I recently wrote on the blessing of church camp. This year area church youth ministers planned a day camp here at 7 Oaks church of Christ in Mayfield. It is going on this week for ages 7 – 12. For the past several years they have done a local work camp where teens from Graves County come together to paint houses.
This year they decided to do something different in service to the Lord and the community. So work camp was transformed into day camp. They door knocked in some of the housing projects and tried to get the word out to the community with a focus upon children who could not normally attend a camp. The camp is free to the campers, because the teen staff paid $25 each to support the camp.
They were hoping to have as many as 60 kids. Being this is the first year for the camp, they didn’t quite reach that goal. This is the second day of the camp which features all the fun activities you would get at a church camp. They are playing sports, water games, making crafts, studying the Bible, and enjoying lunch together. Today they have about 29 kids and over 30 staff members (7-12th grade teens who are volunteering). So it is somewhat of a one-on-one mentoring week as well.
My two oldest children are enjoying it tremendously. I am thankful they are able to attend. I have been encouraged by the servant hearts and willing attitudes of our area youth group teens.
I pray this ministry will grow each year, the children can learn of Jesus’ love, and our teens will develop ministry skills to use in the Kingdom.
I hope more churches will consider this ministry.
Here are some photos!
Some of the Teen Counselors
The Kids Playing with Balloons
The kids after their Bible Class lesson.
Crafts!
Some Basketball!
