Collide East Hills High School Summer Camp 2011

Church summer camps were some of the best times I had in high school and were some of the most important, formative times in my relationship with Jesus. There were also lifelong friendships formed during these camps.

I remember the power, packed worship services which lasted several hours some nights. The presence of God was tangible during those moments and His voice could be heard in the midst of the loud praise. Lifelong bonds were made with old and new friends. We opened up our hearts to each other during prayer. Confessed our sins to each other in loving, tear-filled embraces. We laughed! Oh, how we laughed so hard until our vision was blurred by tears of joy and we nearly hyperventilated to get our breath back. Even as I write these tears are being choked back as I remember those great times at high school summer camp. Great times. Good memories. Memories I had forgotten until I read the answers on the questionnaires I asked several high school youths to complete.

Following are some of insights and answers the youth provided. The questionnaire asked the following questions: (1) What was the best thing about summer camp? (2) What made you laugh the hardest at summer camp? (3) How did you experience God at summer camp?

Worship must have been an astounding experience. Most of them answered worship was the best thing about summer camp describing their experience as "amazing." Others shared how they were able to "reconnect with God" or were humbled by its power. Chris Merrell said, worship "put me on my knees." J.T. believes he is being called into the ministry as a worship pastor after leading worship for the first time at summer camp. He took a step of faith and may have found his calling.

Christ Biber seemed to sum up the experience for everyone and shared, "worship isn't about the notes I play, but how I use worship. The words in a song are more important that the notes." It would seem all the youth heard the words to the songs which had a significant impact on their lives.

When worship ended they fellowshipped playing paintball, during meals, strolling together around the camp, or just hung out in the cabins cracking jokes. There was no shortage of laughter during these times of koinina. Garrison Gomez shared the experience which made him, Quinn Gilbert, Shane Koozin, and Jeffrey Kurtz laugh the hardest. The four of them pranked Zach Ontiveros when he left the dining table to refill his cup with lemonade. Everyone knows you never leave the table with uneaten food left behind because it will be tampered with. They peppered Zach's watermelon with Tabasco sauce so after he returned and took a few bites, he stopped chewing and paused. At this point I am sure the four pranksters were trying with all their might to hold back their laughter. A few seconds pass before Zach makes a B-line out of the room and vomits. Hilarious. (Disclaimer: The retelling of this story does not mean endorsement nor approval for such pranks, or any other type of pranks, at future summer camps.) Still, gut-busting hilarious. Sorry, Zach.

The gals were having just as much fun. Madison Trahtham said, "Ashley and Cassie are crazy," but didn't elaborate on the details. If the girls are anything like the boys when hanging out in the cabin one can only imagine the antics. According to Corbyn Gilbert it appears mimicking foreign accents was apparently one of the ongoing, hilarious highlights at camp. Maybe we should have them demonstrate this accent in a short skit for the rest of the church.

One thing they all had in common with their answers is when they laughed the hardest it was always with friends. Developing bonds for lifelong friendships is as important as to strengthening a relationship with Jesus at summer camp. Both relationships are personal. Both relationships are filled with lifelong joys. What better way is there to do that than laughing to the point of passing out?

Another thing they all shared in common was having a unique, personal experience with God. Many felt a genuine calling into the ministry. Darrien Trias said he confirmed his calling to become a youth pastor. Christ Merrell believes his "future in God will be in worship." Corbin Gilbert said, "God spoke to me very clearly and told me I was going to be a missionary."

It seems every high school youth was impacted at summer camp with their own unique experience and lifelong memories. There was an unrestrained connection with God which provided many of them with a blod, new direction in their life and a closer relationship with Jesus. Darrien Trias put it best and recommended, "Everyone should have a chance to go because it is just an awesome, God-filled experience." A God-filled experience of worship, laughter, and hanging out with friends. Great times. Good memories.

Check out the photos here.

Thank you to Chris Biber, Samantha Biber, Corbyn Gilbert, Garrison Gomez, J.T., Shane Koozin, Chris Merrell, Madison Trantham, and Darrien Trias for sharing their experiences.