Camp Carter 2003

Welcome to the 2003 edition of our Website for Camp Carter. Our fourth year at the YMCA facility located on the northwest side of Fort Worth, TX was our "best ever". The staff was dedicated and focused on serving the campers and the campers had the best attitudes ever! Our total revamping of the schedule by moving most of outdoor strenuous activities to the morning and the water and indoor activities to the afternoon seemed to help everyone had  a bit more energy and enthusiasm. An added benefit was that being a little less exhausted helped contribute to having no major injuries this year at all. That left the nursing crew with more time to take photos! Special thanks again go to Katherine Turner and Angela Quant for most of the photos on this site and on the camp CD. Several other staff members had digital cameras and submitted photos, so thanks to them as well.

Camp Carter 2003 was the best year ever as we were blessed with outstanding staff and 104 wonderful, enthusiastic campers from 10 different states!

In Sunday night’s orientation our camp director, Mr. Ken Treybig, told the campers and staff that at the end of camp he wanted them to go home different persons.  “United Youth Camps are supposed to be a lot of fun—and they are,” said Mr. Treybig.  “However, if all a teen wants is fun, there are other camps they can attend.”  This year our theme was “Developing Christian Leaders” and the staff encouraged the spiritual and emotional growth of our campers through challenges and opportunities to test what they were learning.

Each day began with a Compass Check—a short, 12-15 minute message designed to help everyone head in the same direction—toward a specific goal.  At orientation Mr Treybig explained that the focus of this year would be on becoming a Christian leader and on Monday, Mr. Frank McCrady, Program Director, covered the principle that godly leaders practice the kind of love God is known for—the outgoing, selfless agape love of the New Testament.

On Tuesday Mr. Ken Treybig 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.

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’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.

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.

Once again we were blessed with an outstanding staff displaying non-stop service and dedication.  Though tired by the end of the week, the staff continued giving their all.  This year we also witnessed this same attitude in our campers!  There was a real sense of family and the attitudes and cooperation were outstanding.  We truly felt the joy of being in “the Zone” and it was also obvious to the YMCA staff as they once again commented on what a wonderful group we are. The head of their food service department even said that when we are here things are more peaceful and calm among his kitchen staff.  What wonderful evidence that Camp Carter is helping develop godly leaders!

Take your time and browse this site. We have a page that gives an overview of the camp (taken from the 2000 CD), and a page each for campers, staff, activities and pictures of friends.

Close to 900 digital photos are included on this year's CD, which was available after camp for a nominal fee ($5) to cover the cost of the CD, a mailer and the postage. Contact the camp director if you are interested in a copy. You can click the link above or the mail icon below. [Note: the Website has a sampling of these photos that are lower quality to allow faster page loads on the Web.]

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