing 15 different states in all!

The camp theme, presented by Chuck Smith at orientation, was "Discovering Your PO!" (Your POsitive POtential). This theme focused on the campers' ability to do anything through a positive attitude and their God-given potential.

Following the opening class, a picnic-style cookout was served, followed by hayrides and kickball games and an evening Compass Check.

Every morning the campers were awakened to the sounds of reveille on the trumpet. Monday's activities included Christian Living classes, swimming, a reptile program, arts and crafts featuring melt bead creations and wooden boats, leatherworks and an owl prowl. One area especially enjoyed by all was the lazy river inner tube ride. Each day ended with a Compass Check and trumpeted taps played in the courtyard.

Tuesday brought beautiful weather and the campers enjoyed many activities including Christian Living instruction, speedaway, a treasure hunt, a creek walk, scratch board art and sand art crafts, hiking and dancing. Campers especially delighted in learning some dance favorites from the teen leadership crew, such as the Texas two-step line dance, the electric slide and the cha cha slide. The evening was capped off with popcorn and movies featuring Spirit, Stallion of the Cimmaron.

Wednesday included another swimming session, speedaway, hiking and a Christian Living class on "what you can take home from camp this year."

New to Camp Tomahawk this year was our teen leadership program. This pilot program accepted 24 teens (ages 12 to 17) to work in a dual role serving the campers by working on the maintenance staff and then, once the work was completed, moving on to their own workshops, Christian Living seminars, arts and crafts program, sports activities and socialization events for their age level. The program was a great success and the teens were a wonderful example to both staff and campers.

Our kitchen chefs turned out fabulous themed meals, including Southwestern Night (tacos, burritos, tostadas, etc.), Tropical Night (marinated pineapple chicken breasts and glazed pecan salad) and Italian Circus night (featuring our now famous, homemade whole-wheat lasagna). On these nights, campers dressed up to compete for the best themed outfit award, and the variety and imagination were endless. Clean Bunk awards were given to a member of each tribe daily.

At the end of camp, special recognition was given to one member of each of the four tribes for the "Spirit of Camp Tomahawk." This award recognizes the children for participation, positive attitude and willingness to help others. Winners were Colin Dolby of Kernersville, North Carolina, from the Mingo Tribe; Andrew Coulter of Marissa, Illinois, from the Cherokee Tribe; Melanie DiMauro of Ringgold, Georgia, from the Seneca Tribe; and Autumn Haggard of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, from the Delaware Tribe.

An overall "Spirit of Camp Tomahawk" award was given to one camper who counselors felt exhibited the best overall positive influence in humility, participation and positive example. This award is a full scholarship to the United Youth Camp of their choice next year. Heather Degagne of Malone, Florida, won this award.

Campers left on closing night with promises to write one another and hugs and tears. Two common statements on the feedback forms included "this was truly the best year ever" and "I can't wait until next year! "