3 minute read
Campers are never bored at Cross Point Youth Camp
from The Contact 6-26-24
by okumc
BY REV. JOHN HILLER
Youth from across the state and outside of the denomination came together for a week of fun, learning and worship at Crosspoint Youth Camp (CYC). We had 68 campers from at least eight churches. Some churches were United Methodist and others were Methodist churches which have disaffiliated.
In the midst of a difficult and painful season, these churches came together to provide an opportunity for youth to grow in their faith as they learned what it means to be called. Most of these churches have worked together at camp when they were all in The United Methodist Church. It was a joy to see the youth and adult leaders continue to build relationships.
Each day the campers did a rotation of either archery, the high ropes course, or slip-and-slide kickball. The lake was open at free time for swimming and tubing. Even the campers who came off the tube with bumps and bruises would tell you that it was their favorite activity at camp.
We had six small groups split up by age from our campers who ranged from sixth graders through graduated seniors. A wonderful team of volunteers led the small groups and taught the Calling curriculum provided by the OKUMC camps office. The first day, campers learned that they are all called by God to love God, love their neighbors and make disciples. On Tuesday we used the story of Esther as an example of discerning God’s call. Wednesday’s theme was Respond. We looked at the stories of the disciples responding to Jesus’ call, “follow me,” and the story of Jonah responding in a different way. Thursday, campers learned how to share their calling by telling their story. Finally, on Friday, the campers were encouraged to “Go” into the world and live out their calling.
I had the honor of preaching at our evening worship services. Rev. Sonja Tobey, incoming District Superintendent for the Southeastern District, preached on Wednesday night. Alli Milligan from the OSU Wesley led worship.
On the Sunday after camp, Synder Methodist Church celebrated two baptisms of campers who responded to a call they received while at camp. Countless others were touched by their experience at camp, and I pray that we will see the fruit of the seeds that were planted.
I’d like to give a special thank you to the other deans of CYC, Adam Brinson, Karlee Brinson, and Shelby Finley. And a thank you the OK Camps Board of Trustees for allowing us to have an ecumenical camp. I believe the success of CYC and CLUE camp shows that we can continue to work together to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
