For the second year running, Camp Cotubic (near Bellefontaine, Ohio) was the first and largest of UCG’s teen summer camps. Running June 17-24, the program hosted 127 teens aged 12-19. Among our 55 staff members were several employees of the church’s media department, allowing us to offer a media class, in which campers created videos based on some of Jesus’ parables.

Along with the unique media class, teens enjoyed many of the usual standard camp activities, such as softball, volleyball, archery and swimming. They were also able to use the high ropes course, climbing wall, zip-line and giant swing that are part of the Cotubic facility. Yet what makes the UYC program unique and valuable is that the activities are a means for practicing principles of Christian living.

Years ago, then-camp director Darris McNeely said that we could set up and run our camp program in a parking lot and still be effective. Doing that might be less fun, but it would still allow the most important parts of the program to proceed. Those are the biblical instruction and close interaction with converted adult staff. We strive for the camp program to create a safe, loving environment, in which everyone practices God’s way of life. We call this “the Zone” for short. At Cotubic this year, each dorm began its activity day with a Christian living class that explored an aspect of the camp theme: Calling, Honor and Faith. The schedule included an additional Bible class on successful life planning, taught by Frank McCrady. The evening campfire program concluded each day with a story by a member of the staff that illustrated the day’s Christian living theme.

Of course all of this serious instruction and practice of God’s way of life was not intended to reduce the plain, old-fashioned fun of camp. Rather, it makes camp all the more fun—because God’s way brings joy. Many campers and staff commented that this was their best camp yet. Still our goal for next year is to make it even better!