Charles Metz – Ward, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Youth Summer Camp season launched at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, June 16. The camp theme this year is “Anointed.” Brandon Westgate, RMC Youth Department director, and Jade Teal, RMC Youth Department assistant director, aren’t hesitating to implement this in every step of camp life, including the staff member preparations.

Charles Metz, the camp’s summer program director and staff pastor, recalls the time prior to the campers arriving for the first session: “We expect campers in two days. We have all the training we need. I sit on the floor of the auditorium, surrounded by friends, new and old. It’s already 11:00 p.m. and there isn’t a dry eye in the room as we pour out our hearts to each other and to God.”

“Brandon anoints [each staff member] with a small bottle of oil. A few others pray, bringing their requests before God to pour out His love, healing, and mercy on our friends,” Metz continued.

“Our staff bonding is vital because it’s what makes or breaks camp,” said Sarah Schneider, camp summer daytime event coordinator. “Knowing that I’m always supported and loved by my camp family gives me the courage that I need.”

Explore Week was the first session geared for ages eight to eleven. Many of the campers enjoy the rodeo, a weekly segment that has grown to take up almost two hours of kid-friendly and country-themed fun. Throughout the day, kids enjoyed delicious meals from the kitchen staff, activities led by experienced camp directors, and a nightly play based on the story of David.

By the conclusion of session, 13 campers were baptized, and several have requested Bible studies through our partnership with the Voice of Prophecy.

One camper celebrated her birthday at GVR, and told Christine Savage, the camp’s office assistant, that it was her best birthday ever. “I’m not a counselor, and I have struggled with worrying I would not be able to develop deeper relationships with the campers,” Savage said.

“God gave me a divine encounter with a camper. She shared her testimony with me … even though what she shared was difficult, what reigned true over and over again was how … she wants to use that to get closer to God. In turn, God also blessed me and used the life experiences I have been through to share what He has been teaching me about His character with her,” she continued.

Michael Blood, a camp senior boys’ counselor and first-time staff member, is challenged but excited to see where the summer goes. “God is showing me how to have patience through my campers,” he shared.

“Now, halfway through Tween [Camp Session], our summer camp team is excited to continue ministering to and ultimately having fun with our campers. Our mission statement at RMC Youth is to ‘make it easy for kids to know God.’ At each activity, roll call, and party, our kids are invited to lift their eyes to the hills, quite literally, and realize that their help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth (Psalm 121:2, NLT),” concluded Metz.

—Charles Metz is the RMC Summer Camp summer program director and a staff pastor. Photos supplied.