Ambassador Youth Camp is a life-changing experience.
At AYC 2016, an action-packed schedule provided
teens from all over the world abundant opportunities to have fun, learn lessons, and build lasting
friendships.
Before Camp, Youth Services employees spent many hours preparing.
Members who had volunteered to serve as AYC staff arrived at Headquarters early for a
special meeting with Camp Director Greg Kaidannek.
He emphasized the importance of the two weeks to come, and how they would benefit the teens
attending.
Soon after all the campers arrived, activities
kicked off in full force!
Volleyball was played on the first day of sports.
After warmups and stretches, campers went through a series of station drills.
Players with previous experience became reacquainted with the game's fundamentals, and those who
had not played before learned quickly.
Afterwards, boys’ and girls’ teams were chosen, and campers came up with creative
team names and chants.
Tournament brackets were created, and teams faced off until champions were crowned.
Indoor soccer was a favorite among international campers.
After instruction from staff, teens were eager to begin playing.
They practiced dribbling—passing—and scoring—before full games.
At the outset of indoor rock climbing, campers
were given harnesses and taught the basics of how to climb.
The facility offered varying paths of difficulty, which presented an unusual physical challenge…
and occasion for personal victory.
One group of campers climbed, while another group enjoyed a refreshing hike.
In beautiful summer weather, the teens traversed several miles of varied terrain.
The nine-mile canoe trip was a great delight
for all—even those whose canoes capsized!
After paddling through beautiful scenery for several hours, teens enjoyed getting out of
their boats for a refreshing dip in the river.
AYC’s kitchen staff is committed to serving healthful, delicious food.
Teens looked forward to the meals every day, which gave them energy for all the physically
demanding sports and activities.
Truly, AYC meals are much different from typical “camp food”!
A major element of camp is daily lectures
from ministers, which are specially prepared to help teens with the unique challenges they face.
Campers appreciated the clear biblical principles explained in these messages.
This year, all teens were assigned a "speak with purpose" speech.
They separated into boys’ and girls’ groups, and began table-topics sessions.
These involved a staff member asking questions and calling on campers to answer—
helping everyone "break the ice."
Then came the speeches.
Though all battled nervousness beforehand, they felt a great sense of accomplishment
to have successfully spoken before an audience of their peers.
The development of writing skills is another
meaningful component of AYC.
Early on, editorial assignments were announced, and time provided for writing.
Staff from the Editorial & Art/Graphics department gave hands-on instruction.
These assignments, which focus on various aspects of AYC, contribute to the Camp edition
of Ambassador Youth magazine, which is sent to all Church members.
Throughout the two weeks, in addition to the highly-structured activities, campers were
given ample free time.
This was often used to play various sports, enjoy conversation, and relax.
A dance class was a joy for all.
Several line dances were practiced, as well as a basic waltz.
This was helpful preparation for the formal dance held the next day, after Sabbath services.
The game of softball provided many hours of
exhilarating play.
After drills that involved learning to effectively swing a bat, throw a softball, catch grounders
and fly balls, and run bases, full games ensued.
Fun was had by all.
Afterwards, campers and staff went to an outdoor pool.
A full day of basketball was an ideal occasion to practice teamwork.
Drills were administered, teaching how to dribble, pass and shoot the ball.
The boys and girls games that followed were filled with enthusiasm.
A bonfire, in which everyone engages in wholesome
songs and lively chants, is an anticipated highlight of Camp.
A trip to Headquarters was taken to attend
a lecture covering the history and importance of art.
This was followed by an art class in the Pavilion.
Teens were encouraged to think creatively, and to explore skills they might not know
they possessed!
A lively scavenger hunt took place, dubbed the Amazing Race.
Once teams completed a compelling task, they had to trek back to a “command post,”
where they received their next assignments.
While some missions were physically strenuous—requiring campers to run long distances—others were
more creative and mentally challenging, such as drawing a picture depicting a specific
biblical event.
Campers and staff took an overnight trip to
Pennsylvania, which involved a full day of ropes courses.
Low ropes challenges were team-oriented, and conveyed valuable lessons about cooperation.
Then, after putting on helmets and harnesses, teens were brought to a variety of high ropes courses.
These were key chances for individuals to conquer their fear of heights.
The much-anticipated whitewater rafting trip
was a thrilling time, with the river churning around each raft as it went through
Class 3 and 4 rapids.
During archery, campers learned the basics
of handling recurve and compound bows, and practiced firing arrows at targets.
The grand finale of AYC was the Final Banquet, held after Sabbath Services at Headquarters.
At the start of this event, a delicious dinner
was served, after which a table-topics session was conducted.
It featured questions about what took place at AYC.
Local brethren and visiting parents appreciated hearing the campers' comments.
Then, a selection of the best speakers at Camp took the lectern to deliver speeches for all.
Next, a slideshow showcased many memories
from camp, followed by the unveiling of a short highlights video—
AYC 2016: Experiencing God's Way.
Mr. Kaidannek presented the Ecclesiastes 9:10
trophy to the “Best All-around” boy and girl campers.
The award is named for the biblical instruction, "Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might."
Awards were also bestowed upon two outstanding artists.
The night concluded with campers and staff singing farewell songs.
The laughs, growth opportunities and new experiences
found at Ambassador Youth Camp are truly special.
The AYC schedule is designed to help attendees become stronger and more effective—physically,
mentally, and spiritually.
It is a cherished occasion for teens who are striving to live God's Way to spend time together,
away from the world.
You do not want to miss it!
Set a goal now to attend AYC 2017.
Determine to begin preparing and saving funds for this incomparable two weeks.
To learn more about the congregations and youth programs of the Restored Church of God,
contact us online.