Lost Canyon

LOST CANYON — 1997

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

Once established, it’s easy to take a Young Life camp for granted. It’s easy to assume that the process that led to its existence was simple, uneventful, and predictable. The reality is that it is rarely any of these, and is always a direct result of God’s generous portions. Imagine trying to find land for a Young Life camp in a state where most of the land is owned by the federal or state government, and where water is very hard to come by? Imagine the cost, the politics, the limitations, and the absolute need for God to “show up.” As Young Life searched for a new camp in the Southwest, 12 families had each joined the movement and had given one million dollars apiece to the project, as well as a lot of prayer, sweat and tears. This “Lost Canyon Founders Team” had helped Young Life narrow the search to the Flagstaff area, but the challenges were plenty. Not far from Flagstaff, in Williams, the team had found a 40-acre parcel that was surrounded by national forest and had an ample water supply; however, approval of the camp development was needed from the Williams City Council. During the council proceedings the city mayor said, “We’d like to have the kids of Williams be able to go to this camp.” Young Life staff member, Stu Graff said, “In Young Life we don’t send kids to camp, we take them to camp. So in order for that to be true, we’d have to start a Young Life club in Williams.” The mayor responded, “Then that’s what you have to do in order for us to approve!” Within a month, volunteer leaders started a Young Life club and that year took 18 kids from the high school to Woodleaf.” (MFT, p. 135) The construction of Lost Canyon began in 2000, and the first camps began in 2001.

Williams, Arizona

God’s generous portions come in many forms; sometimes they are financial; sometimes they are in the form of people or land. Sometimes, God’s generosity comes at a city council meeting through a mayor who helps to not only create a camp but start a new ministry. How have you experienced or witnessed God’s generous portions in varied ways? God used families, Young Life staff and volunteers, and governing authorities to bring about Lost Canyon.