Youth Camp East Recap

The 60th year of FRC youth camp started out on a bright and sunny Friday evening with over 150 campers and around 20 counsellors. This year the theme was, “How Did I Get Here: God’s Plan for My Life”. Throughout the weekend, we heard three encouraging speeches from Pastor Rob VanDoodewaard. Pastor Rob began his set of speeches with the idea that life is not meaningless when you are with Christ, explaining creation, fall, and redemption. Saturday evening’s speech was on God’s plan and how even now God is repeatedly recreating and preserving His people. On Sunday night, he concluded with a speech based on Jeremiah 29:11, encouraging us that God does have a plan, and so we have a purpose. Along with the speeches, on Sunday we attended church with Pastor Scott Dibbet as the camp pastor, preaching on God’s covenant courtroom and our calling to live for God’s glory and His way. Along with the edifying sermons and speeches, there were many uplifting and solid discussions among the many groups. These discussions were refreshing and encouraging spiritually, allowing us to relate to each other, to pray for one another, and to grow in our faith together. And then of course, there was much time spent singing together, which was not only beautiful and soul-refreshing, but also a special time of worshipping our Triune God.

Along with the time spent at Pearce Hall listening to Pastor Rob and Pastor Scott, there were a lot of fun activities planned by the counsellors on Saturday morning, involving Bible trivia and intense hockey/volleyball/spikeball games. Being split into smaller groups allowed for great camaraderie and as the weekend continued, through the mealtimes, campfires, and the free time, there were many opportunities to make new friends and get to know each other.

Although this being only my second time at camp, I enjoyed this weekend very much. The speeches were both encouraging and provoking, always pointing me to Christ and pointing out the plan and purpose that God has not only for my life, but for the lives of all His children. Both the singing and discussions were also spiritually refreshing. Being able to discuss life as a Christian with other young Christians was a privilege and an opportunity to grow closer together as the communion of saints. Also having a Godly group of counsellors to pray with you and talk with you was another special blessing that I enjoyed and appreciated at camp. The late nights singing at Pearce Hall and the discussions over the campfires were special and memorable.

If you are of age to attend FRC camp, I encourage you to do so! FRC youth camp has wonderful directors, counsellors, and many young people to meet and get to

know. It is a perfect opportunity to break from our devices and the busyness of this life and dig into the word of God, grow spiritually and form new friendships.

- Sarah Overduin (Vineland FRC)

Camp Photos by Kenneth Kranendonk can be found here: https://adobe.ly/3Jaes7U