Tucked away from society lies Camp Cotubic. Here in a setting “away from it all,” youth in the Church of God lived for a week from June 19-26 in an atmosphere resembling the Kingdom of God. This year’s focus was “A World Away from the World,” and this statement couldn’t have been truer.

This new location welcomed 116 campers and 47 staff from all over the country, who came to live God’s way of life and to establish better relationships with God and with each other. Formal instruction included a daily Christian living class focusing on the theme of “the Core of Character,” as well as an additional Bible class about developing a personal relationship with God. Informal instruction took place literally throughout the day through spontaneous discussions.

Establishing God’s way of life at camp could not happen without everyone working together to provide support and care for others. Encouragement was so important for many of the activities. One was the high-ropes course. Many campers overcame their fear of heights to walk across ropes 30 feet in the air. Campers below were able to cheer on their friends and provide tips for the next step.

The blob was another popular activity this year where campers were launched off a big balloon (and into the water!) by someone else jumping onto it. Camper Greg Pacleb explained this experience: “When you get launched into the air, it’s kind of scary at first, but you feel like you’re flying!”

Other activities included arts and crafts, media, basketball, flag football, the rock wall, horseback riding, giant swing and more.  Each activity offered great opportunities for dorms to work together. Counselors accomplished the bigger task of providing a safe and supportive environment for campers. “Sometimes, to get someone to do something outside of their comfort zone, you need to be assertive and supportive at the same time. After they try it once in that environment, they’ll be free of fear afterwards,” said counselor Mark-Philip Pebworth.

The close relationships that campers developed were truly something special. Camper Nathan Creech said, “You can find many things in common with people you wouldn’t expect.” Nathan described that the best part of camp was the closeness of his dorm and the great conversations they had.

Staff members were also given opportunities to build bonds. Swim staff member Alyssa Diggins explained that the best part of camp was getting to know people better: “I hardly knew any of the campers and only a few staff. So this was definitely a great opportunity to meet and become friends with more people in God’s Church.”
During the evenings, campers were able to choose from some of their favorite activities or just fellowship. A lively campfire concluded each day’s activities. Camp finished with a peaceful and inspiring Sabbath, followed by the traditional banquet and dance.
Camp Cotubic proved to be an edifying camp that allowed campers and staff alike to focus on their relationships with God and each other. Even though they had to leave “a World Away from the World,” they went home strengthened for the challenges of the coming year.