But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.

Luke 18:16

From the Power of Camp:

Words parents use to describe their child’s camp experience, FUN is the most used. 

“Fun is what it feels like when we accomplish the mission.”

“We should celebrate when our camps are fun.”

Camp is our mission field.

And what better way to reach a young child than through a fun experience. Along with a positive and happy view of God.

For many this is their first encounter with a loving God.

Is there any better and more blessed experience to know that you have helped make it possible to introduce a child to the living God, who otherwise may never hear about Him?

Our “mission field” focus this month is on Angel Tree Campers.

Angel Tree Camp is a ministry of Prison Fellowship. They offer camp scholarships to children of prisoners and 1/2 scholarships to other children residing in the home. We have a goal of reaching 30 campers from Angel Tree this year.

In addition to the filling the financial void of 1/2 scholarships needed for some of these families, many will not be able attend without the necessary items needed for camp. We want to be able to assure them, that we can help with those items.

But God

Camp is something I will never pass up the opportunity to be part of. Some of my earliest personal encounters with God happened at kids camp. I believe it was during third grade, at a missionary speaker night, that I first felt a calling on my life. At the time, I didn’t fully understand it—I simply believed God was calling me to overseas missions.

As I grew, that understanding shifted. In middle school, I thought it meant becoming a teacher abroad. By the end of high school, I felt called to be both a teacher and a youth pastor. God opened doors for me to become a teacher, but consistently closed the doors toward youth pastor licensure. Instead, I began interning with Nazarene churches under Craig Lamos and Brian Daniels, gaining hands-on ministry experience. During one of those experiences, I met my husband while we were both serving as counselors at a summer camp.

Looking back, I can see that God was always calling me to missions—just not in the way I expected. That moment at camp planted a seed that shaped the course of my life. Today, I serve as both a teacher and a pastor’s wife, actively involved in many areas of church ministry. The calling I felt as a child didn’t disappear; it unfolded over time.

Camp also shaped me personally. It built my confidence and formed friendships I might not have found elsewhere. There is something unique about camp—it creates space for students to encounter God in a real, personal way. Stepping away from everyday life allows faith to move from stories to lived experience. I’m deeply grateful for the lasting impact camp has had on my life.

Camp is Right Around the Corner

Links under Programs - ““Kids Camp”” ““Camp Forms & Information””

A Look Back May Work Days & Work Week

May was another busy volunteer month with many hours spent around the camp getting it ready for summer. NYI - One Mission, along with many others that stopped in to help on a Saturday or during the week.

NYI - One Mission

Akron Arlington, Canton Calvary, East Liverpool 1st Church