by Sharon Warkentin* A week at camp can be a very important event in your life. It has been in mine. I have spent fourteen summers at the most beautiful conference grounds in California. Camp to me has been a very vital part of my life. I find that the Lord becomes very real and close to me when I am up in the mountains beside a beautiful lake and surrounded by towering trees. It is thrilling to realize that a God so great Who created the beautiful scene that is before my eyes, cares and watches over something so small and insignificant as I. It was at a time such as this that I realized my life was not my own, but God’s, and I promised Him that from then on He should have full sway in my life. This, however, does not keep me from falling into temptation, but, because Christ does forgive, I know I have a home in heaven. What could be more wonderful than this? The first things one finds at camp are friends, both new and old. Friends are among the most valuable pos sessions on earth and at camp one finds many. Among these friends is the counselor who has been put here for one reason and this is to meet the spiritual and physical needs of his campers. Then, too, camp is a place to really have fun. This is very important and one of the main reasons any typical teenager goes to camp. At camp there are so many ways to have a great time. Among these there are many challenges such as boat racing, swimming races, diving contests, and that special event, comedy diving contest; along with ping pong tournaments, and a host of others. There is cabin against cabin competition in volley ball games, baseball games, and other activities. There are opportunities for handcraft at different times throughout the day. All these activities really work up an appetite. Then comes that good camp food, followed by skit time, singing, and stunts, where everyone shows his skill or makes a fool out of himself. All these things are very important in making a week at camp the greatest ever. But don’t forget the purpose for being at camp. The most important things that happen are the things that happen at the services, around the campfire, or with the counselor during cabin devotions. The things learned, the decisions made con cerning the Lord are what really count. While the fun and friends might be forgotten the decisions will have a lasting value. Many young people have found the Saviour at camp, later dedicated their lives to Him while at camp, and today they are serving Him in home and foreign missions. The speakers which are heard at camp are people who are keyed for teens. The speaker might be a pilot, teacher, artist, or preacher, but what ever he is, one can be sure that he is somebody who understands teens. Likewise teenagers can understand them and enjoy listening to them. Then, too, the talent is of the very best. It includes recording artists and Bible teachers. Being the boss’s daughter, I know the time and thought that is taken to make sure the right leaders, speakers, and talent are chosen for each camp. All these things just seem to make one wonderful week. In evaluating a week at camp, I would say the most important things are the decisions that are made, the speakers we are privileged to hear, the friends we make, and the great time we all are sure to have. All of these together make a week of camp very valuable and something that has become more than an idea. He can give direction and purpose to life. Don’t miss some thing so important it could count for eternity. *Miss Warkentin, daughter of Hume Lake Camp Director, Walter Warkentin, is a high school teenager. M AY, 1960
>ne Wonderful
Hume Lake Conference Grounds., are nestled amongst Sequoias
Refreshing out-of-doors adds to “a vacation with a purpose”
Campers enjoy the relaxation of volleyball Breakfast, below, is one of the three favorite meals
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