Central California Conference
Miracles Abound at Camp Wawona
C
Faith
“I love Camp Wawona,” explains longtime teen camper Jana Fritz. “It’s a place that feels like home — like heaven on earth. By the end of the week, there is a strong spiritual connection you have with camp. Words cannot describe it.” Of all the miracles at camp this year, the miracle of transformed lives is the most incredible. This summer, more than 200 campers gave their lives to Jesus at summer camp, and pastors throughout California are working to make sure each of these campers has a church family who will support and disciple them in their relationships with Jesus. One of those campers is Steven, a teen camper from Selma, Calif. “The power of God is very visible at Camp Wawona,” he says. “The love of all the staff
PHOTOS BY ELENNIE RAMIREZ
amp Wawona is one of Central California Conference’s oldest evangelistic initiatives and continues to be a source of fond memories for the hundreds that reside within its borders each summer, one week at a time. Nestled in the forest of Yosemite National Park along the Merced River, Camp Wawona has been able to retain a sense of nostalgia while evolving to meet the ever-changing times. God has preserved the camp in miraculous ways since it was established in 1929 to ensure its continued ministry. This year has been no exception for the 477 campers. This year’s theme, “Alive,” was weaved into spiritual lessons in each weeklong program. As each week drew to a close, campers had an opportunity to dedicate their lives to Christ and write their names in a symbolic Book of Life.
A father helps his son get ready to fire during the first week of family camp.
A camper enjoys a watermelon-shaped pool toy in Camp Wawona’s swimming pool.
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members and other campers is something I haven’t experienced before. I was encouraged to pray openly and read my Bible more often, and I thought that was an amazing thing.”
A Flood
Teen Camp was in full swing. Campers in Tioga Cabin, like the others, woke to clean and get ready for line call. Running late, and with two minutes to go, the counselors decided the boys should stop cleaning and head down the hill. “One minute and 45 seconds went by when we heard a terrifying sound, kind of like a car crash,” explains Jasmanny Castaneda, a counselor from Dinuba, Calif. Camp Wawona’s main water tank, located right next to their cabin, had burst. They started running as water and debris chased them down the hill.