Summer Camp 

It’s August, my birthday month, so that brings some memories my way. As an adult, my special day was always spent with family, but I have memories of long-ago celebrations, and summer camp was one of my favorites. 

As a teenager, I spent a few birthdays with our church-youth-group at Falls Creek Baptist Assembly near Davis, Oklahoma. I even had my “sweet 16th” birthday there. And hot! Oh my, it was scorching hot! Our cabin had no AC and neither did the open-air tabernacle where we met for morning and evening services, along with classes held at outdoor pavilions. Of course, I had no AC at home so was a little more acclimated than today’s youth. 

At Falls Creek, we would push our beds up to the window to catch the slightest breeze, and we definitely hit the refreshment stand for cold drinks during afternoon breaks. But the heat didn’t keep us from meeting new friends and hiking those beloved Arbuckle hills. And on some rare occasions our counselor took us down the road to Turner Falls for a swim. What a treat! 

I even spent my 21st birthday at Falls Creek as a sponsor to some young, teenage-girls from my church. So I can definitely empathize with the adult sponsors watching over their youth at today’s summer camps, even though they have air-conditioned accommodations. However, just being outside in August warms the body more than the soul. 

But those weeks at Falls Creek are fond memories. We made new friends from other churches, and most of all, listened to God speak to our young hearts. I’m thankful my own children also attended Falls Creek and Super Summer and other youth programs as teenagers. I’m grateful for the dedicated adults who watched over my kids and provided a healthy, spiritual environment, along with a time of fun. 

I also realize I’m old school and today’s churches use much more exciting terms than “church camp,” but the desired results are the same. To provide an environment for youth to learn about the God who loves them. That definitely makes me happy. It just might be my August birthday gift.