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RENDEZVOUS

Treasured Moments of Summer at Camp Utmost

by Bev Paulson

Camp Utmost season encompass- ed nine weeks and about 550 campers, little kids through young adults. Our new Bible curriculum gave campers a coordinated, chronological view of the Scripture with active, informative teaching sessions. It was a great joy to see lively groups of campers spread all over the camp grounds, deeply involved in their studies. At one point Debbie Higgins, lower left, lost her group’s attention—a large whitetail buck stood quietly on the hillside directly behind her!

Ingenuity wasn’t limited to Debbie’s trash-can podium or rock paperweight. Julie Vogel "roped" the attention of her campers—ankles tied, the team had to race uphill. Ask her for the application! Bill Foy brought the character of David to life with robes, logs, and spears.

Linda Colson tells of her lesson on the life of one individual with whom God dealt:

"The campers acted out portions of King David’s life by walking around camp to different areas, then reading a portion of scripture that accompanied that part of David’s life. We sat on the grass, read Psalm 23, and talked about his early years. We went home to be anointed. We went to the hillside where we taunted each other across the valley, then went in to slay Goliath. I took a bit of razzing since it looks like I’m dancing and teaching all the boys to do so too. It was by far the best day of teaching for the entire summer. I couldn’t be David, but I sure had fun letting each 4th grade boy imagine he was!

"We lifted a weight equal to Goliath’s spear, threw spears, acted insane like David on the run. We hid in caves... I told of results David would experience... I ended with Solomon who became the next King, who had a son, who had a son, etc. and on to Jesus. To my greatest delight, three mouths dropped open as they made the connection. What joy!"

What joy indeed—to see decisions made, lives being changed, information being processed, and friendships forged. The new curriculum was well received, and teachers’ creativity hummed. Their input will make it even better next year!

A tremendous shout of thanks for the many, many individuals who poured their lives and faith into campers this summer. Judy Carpenter, staff coordinator, relates a vigorous 225 people of many ages filled the 385 positions. Many stayed multiple weeks... and did Travis Ross ever go home?