As the camp directors reviewed the literature in preparation for another camp, it was time to review its purpose. Mr. Brad Carper has been involved with the camp from its foundation and he recalled that it was formed to enable young people from our churches to meet and enjoy time together in recreation while spending time in the Word of God.
It continues to be our aim that the young people form good friendships. Christian friendship is one of God’s good gifts for the benefit of His children as they walk together with the Lord. We recognize that good friendship is founded upon a common love for the Lord and His Word, so we pray that those who know the Lord will grow in their faith and that those who are unsaved will have their hearts opened to receive Christ as their Savior and Lord.
The aims also govern the activities of the camp. Rock Mountain Bible Camp provides an excellent facility with good accommodation, plenty of good food, and space for all the activities in the picturesque surroundings of the Susquehanna County of Pennsylvania. There are scheduled competitions and activities which pit camper against camper in good-hearted games. The annual Bible Quiz is expertly run by Rev. Derrick Bowman and the Indianapolis team of three young men were the victors this year. Many of the young people enjoy spending time on the lake with kayaks and canoes, and an outdoor pool allows campers to cool down. Laser-tag and a zipline are also available. The young people enjoy the company of one another and their tears on the final Saturday are a testament of the special friendships made.
It would not be accurate, however, to see “fun” as the main aim of the camp. The camp is unashamedly a time to be under the Word of God. We are thankful for cabin counsellors who know the Lord and faithfully point the campers to Christ. The ministers, who are able to attend, share the preaching load on the Lord’s Day and each evening through the week. This year the theme was “Be faithful as God is faithful.” (See related article in this magazine). In the mornings, the boys and girls have separate devotional times. Mrs. Barbara Mooney spoke to the young ladies giving them wise words of counsel from the Scriptures. Rev. Pollock addressed the young men urging them to “play the man” by taking the most courageous act of loving Christ above all.
A total of 53 campers attended camp this year. Please keep them in prayer. Our denomination needs young people to be faithful to Christ in the context of their churches. We need the Lord to raise young men to serve as ministers, missionaries, elders, deacons, husbands, and fathers. We need godly young ladies to serve in churches, to be godly wives and mothers, to love their neighbors in showing Christ and His love while being prayer warriors for the King! It is our prayer that camp would be used in God’s hands to see these prayers come to pass.