Here's a report from a summer camp experience:

We have just recently returned from a junior high and high school trip this August.   We filled 32 camp spots this year and had an amazing time.  Each trip was filled with adventure and surprises with many kids experiencing things for the first time.   From sailing, to wakeboarding, to swinging on a high-ropes course, many risks were taken and fears were overcome.  But the area of kids hearing about God’s love and discussing it with each other and their leaders is where the most spectacular things happened.  The camps provided a great getaway to have an adventurous time and to take risks they wouldn’t normally take in opening themselves up to really listening to and considering Jesus Christ.   A couple days after returning from camp one Suffern kid wrote this in a thank you note.  “Last week at camp my leaders and the staff at Saranac Lake opened the door to Christ for me.

  “Today I became a Christian.  I spoke to my leader and I was/am convinced that I need Christ in my life.  I’ve never really been much of a believer because I never understood Christianity.   The way so many Young Life staff explain the word of God seems more real than I have ever heard.  I’ve accepted Jesus in my life today, thanks to Young Life.  I don’t want to repeat myself, but they really understand what is going on.  I feel like I’ve lived my entire life blind and now I can finally see.”

Did kids have a great fun time with new adventures? Yes absolutely.  It is, however, those changes that God made in hearts of kids that can take a kid from death to new life, from blind to having sight that made these trips truly amazing.  Praise God for his working!

                                             Carl Whitlatch,

                                             Area Director