|
Christian Living
Christian Living classes were split up into two segments again
this year--a short 10 to 15-minute Compass Check each morning right after
breakfast and then a longer Christian Living segment after Open Activities in
the evening where further discussion of the morning's topic was held, after
which campers were able to ask questions of the ministry. Everyone heard the
Compass Checks as a group right after breakfast. In the evenings we divided into
two groups to make it easier for everyone to hear. The older four dorms were in
one group and the younger three dorms were in the other.
This year the focus was on becoming a Christian leader. The
topic was
covered as follows:
Sunday - Christian
Leaders
During Camper Orientation on Sunday night, Mr.
Ken Treybig (Camp Director) explained that the subject for this year's Christian
Living would be on becoming a Christian leader. He pointed out all of us
will be seen by others and that being a leader can be done very powerfully
in a quiet way by living as Christians and that those who
"younger" today will be the leaders of tomorrow. Monday - Godly
Love
Mr. Frank McCrady (Program Director) covered the principal that godly
leaders practice the kind of love God is known for—the outgoing, selfless agape
love of the New Testament. Tuesday - The
Package
Mr. Ken Treybig (Camp Director) talked about “The Package” and explored the
balance between what’s on the outside and what’s inside. God
says He looks at the heart instead of the exterior yet Scripture also tells
us godly people care about how they look since God tells us to dress
modestly. Godly leaders understand character is vital without ignoring the
point that our dress says a lot about what is inside us. Wednesday -
Seek Godly Wisdom
Mr. Tom Damour, Transportation Head, encouraged
campers on Wednesday to seek godly wisdom using the example of King Solomon
who had a lot of physical wisdom but was clueless about what it took to have
a right relationship in marriage. Mr.
Damour encouraged everyone to read the book of Proverbs which is filled with
instructions that lead to godly wisdom. Thursday -
Guarding Your Mind
Thursday’s message was given by Mr. Andy
Burnett, Basketball Supervisor, who explained that godly leaders understand
that what goes into our minds has a huge effect on us and that we are what
we think. Therefore, we need to be very selective about the kinds of images
and messages we allow to enter our minds Friday -
Importance of Words
On Friday we concluded the Compass Checks with
Mr. Britton Taylor, Softball and Waterfront Supervisor, who focused on the
importance of words. Mr. Taylor explained that “Godly leaders do not take
God’s name in vain—either through direct use of the names of the Father
and Son or through the use of euphemisms. They also avoid inappropriate
communication by avoiding the use of vulgar or other improper words.
Throughout the day,
counselors and assistant counselors reminded their campers of the lessons
focused on during the Compass Checks. Activity
staff also brought out these principles during their activity periods.
Lifeskills classes, taught by Mr. Gary Petty (also Football Supervisor),
added additional aspects to help campers develop their leadership skills.
Mr. Petty helped campers explore values—what really matters in life and
what is unimportant or even harmful—and how those values will shape their
goals. As Mr. Petty explained, “Life is only meaningful if our goals are
consistent with our values.” According
to our end-of-camp surveys, Christian Living is the most helpful activity at
camp. At the end of each day the
discussions opened with comments on the morning’s Compass Check and then a
panel of ministers fielded questions from the campers.
This year’s questions showed a mature desire for greater spiritual
understanding on a wide range of topics. Sometimes
the ministers asked the campers questions and they also solicited ideas for
UCG’s new magazine, Vertical Thought—a magazine of understanding for
tomorrow’s leaders.
|
Camp Carter 2003
