I believe kids should attend AYC because it's a place where you can grow and learn and draw
closer to God.
It really helps the kids to get out of their comfort zone.
Coming here at camp really helped me break my shell and being able to try new things
that I wouldn't have done on my own.
You really can be yourself because these are your sisters and your brothers, and they will
always look out for you.
I really, really enjoy soccer and it was really good fun playing in the tournament.
You get a lot of teamwork in and it's fun and they're shouting, they’re screaming.
My favorite activities would be meeting new people, developing friendships and whitewater
rafting.
I wanted to come back so I could learn more and then also I have friends that I've met
that I wanted to see again.
Ambassador Youth Camp is an exceptional summer program for teenagers, sponsored by The Restored
Church of God.
It is unlike any other camp anywhere in the world!
Well, as soon as I come out of school, I think, I want to go to camp.
I look forward to it so much.
It's always been one of my favorite parts of the summer.
Everything that you don't expect is going to happen, in the best sense possible.
I find this program to be so richly beneficial to everybody who's involved.
I saw all the magazines and I was excited to come.
It really helps to bring you out your comfort zone, try new things.
It will enrich their lives because this will progress them to a new level in life.
There's always new people to meet from new places.
There's so much to learn, you'll never learn at any other camp.
AYC uses a balanced, yet exciting schedule of sports, lectures, classes and other activities
to teach God’s way of life to young people.
Recognizing a Christian’s role as an ambassador, AYC provides the knowledge and tools its participants
need to effectively represent God as teens in His Church.
The program is part of how the Church fulfills Christ’s command to “feed the flock.”
The unforgettable two weeks of AYC 2018 built on the success of previous years of Camp.
It was once again held in Central Ohio, at a rustic campsite away from the stress and
bustle of daily life.
New campers and those returning from previous years benefited greatly, and many friendships
were formed and strengthened.
Planning for AYC takes place throughout the year in Church Administration at Headquarters.
This involves creating a schedule— organizing activities—and assembling a team of individuals
in positions of service.
A group of administrators, led by Camp Director Greg Kaidannek and Camp Coordinator Alex Groen,
direct daily proceedings.
Each year, adult members volunteer as counselors, culinary staff and in other roles.
Before AYC 2018 began, meetings were held with all leaders to bring everyone onto the
same page.
Soon, campers started to arrive at the Church’s Headquarters in Wadsworth, Ohio, USA.
Excitement built as they saw one another on the Sabbath.
First-time visitors took a tour of campus buildings.
The next day, everyone traveled to the campsite.
After a period of free time, the annual “Welcome to AYC” lecture set the tone for the two
weeks ahead.
Group games in the evening were the perfect outlet for campers to relax and have fun together.
Volleyball was the first sport played.
A series of drills helped everyone learn or reacquaint with the basics of the game.
Teams were chosen, and faced off in tournaments.
Indoor soccer began with stretches and warmups.
Campers were taught to dribble and pass the ball and score goals, before commencing full
games.
A foundational element crucial to the success of camp is daily Bible lectures from ministers.
These messages focused on helping teens with the unique challenges they face.
A special Question and Answer Bible Study was also held.
It’s important for kids to come to AYC because they get to be with other kids that are of
like mind.
This is really the one opportunity that they get to do that for two weeks.
You are different from everyone else because you are in God's Church.
I go to a public school and people are just getting nastier and it's kind of hard to be
able to show forth God's way of life without being judged or criticized as much.
I grew up largely by myself and didn't have any other kids in the Church in my congregation
and so in getting to come to camp, I got to meet a lot more people that I wouldn't have
gotten to otherwise.
The growth and opportunity to do new things and new experiences and make phenomenal memories.
It's just huge here at camp, and when you learn things God's way, they'll grow in in
a way that they probably never thought possible.
A walking tour of the Headquarters Campus was a wonderful treat.
The natural surroundings were enhanced by pleasant warmth and sunshine.
This was followed by a canoe trip spanning several miles of the beautiful Tuscarawas
River.
Later, everyone enjoyed a lively evening of charades.
