New Heights Camp

This update from camp director Dishon Mills reports on New Heights Camp.

This summer, God brought 73 campers and 66 staff together to reach new heights in Christ and in life at New Heights—a Generations Ministries sponsored summer Camp in Connecticut.

Our camp theme this year was, “It’s Time!.” We wanted each camper to leave understanding that it’s time to live for Jesus. This theme was conveyed in chapel messages, skits, videos and stories. God blessed the teaching to have a powerful impact on campers and staff.

In addition to regular recreational activities, we provided two new camp elements: Tracks and Showtime. Tracks provided training in various practical ministry skills that can be used in local churches back home. In Showtime, each dorm prepared a skit, song, or dance that was performed for the whole camp.

This year, during our traditional last-night ceremony, we served Communion using multiple stations. Earlier, the campers had written on a piece of paper things they wanted to leave behind. At the first communion station they laid down that paper, then had their hands washed to signify God’s cleansing grace. They then moved to the next station where they received the bread and cup. Then they walked between two bonfires to the “great cloud of witnesses” (the staff) who then prayed for each camper. Through this powerful ceremony, the campers acknowledged the Lordship of Jesus Christ and committed to live for him with new determination. Though it was explained that participation was voluntary, nearly every camper took part.

On Saturday, just before camp ended, we made a special presentation to Dale and Sybil Martin, thanking them for over 30 years of faithful service to GCI camps. They are retiring from serving in camp ministry–this was their last time to lead New Heights’ beloved kitchen staff. Dale and Sybil will be greatly missed—they have taught us so much. We praise God for them.

Here is a video showing New Heights this past summer:

On YouTube at http://youtu.be/SnhcN8kYvFY.