July/August 2026
The Messenger
Unplugged, Connected, and Energized: Passport 2026 Tailored Experiences: I loved seeing
Great Accommodations: We were
our campers customize their week
spoiled by the fantastic facilities at
From July 12–17th, I had the absolute
by choosing tracks that aligned with
Converse.
Having
privilege of serving as one of four adult
their unique gifts. Some did hands-
bedrooms
and
By: Jim Mcglone
chaperones
accompanying
21
of
our
incredible youth to Spartanburg, South Carolina.
We
week
Passport’s
at
hosted
on
spent
the
an
unforgettable
Choices
beautiful
Camp,
Converse
University campus. It was a week filled with
profound
spiritual
growth,
on
missions
large
work—assisting
Salvation
running
a
day
children—while
at
Army
store
camp
for
others
a
and
young
explored
accommodations
individual suite-style gave
our
campers (and us chaperones!) the perfect space to rest and recharge after long, high-energy days.
Christian arts, music, drama, mindful motion, photography, and sports.
deep
I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our entire church family. Your prayers,
community, and plenty of fun!
encouragement, and support made this
Watching our youth navigate the week
trip a reality. Our youth returned home
gave me a front-row seat to how God is
energized,
closer
working in their lives and how some of
equipped
to
them
chaperone,
I
are
emerging
as
leaders.
Throughout our time there, a few key
Unplugged
&
youth
embraced
a
setting
aside
fully
sabbath"
by
Connected:
Our
"digital their
phones for the entire week to focus entirely
on
Christ,
worship,
and
each other. It was amazing to watch
Championship
Finish!
We
capped
off the week with high energy during
them connect without screens. On
the
our
camp-wide
volleyball
of
tournament. It was thrilling to cheer
and
on our Bravo Team as they clinched
truly transformative it was to unplug
a hard-fought victory with a service
and
ace
last
them
night
shared
simply
moment.
at how
be
camp,
many
refreshing
present
in
the
on
the
very
final
game
The energy was infectious.
point!
God,
and
serve—and came
inspired by them.
moments really stood out to me:
to
home
as
fully a
deeply