Editor’s Note: Summer camp can be a transformative and meaningful experience for all involved from the campers to staff to even the pastoral staff. Read below one pastor’s experience as he ministered to camp youth June 28-July 3 at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado.
By Daniel Escalante
My first experience at Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Summer Camp at Glacier View Ranch was more meaningful than I could have imagined. After only one day, I found myself wishing I had been able to attend a camp like this when I was younger. Glacier View Ranch is a beautiful, well-maintained place, but what made the week especially memorable was the people who filled it.
It was a privilege to work alongside young adults who are deeply passionate about youth ministry. My goal was to join at least one activity each day with the staff and campers so I could get to know them better. I was encouraged to discover that so many staff members were there because they truly wanted to serve, invest in kids, and share the love of Jesus. Their enthusiasm and joy was contagious.
One highlight was the staff’s presentation of the story of Moses. They put on an engaging play that was both thoughtful and fun, helping the campers connect with the week’s theme of freedom. It was clear that the team put a great deal of effort into every detail—not only the program, but also making sure every camper felt included, welcome, and cared for.
I also enjoyed preaching to the pre-teen group. The students were attentive and engaged as the story unfolded, and it was exciting to see their curiosity and openness to God’s Word. I think that it contributed to the ultimate decisions that would unfold at the end of the week.
The most powerful moment of the week came at the end, when two young people chose to give their lives to Jesus through baptism. Seeing their sincere response to the gospel—shared through the story of Moses, Jesus, and freedom—was a beautiful reminder of why this ministry matters.
I am grateful for my time at Glacier View Ranch and hope I will have the opportunity to return.
—Daniel Escalante is lead pastor for the Fort Collins Seventh-day Adventist Church and Fort Collins Christian School. Photo by Jessica Mangano of Unsplash.
