Camp Christian Summer Programs Camp Christian is owned and operated by the Christian Church in Ohio to serve its needs for resident camping, retreats and meetings. Christian Education, Leadership Development, Spiritual Enrichment and Fellowship Ministries are its designated purposes. Camp Christian is located in Magnetic Springs, Ohio just 12 miles west of Delaware. Our 93 acres of camp grounds offer a peaceful setting for camping experi- ences. A professional staff prepares well-balanced meals and maintains the grounds. The camp cabin clusters provide comfortable housing and indoor facilities for our camp- ers. Lifeguards are on duty during pool hours. We have two pools, one 3-5 feet deep and one equipped with a diving board for the more experienced swimmers. Other camp facilities include wooded areas, open areas for recreation, a lake, a dining hall, a craft cabin, an administration building, and a beautiful outdoor worship site referred to as Vespers. With dedicated counselors, campers will be led through a week-long Christian experience in which, through classes, workshops, and organized play, they will strengthen their knowledge, deepen their faith, and build everlasting friendships. Each camp is deeply rooted with wonderful traditions, but all have the same goal – strengthening our faith in Jesus. “No one shall be denied admission to our camp(s) or to the benefits of our U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program(s), because of race, color, national origin, sex, or handi- cap.” Otter Junior Camp Have you completed 3 rd , 4 th or 5 th Grade? Spend a whole exciting, fun- filled week with friends at Camp Christian during Otter Camp, June 20-26! We learn about God, Jesus and ourselves, as we do lots of fun outdoor activities. Singing, swim- ming, fishing, boating, hiking, studying nature, playing games, making crafts… these are just some of the things we do at Otter Camp. This year’s theme is Kids Can Too! We Can Do It! as we learn about children in the Bible, how their faith made a difference in the world and how We Can Too! Otter Camp is a wonderful way to get your summer off to a great start! There are 2 other Junior Camps offered this summer through the United Church of Christ. For more information on Badger and Beaver Junior Camps go to http://www.ocucc.org/outdoormin/OutdoorMinistries.htm Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) Conference The purpose of CYF Conference is to encourage and challenge High School youth to build a life-transforming relationship with God in Jesus Christ. This is accomplished by providing a safe place for youth to: Experience the grace of God by being fully accepted just as they are Build deep friendships with other Christian youth Build deep relationships with adult Christian role models that care for them Study and discuss biblical passages and ideas together with other youth and adults Practice spiritual disciplines, including prayer Experience meaningful youth-led worship Have fun with other Christians Build leadership skills that will help to strengthen the ministries of their home congregations Build a stronger relationship with Jesus Christ and a deeper faith in God Conference is said to have a "Spirit." When we begin to cooperate as a group, begin to really care for each other and everyone in camp, begin to sense God’s presence, we begin to notice that "spirit" of conference. The Conference "spirit" is the positive affirmation and cooperation and involvement of everyone in the Conference program. Adding a sense of the real presence of God and the joy of being in God’s community, we recognize the "spirit" of conference comes from God or it doesn’t really come at all. It is in fact the Holy Spirit. Through our study, worship, group singing, and group recreation we begin to know each other and sense a oneness of purpose. All are designed to help us fully enjoy conference and become a living part of the Conference "Spirit." We begin to understand that we are really a vital part of something great and that all of us together, living, singing, worshipping, and working make CYF Conference. As we make our commitment to God, we know what makes CYF Conference live. Chi Rho Camps Chi Rho Camp can be the best week of your life. You'll do more in one week than you ever thought possible. Experience serious times of worship, Bible Study, prayer, and discussion in our Quest Groups. Enjoy fun times of swimming in our two pools, fishing, games, singing, talent shows, and campfires. Make new friends which may last a lifetime. Grow in your Christian Faith. Each day Chi Rho Campers gather in Quest Groups during the morning hours (groups of 8-12 campers learning by studying the scripture, crafts and games); in Morning Prayers by Cabin Groups each morning; and in Evening Prayers each evening as a whole camp. The week culminates in an inspirational Consecration Service on Friday evening. Each week the camps are blessed with outstanding Christian pastors and lay persons as Assistant Directors, Counselors (cabin, table, Quest Group) who engage with the campers in study, prayer, recreation, etc., befriending young people in a way that has an impact on their lives for good. The program is blessed by the time, talent, treasure, and love extended so generously by these devoted volunteers. Adventure Camp Photo Safari – Ohio “The practice of photography can, indeed, become a profound spiritual practice, so that it helps the photographer and viewer become more mindful of their relationship with God, and with other human and more-than-human companions in creation. It is a way to visually celebrate or grieve what is, as well as find inspiration and motivation for what can be, as Spirit would have it; prayers without words… How would you use a camera to give witness to Spirit at play in this world?” – Taken from www.wellfedspirit.org . Christian Church in Ohio’s Adventure Camp Ministry is sponsoring a Photography Camp based at Camp Christian this summer. This camp will consist of several spiritually themed day trips around Ohio for photographers of any level. The group will be heading to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, The Hocking Hills, Downtown Columbus, the Franklin Park Conservatory, and more. There will be time set aside to review the groups photos and learn some photography skills. The images will also be used throughout the week for devotion time and worship service to wrap up the week. If you have any questions, contact Rev. Stephen Bentley at [email protected] or 614-433-0343. Advance Ministries Conference Advance Ministries is a ministry that provides young adults, persons ages 19 – 29 & out of High School, experiences where they can enjoy a community of Christian friends and share their love, life, and fellowship, while developing a stronger faith in Jesus Christ. Following breakfast each morning, you can join in Bible Study which ends with a time of personal and private devotions in an outdoor setting. The rest of the morning is filled with a presentation by a different Christian leader every day, followed by small group discussion time. In the after- noon, you have an opportunity to design the evening’s worship ser- vice, plan the evening's recreation, or other tasks from which you can choose. Much of the afternoon is free for you to swim, fish, play volleyball, talk with friends, or whatever you choose. In the evening, the outdoor worship service designed and led by the Conferees, is one of the high points of the day. There is also a special recreation every night as well. The events of each day end with a Closing Circle led by the three officers of the week. The Closing Circle is a time of reflection, wonderful singing, and always some humor. The week culminates on Saturday night with a moving and meaningful worship experience called Consecration. Each day at Advance Conference contains opportunities for growth in your faith, for making new friends, for being at least a little silly, and for many other experiences as well. It is hoped that your personal relationship with God will become even more real. A day or a week at Advance Conference can never be adequately de- scribed in words. It must be experienced firsthand. For more information about Conference or Advance Ministries go to http://advanceministry.org/ .