By Oliver Tonning

Youth Camp was an amazing experience for all ages this year, as camp director Erik Calhoun, counselors, and staff went all out to give campers a wonderful time. The theme for this week was being ready for Jesus’ return, and many souls were saved.

On Monday, campers took off to their cabins after unloading from buses and vans. Many counselors and staff volunteered this year, and they made camp a whole lot easier. The number of campers increased a great amount when the young people from our California churches were invited, along with those from the Washington and Oregon churches. Some from other states and countries came as well, making Youth Camp more crowded, but more fun.

The food was wonderful, with Rich Barrett as the head of the kitchen staff. He and his crew cooked lots of delicious and nutritious meals for the hungry campers. Chapel services were also wonderful, and with Chris Luka as the music director, attendees sang fun songs and joyful choruses. The preachers gave exceptional sermons that led many to wonder, “What are we waiting for?” This question was asked a lot during the week because not only was it the title of the camp theme song, but it came up in many in-cabin devotions, too. This question had two different meanings: those who are saved are waiting for Jesus to return; those who are unsaved may be waiting for the opportunity to receive salvation. The in-cabin devotions were very helpful and educational for the campers, as they talked about salvation, sanctification, the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and trusting in God always. The lessons inspired many.

Ryan Chasteen and Ryan Trotter hosted skit night and the Friday awards night, both full of fun, screaming, and laughing. The “Ryan and Ryan Show” outdid itself this year with fun contests, including musical chairs, a rock-paper-scissors competition, and easy trivia (which crowned Alex Wilson of Seattle, Washington, as the smartest person at youth camp). Of course, there was also “scavenger musical chairs,” where contestants have to grab an item from the audience and then race back to secure one of the remaining chairs. In addition, two skits were performed. One was led by Austin McCarville and was about resisting temptation, and the other was led by Chris Luka and was about being ready for Heaven.

Tournaments and other sporting events were led by Matt Hanson and his assistants, Mason Chasteen and Joe Buliga. Events included basketball, volleyball, gaga ball, kickball, pickleball, ping-pong, and everyone’s favorite, badminton. This year was particularly dramatic as five-time badminton champions Matt Hanson and Adne Tonning were knocked off the top spot. Non-sport tournaments, such as chess, Uno, and “Down by the Banks,” were played as well. Other activities available to campers included the craft cabin, where campers made slime, fuse bead creations, memory books, and other keepsakes. The lake and the water slide were some of the most popular activities, and the concession stand nearly ran out of candy by the end of camp. 

On Saturday morning, everyone left camp tired and exhausted. Yet, everyone knew it was worth it to go because many met new friends, learned about the second coming of Christ, and decided that they wanted to be among those waiting for Jesus to return. When that time comes, we will be able to see each other in Heaven.