Ambassador Youth Camp is a summer program for teenagers in The Restored Church of God.
Each year, campers and staff from around the world gather at a campsite in Ohio for two
weeks of sports, activities, learning, and fun!
The Camp offers young people in the Church an unforgettable opportunity to experience
the abundant life!
AYC 2018 took place from July 8th to July 22nd.
Ernesto Velarde: It's quite a sight to see so many youth, so
happy.
Ralitsa: You feel happier looking out for others.
Natalie: The camaraderie here, it's like a family.
Militca: You get a lot of teamwork in and it's fun
and they’re shouting and screaming.
Patrick: There's so much to learn, you'll never learn
at any other camp.
Before the event kicked off, meetings were held with support staff.
Volunteers spent time preparing camp materials.
The Sabbath prior to the official start of Camp was a wonderful time for friends new
and old to see each other.
AYC’s first day featured an opening lecture, which was
foundational for the rest of the time that followed.
Bible lectures were given throughout the two weeks by a variety of other Headquarters ministers.
Each day was packed with action.
Activities included volleyball—soccer—a tour of the Headquarters Campus—a canoe
trip—Pictionary—swimming—a dance class—a dinner dance—singing lessons—softball—charades—basketball—
—a bonfire—rock climbing—a visit to a water park—and free time.
Alex Groen: Working in Church Administration, it's important
to be here at camp.
It's always something I've looked forward to.
I love to be outside, love to be active, enjoy time with the kids.
It's been a wonderful experience.
Dietra Winkfield: I truly believe in what AYC represents and
what it provides to our teens.
Jason: I would say pretty much what you're looking
at is the best place on earth to get a spiritual foundation for the future, as well as professional
training for the youth to prepare them to be leaders.
Hunter: I've had some very lovely conversations with
new campers and we're just like, hey, so where are you from?
And it led onto like, pretty much telling our life stories.
It's amazing.
I really, that's what I enjoy the most at camp, is being able to talk with one another.
Lia: Well, as soon as I come out of school, I think,
I want to go to camp.
I want to be, I can't even explain how much I love camp, you know what I'm saying?
It's part of me.
Just how you can’t explain why you love the Feast so much, you just love it.
It's just, I love it so much.
New activities for this year included a visit to a farm for a hay ride and horseback riding—a
day of tennis—a cooking class—and a multiple-night stay in West Virginia, featuring zip lines—a
bike ride—ropes courses—animal handling—and white-water rafting.
Pastor General David C. Pack enjoyed meeting new campers, and sharing some of his life
experience.
Public speaking and writing classes were also held.
These skills, which are vital for those approaching adulthood, are sadly lacking in many in today’s
world.
Table topics, speeches and evaluations helped everyone become a better speaker.
Camp journal assignments provided effective practice in writing, and created a record
of the two weeks to look back on.
Erin: Because it’s a place to be with like minds.
It's a place where kids can come and feel safe where a lot of kids don't live in safety
where they live anymore.
Justin: You know, a lot of violence in the world,
lot of kids into bad subjects and doing bad things, and a lot of the campers, young people,
have said that they appreciated the sports that they had here and the opportunity because
they treat each other with respect.
Daniel: It also teaches them a lot of life lessons,
and I have lessons that I can look back to from my first camp all the way to the last
one that I use to this day.
Brianna: I came back to AYC for a second year because
I learned a lot of things from last year that benefited me a lot and I wanted to come back
so I can learn more.
And then also I have friends that I've met that I wanted to see again.
The Sabbath in the middle of the two weeks was very memorable.
Everyone traveled to a unique, elegant venue for Services, and heard messages specially
geared toward them.
Beyond the activities, one of AYC’s greatest benefits is its many opportunities for Church
teens to spend time together.
Since many campers are international, this is the only time of year they can all be in
the same place.
The moments they share talking and building friendships are truly special: during free
time—at activities—at mealtime—on the way to events—and more.
A team of individuals working together under God’s ministry performed the duties necessary
for this large event to run smoothly.
Staff roles included administrators, first aid, counselors, kitchen staff, activity staff,
sound, photographers, videographers, and transportation specialists.
Ralitsa: AYC teaches you a lot of the stuff that you
can’t learn in the world.
Jack: 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.
Militca: I learned that confidence is key.
You have confidence 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're going to make it.
Katrina: I've met really good friends here like Maia,
and it feels like I've known them forever.
Natalie: Everyone just understands each other and we
have this special bond, and so that's why I come back every year.
Ernesto Velarde: The growth and opportunity to do new things
and new experiences and make phenomenal memories, it's just huge here at camp.
And it’s great.
Ambassador Youth Camp is the most special time of the year for teenagers in God’s
Church.
It offers a chance to “test drive” God’s way of life, in an idyllic natural environment.
The many elements of these two weeks work together to teach leadership skills, provide
valuable experience, and help to build character that can benefit campers long after they depart.
And AYC proves that true Christianity can be fun!
To learn more about Ambassador Youth Camp,
contact us online.