Report From Southwest Camp

Southwest Camp took place July 7–14 near Prescott, Arizona amidst the tranquil setting of the ponderosa pine forest. The camp hosted 55 campers, three junior campers and 54 staff members, all of whom enjoyed favorable weather with refreshing afternoon rainstorms that brought cool evenings.

Activities included horseback riding, archery, escape room, Bible class, arts and crafts, mountain biking, kayaking, volleyball, field sports and dance. During Bible class, campers learned to put their name in the admonition of Scripture to make it more meaningful, and also designed Bible study outlines from the book of Ephesians. Evening activities, including campfire, were a favorite time that brought the entire camp together.

This year’s theme, “Stand Strong,” deeply resonated with everyone involved. It prompted reflections on the significance of putting on God’s armor and standing firm against adversities, symbolizing our spiritual battles. The campers were profoundly impacted, renewing their understanding of God’s greatness and the strength He provides to overcome challenges. This theme shaped the entire week, fostering a sense of unity and spiritual growth among campers and staff.

Throughout the week, the bond among campers, staff, and their heavenly Father helped to create the camp “Zone.” Starting from the initial camper orientation on Sunday to the final dance on Saturday night, the staff shared a collective purpose in serving together.

The success of Southwest Camp wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of numerous volunteers who contributed their time to support the teens. Heartfelt gratitude goes to all who prayed for the camp’s success.

As we reflect on the camp’s impact and the memories created, we continue to thank God for His guidance and provision throughout Southwest Camp.

—Brent Fogelson, director, Southwest Camp

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Report From Camp Ochoco

The theme of Camp Ochoco 2024 was “Stand Firm in God’s Armor.” What do those words mean to you? For 68 energetic campers, the four days at camp gave an opportunity to explore the meaning and understand more about the pieces of armor as they learned about them in every activity.

This year we changed the name of “Gaga Ball” to “Gaga Zone” to reinforce that competition is fine, but not more important than showing love. The activity lived up to its name when the older kids all teamed up to shelter one of the littlest campers to protect him. They learned in Christian living, at campfire and all throughout camp that you can stand strong alone, but we stand stronger together. These moments also remind us that we can learn from our youth and not just the other way around.

In music class the campers learned a song all about the armor of God that was composed by one of our Church members. They practiced it in music class and all together at campfire, and as a highlight at the end of camp, they performed it for our camp facility host.

Even though the weather was quite warm, cloud cover helped us out on our busiest day of activities. At our last campfire a sudden thunderstorm formed within a few minutes, but the lightning that impacted the rest of the region did not affect our camp, for which we were very grateful.

Campers also had opportunities to cool off from the summer heat in swimming, a popular favorite, as well as in aquatic kickball and in sports, where water activities showcased the battle between good and evil, where armor clad campers battled against objects that represented the negativity of this current age.

Some of our campers proudly wore their “armor” all throughout camp and, when asked, one of the campers said it scratched a little bit to take on and off, but it was important to him to keep it on. Putting on the armor isn’t always easy to do every day, but the example of our little B1 boy can hopefully encourage us all to remember it!

—Jeff Richards, director, Camp Ochoco

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Camp Woodland—Excitement and a “New” Campus

Camp Woodland, United’s southeast teen camp, began this year on Friday, July 18, with a definite sense of excitement. Whereas in years past, Woodland was housed on the east side of camp, this year’s camp mainly took place on Woodland’s west side. The move west afforded numerous advantages for campers and staff that enhanced the Woodland experience.

From camper orientation forward, the 93 campers and 73 staff took advantage of the “new” opportunities of Woodland’s west side. In addition to new meeting rooms, new dorms and a larger campus, Woodland’s schedule capitalized on the new site in a variety of ways. Sabbath brunch was well received by campers and staff in that it allowed extra rest for those who’d traveled a longer distance to camp (for example, from Alaska). Like the other UYC camps, Woodland leaned into the “Stand Strong” theme from the start. It was covered in morning Christian living classes and was also the focus of dorm Bible classes throughout the week.

While Georgia temperatures hovered in the 90s before camp, temperatures held pleasantly in the high 70s and low 80s most of the week. We welcomed the rain on numerous days because it kept things cool. When sun was needed—for example for Camp Woodland’s “Grill and Chill”—God blessed us with an abundance of sunshine to enjoy outdoor volleyball, basketball, corn hole, spike ball and swimming after a meal of grilled cheeseburgers and hot dogs.

As for activities, the climbing wall, giant swing and zip line—always favorites—were once again activities of choice. Additionally, archery’s new spot near the center of camp made it a “can’t-miss” activity based on location and the “airhorn for a bullseye” that could be heard throughout the camp. With the larger south athletic fields available for speed-a-way and ultimate frisbee, both activities were preferred camper and staff picks. In the evenings, campfire featured a range of mind-expanding skits from staff, Christian living lessons, and a camp favorite, “News from Woodland: Camper Letters.”

Along with Woodland’s other “news,” staff placed special focus on camper skill development, active learning and dormmate support, as well as proficiency mastery in most activities. To this end, a “most improved” boy and girl camper were recognized this year for each activity and across activities, and proficiency achievements were publicly acknowledged. Our final camp dance, a “Safari Adventure,” completed Woodland’s week and brought out costumes that will not be soon forgotten. Friday morning, July 26, capped Woodland’s week of excitement, with campers and staff alike voicing approval for this year’s camp and looking forward to Camp Woodland 2025.

—Philip Aust, director, Camp Woodland