More campers than ever attended the program—139!—largely because Camp Woodmen was not available for the Church’s use this year. Half a dozen or so of the staff who would have served at Woodmen joined the Cotubic staff this summer, as did many campers. With teens and staff from around the U.S.—as well as staff members from as far as Brazil, South Africa, Mexico, Trinidad and the Philippines—an attitude of unity and cooperation prevailed from the start. That we are one spiritual family was clear.

The activity program included the normal team sports and water activities, along with dance, arts and crafts, and the “Amazing Race.” Cotubic also has an extensive high ropes course, a climbing wall, “big swing” and zipline to challenge all comers. Still, the Christian living program was the center and focus of camp. Morning classes explored an element of the theme, “God’s Vision for You,” which could then be echoed throughout the day at activities and dorm discussions—with a related story wrapping up the evening campfire program. 

Following weeks of hot and humid weather through May, God seemed to turn down the thermostat for the week of camp so we could conduct activities quite comfortably. Then as camp ended, a heat wave gripped the U.S. Midwest, reminding us of what a blessing we had enjoyed. 

As good as this camp session was, we learned lessons and are making plans to have an even better one next summer. Of course, teens have an opportunity to revisit “the Zone” before then at Winter Camp in December!