Field Report: Teen Girls’ Week

Here is the original post with photos: FIELD REPORT: TEEN GIRLS’ WEEK

What do you do when you discover you have two teen witches at camp? Well, last I checked, He who is living inside of me is still greater than he who is living in the world. So we listened, loved, prayed, and cared for them. One of the girls trusted Christ as her Savior, renounced her past, and asked to be baptized. The other started the week with her fingers in her ears during chapel and worship. As the week progressed she softened dramatically and we had some really good discussions. Please pray for both of them that the seeds that were planted in both of their lives will continue to grow.

This week at camp several of our staff shared their raw stories of their journey with God. As one of our staff members shared about being abused, all of the girls were crying because it was their story too. The shame and pain of the abuse led this staff member to a college life of trying everything once. The redeeming part of the story is how Father God answered a faltering prayer and brought her back to Him. Then one day God gave her a name that meant “Pure.” This is our hope for all of our campers…that they would experience the Father’s redeeming love.

One of the delightful things about the week was seeing returning campers. Even the tough ones like *Emily. Emily had been in over 50 foster homes. Emily spent her week at camp last year sleeping and resisting everything. This year she was excited to be back at camp. It was sad though to hear all the trauma she had experienced over the past year. Being separated from her first stable family and institutionalized where she suffered even more abuse. Though she was reunited with her family, the trauma was significant for someone who already experienced so much instability in life. On top of it all, Emily had been told that she will always be a ward of the state. This year at camp, Emily trusted Christ as her Savior and asked to be baptized.

We had four campers who followed Christ in baptism. I want to say a big “Thank you” to all of you who helped make this week possible. Camp would not be possible without everyone who sponsored campers, drove them to camp, donated dresses, made cakes, and served as craft leaders, mowers, cooks, counselors, and staff. You are bringing the love of Jesus to the least of these.

*Names changed for confidentiality

Gratefully,
Ben Smith
Founder/Executive Director
Camp David International