Pastor General David C. Pack made an evening visit to the campsite to meet the campers.
He also took the opportunity to interact with a number of teens when they returned to Headquarters
later in the two weeks.
Horseback riding was a favorite among the new activities enjoyed this year.
Indoor rock climbing took place the same day.
Campers and staff also visited an outdoor pool in the evening.
A major focus of AYC is imparting life skills.
Public speaking workshops featured table topics, in which questions are asked and campers must
think quickly to offer responses.
Also, every camper delivered a speech in front of their peers, which helps build unity and
confidence.
Teens were also taught proper communication
through writing assignments.
“Camp journals” prompted each camper to write creatively about their AYC experience,
with selected content being featured in a special post-Camp edition of Ambassador Youth magazine.
A dance class covered the basics.
Campers learned line dances and practiced proper slow dancing.
The first Sabbath during Camp was a welcome opportunity to rest after a busy week.
Sabbath Services featured two split sermon messages.
A formal dinner dance took place after sunset at a new, unique location.
A new cooking class kicked off the second week of camp!
Basic teaching was given, and campers were split into groups and tasked with preparing
a delicious meal.
Some, for the first time.
Basketball drills and games helped everyone grow in effective playing ability.
One of the lessons that I learned was, especially when you're playing sports, keep going no
matter what the score is, no matter what's happening.
Just keep persevering and keep going.
I learned that confidence is key.
If you're confident in the kick that you're going to hit on soccer, you're most likely
going to make it. If you're confident to make the top of rock climbing, you are going to
make it.
Later that night, a bonfire was held.
Everyone gathered around the roaring fire to eat s’mores and sing wholesome songs.
Softball was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Teens were taught to effectively swing a bat—throw a ball—catch grounders and fly balls—and
run bases.
Full games followed.
To keep everyone healthy and strong, Camp kitchen staff prepared healthful, delicious
meals.
They provided the energy needed for the physically challenging endeavors.
Each and every year, it's a lot of work, a lot of time, but it's worth it to see the
smiles when they get good food.
Though the activity schedule was action packed, campers were also given free time.
It was often used to play various sports in small groups, have meaningful conversation,
or just relax.
Tennis was a new sport introduced at the 2018 Camp.
Basic skills were taught, leading to doubles matchups being played.
Midway through the second week, campers and staff traveled to West Virginia for a multiple-day
overnight trip featuring special activities.
These included white water rafting—ropes courses—ziplining—animal handling—and
bike riding.
The trip was a major highlight for all.
Driving the bus has just been a joy for me.
Who else has the opportunity to have 44 of your friends all in one place?
Whether we've got some tunes on the radio or the girls are singing it for themselves,
it just is a place of intense happiness.
Like the joy just overflows on that bus, so it's really the place to be.
A visit to a theme park was a fun way to complete the second week.
Campers observed various species of fish in the aquarium.
Then, despite rainfall, everyone was able to enjoy various slides and attractions at
the outdoor water park.
AYC’s grand finale was the Final Banquet, held following Sabbath Services at Headquarters.
When my friends told me that it would be easy to make friends at camp, I was questioning
them, but then when I got to camp, I found it really easy and everybody wants to go talk.
Making friends wasn't my big area, but I've learned how to make friends, I’ve learned
how to not be shy.
And help you to make friends and it gives you the ability to make friends when you go
back home as well.
It's been really exciting because I’ve never really met many people outside of Canada,
and everyone here is so nice and sweet, and it feels like I've known them forever.
The two weeks of Ambassador Youth Camp are priceless for teenagers striving to follow
the Bible to build character—get to know other likeminded young people—learn valuable
skills—and come out of their comfort zones.
The AYC experience is designed to help them become more convicted about living God’s
Way, and to recognize that true Christianity is the only path to experiencing real happiness,
abundance and blessings.
Continue saving funds, getting ready for all the activities and encouraging your friends
to do the same!
Doing so will ensure AYC 2019 is the best camp ever!
To learn more about the congregations of The Restored Church of God, contact us online.