This update is from GCI-USA district pastor David Gilbert
A common refrain from campers and staff members alike at GCI’s New Heights Camp in Connecticut is, “I wish we could have the atmosphere of camp when we go back home!”
For nearly a week, campers and staffers are treated to a “mountain-top experience” and then trudge back to their home churches where sometimes it’s the “same old thing.” In the district I serve, we have been trying something different that promises to give our young folks a quarterly taste of camp throughout the year. We call it New Heights Outpost.
New Heights Outpost brings together quarterly camp alumni within our district for a day of fun, food, fellowship and Christian instruction. The latest Outpost was held on April 12, hosted by 24/7 Community Church, pastored by Frank and Leslie Howard.
We all gathered at the Maplewood Community Center in Maplewood, New Jersey, where we had a time of exciting worship led by the young people of 24/7. That was followed by the inspiring testimony of teen Marsha Richards, who shared her struggles in life and how her relationship with Jesus makes a big difference for her. Following that, we had great instruction from GenMin national coordinator Anthony Mullins concerning how we can better become people of inclusion. A theme throughout the day echoed what will be taught at New Heights Camp this summer: “Be the Church.” We got together in small groups and discussed how our local churches could be more inclusive of all people.
We look forward to our next Outpost, which will be hosted in June by the Queens, New York congregation pastored by John Newsom.
