It's been a focal point of my life from infancy to the present. There were years we missed. For instance, we lived in Kentucky for three years while I was attending seminary. There were other years that I was appointed in different parts of the Pittsburgh Conference [now 'Harvest Conference'] and needed to support either the Fairchance or Apollo camps.
For thirteen years, I led one of the three East Liverpool, Ohio Free Methodist Churches. In spite of the fact that we lived one mile away from the campground, we still packed everything up up and moved into the camp cabin for ten days every July.
Most people know that the camp always begins on the first Thursday after the Fourth of July! If the 'Fourth' falls on a Thursday, then the camp begins the following Thursday, It used to end on the final Sunday evening with a grand tradition of marching, singing and farewell greetings, but when instrumental leaders passed away and busy schedules encroached on staying late on the last Sunday evening - this tradition simply became part of history.
But every year a group of several hundred people gather for this ten-day camp to enjoy fellowship, participate in vibrant worship, and grow spiritually. We live in rustic cabins for ten days. We eat in the air conditioned dining hall three times a day. We hit the 'Camp Store' after church for cheeseburgers, nachos, milkshakes and other treats! We engage in sporting competitions like volleyball, corn-hole, Euchre Tournaments, golf outings, and this year - Pickle-Ball.
We enjoy learning from missionaries every year and offer our financial support to their work. The women enjoy craft times - also in the cool of the dining hall. There are 'after-glows' for the youth and special classes for the children as well. Some head to Thompson Park in the afternoon to enjoy the refreshing community pool [close enough to walk to].
There are always a few curfew-breakers who hole-up in a cabin and play games until late into the night! Early-risers get their exercise in by walking several times around the camp road! Morning classes are held for campers of all ages! The afternoons are largely left open to find your own entertainment. A lot of women make an excursion to the area's pottery outlets in search of good bargains!
The focal point of the camp is the evening service at 7:00 PM. Almost everyone attends - in spite of the fact that the tabernacle can be quite warm at that point of the day. The worship team - which is becoming increasingly comprised of younger people - leads us wonderfully in communicating our love for God! A guest evangelist brings a message and there is often a call to prayer as the service ends. Hundreds - if not thousands - have made commitments to follow Christ during these annual ten days! Many of us made our first commitment to the Lord while attending camp.
When it ends, we say 'farewell' to our camp-family-friends. Some will gather for a follow-up 'Harvest Weekend' in late September, but we will not see many until July rolls around again!
Family Camp is a special and sacred time for many of us. We have tons of memories of those who went before us and set examples for us. We cherish these special days when we share life with folks from other churches and cities.
In my home while growing up, we began looking forward to Family Camp right after the celebration of Christmas. Then, when camp was over we would look forward to Christmas! These two events were pivotal in our lives. Of late, however, the Family Camp experience is being described as THE BEST TEN DAYS OF THE YEAR!
[If you'd like to visit, evening services begin at 7:00 PM from July 10-20 at 1027 Anderson Boulevard, East Liverpool, Ohio. We'd love to see you there! If you come by day, bring a lawn chair, find a tree and relax. You can also buy your meals there - or hit the store with us after the evening worship! The adult morning class begins at 10:00 AM in the tabernacle.]
You are so very blessed. Miss you and Deb. My heart longs for camp.
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