Field Report: Teen Boys’ Camp

Read the FULL REPORT HERE

Teen boys week was a walk of faith. On day one *David went around putting the smaller boys in headlocks. While *Austin, one of the smaller boys on the autistic spectrum, told his counselor he couldn’t memorize (his teammates were memorizing Bible verses). Another camper constantly did the opposite of what he was told, all the while smiling at you.

We had to set up two special trips to pick up campers who missed the bus or signed up over the weekend, and one of those boys lived 3 hours from camp.

Some might say they should miss camp since they didn’t make an effort. 

But then we heard their stories of rape, abuse, neglect, and deaths of loved ones. It seems somewhere in God’s justice, someone has to fight for them. That week, the “someone” was us. 

The transformation in the boys was remarkable. During the Talent Show, David stood by Austin encouraging him like a coach as Austin recited not one, but 5 Bible verses. Austin also won the Bible verse challenge of the week. Our smiling rebel was one of four boys that were baptized. 

And then there was Zack. Zack traveled the furthest to get to camp, which was a result of our team member, Christine, tenaciously calling and inviting campers. Zack was already a believer but he wanted more, and after the baptism he led a group of boys in making Jesus Lord of their lives. 

We were excited to invite 7 of these teen boys back to our Leaders-in-Training Camp at the beginning of July. Words fail me to express how much it meant for these boys. It was as though for the first time, someone wanted them. 

A big thanks to all of you who invited us to your churches, filled backpacks, sponsored campers, made birthday cakes, picked up campers, helped with crafts, and served as counselors, cooks, wrangles, grandmas, and support staff. 

You are the ones who make camp possible. You are the ones who are Jesus to the least of these. You are the ones that gave these boys the hope that if you could love them like that, maybe Jesus can too. 

*Names changed for confidentiality

Gratefully,
Ben Smith 
Founder/Executive Director 
Camp David International