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BY CHRISTIE ZIMMERMAN
UMCONNECTION STAFF

Fun, friends and faith – that's what summer camp is all about at Manidokan and West River. From learning to canoeing or sailing, to braving high ropes courses and learning a new Christian rock song, 1,112 youth from around the Baltimore-Washington area are diving head first into summer fun and are experiencing spiritual transformation along the way.

The camp sessions range from Adventure Camp to Sailing Camp and everything in between. In July, Camp Life, sponsored by Hope for the City, is just one of the many summer camp sessions. Dollars funded through apportionments and the Board of Child Care allow underprivileged youth who live in violent Baltimore City neighborhoods to experience a week full of peace and renewal at West River. Thirty-seven campers were given camperships that allowed them to stay at camp for a week while connecting with new friends and God.

"I am enjoying the pool and meeting new friends, learning archery is cool too. I like having options here at camp. It's really been an awesome week and I want to come back next year," said Bryan, a sixth grader who attended Adventure Camp at West River for the first time in late July.

Rev. Katie Bishop, pastor at New Hope UMC in Brunswick, volunteered as a camp counselor for a week at Camp Manidokan called "The Best Week Ever." The Best Week Ever allowed nearly 70 middle school youth to connect in new ways.

"There were no cell phones, texting, Internet, Facebook, yet they were able to connect and have a blast while doing it," Bishop said."We really don't have a lot of spaces for kids to block out the junk in their lives and allow them to just be kids anymore, but camp is a great place for that spiritual growth and renewal to take place."

Bishop described the draining yet very fulfilling and rewarding nature of 24/7 camping ministry. "It really was the best week of my summer. I left with my heart filled," she said.

"It's pretty exciting to watch the energy of the youth as they learn and discover new things about God, each other and themselves," said Andy Thornton, director of camping and retreat ministries, who celebrates his 25th summer camp season this year. "Things have certainly changed over the years, but great fun, deep and trusting friendships and a new way of seeing God in a very accepting environment have all been constant."

While the fun of summer camp may be winding down this month, retreat season and the Encounter music festival are on the horizon. During the weekend of Sept. 9-11, youth leaders have an opportunity to kick off their program year with a high-energy weekend festival at Camp Manidokan that promotes group bonding and faith formation. Youth will enjoy whitewater rafting, high ropes, tubing and several bands including Willet, Jay and Nett, and Ashes Remain.

To learn more about the Encounter youth festival and retreats and camping ministries, visit www.bwccampsandretreats.com.