Church Youth Camp

Sarah and I (Meagan) just returned from an incredible week at our church’s youth camp located in the mountains near Baguio City. (Melissa was unable to go because of school exams.) About 90 youth and young adults attended this camp. Most of them came from MVBBC (our church), but some nearby churches visited as well.

We absolutely loved our time at camp and really enjoyed getting to know our fellow church members better as well as the other campers. (Btw. Sarah and I were the only foreigners there.:-) In fact, during the volleyball game, our friends decided to give us new nicknames. They called us their imports! HAHA! Hopefully that doesn’t mean that they might decide to export us anytime soon. :-) Just kidding.)

Once at camp, the leaders arranged everyone into teams. We got to know our groups pretty well during camp, because throughout the week we did everything with our teams: ate together, sat next to each other in sessions, created a team banner, competed in team games, participated in Bible Quiz Bowls, and created team skits and musical plays together.

Every morning we had team devotions at 6:15 AM. (*Blink* Yes. 6:15 AM. That meant we got up even earlier to get ready. :-) Those of us who wanted a guaranteed shower time before devotions had to get up around 4:30 AM. :-) Nothing like rising bright and early!)


After devotions and breakfast, we made our daily hike up to the open-aired chapel, where we sang songs, worshiped together, and listened to spiritually encouraging and challenging messages from various speakers.

Even though the main guest speaker spoke in 70% Tagalog, Sarah and I were able to understand most of the messages with the help of our friends, who translated as much as they could during the sessions. :-) Since the theme for the camp was “Finding Grace in a Sin-Darkened World,” all of the messages were centered on God’s Sovereign Grace.

Each afternoon we played all kinds of group games, including basketball for the boys and volleyball for the girls. Since it rained every morning, we girls had the privilege of playing volleyball in the mud.:-) Let's just say that we got to know the mud on a more personal level during volleyball time. Haha! ;-)

At the beginning of the week, the volleyball court was completely full of lush green grass. On the last day, it looked like it a gigantic mud pit. :-) Regardless of the mud, everyone loved all the games. I think it (the mud) even added to the fun.:-)

(btw. Meagan forgot to mention, that my (Sarah’s) team won the first place prize! (Not to brag or anything. :-)) My green team came in overall first place for the whole week’s competition. Go Green!! The name of our group was Shearers, so our team cheer was “HELLO, SHEAR UP” Haha! We were sure “shearful” the night of the winning announcement!)

Sarah and I thoroughly enjoyed our time at camp and would love to attend again next year, Lord wiling. We enjoyed getting to know all the other campers and appreciated learning more about God’s Grace during all the sessions. We are both so thankful for the opportunity that we had to attend our church’s youth camp and for all that God taught us while we were there. It was truly a blessing in many ways!

CHORUS OF OUR CAMP’S THEME SONG:
The power of His grace will change your heart,
Renew your soul, eternal life impart,
Change you from within and every sin erase,
If you will choose the awesome power of God’s grace.
If you will choose the awesome power of Amazing Grace!