This was one of the largest camps we’ve had in a few years. There were 170 of us (87 campers, mini-dorm campers and six very little future mini campers; 24 teens and 59 plus adult staff) who enjoyed four days of living, playing and working together in “God’s way.” God certainly blessed the camp with His guidance, protection and absolutely beautiful weather!

Our goal was to enrich the campers’ lives by giving them opportunities to build relationships with other children who share common beliefs, and to deepen their relationship with God by getting to know more about their loving Father through daily Christian living and music classes. The theme of this year’s camp was “friendship.” In Christian living we discussed the qualities of a friend and what the Bible says about friendship and the biblical examples of friendship. On the last day we talked about Abraham being a friend of God, as well as Jesus calling His disciples His friends. Our Christian living classes concluded with how we can become a friend of God by following and obeying Him. Campers also enjoyed the new Jelly video (“Jelly Makes a New Friend”).

We wanted campers to experience a variety of challenging and fun activities including horseback riding, swimming, zip-lining, arts and crafts, field games, climbing wall, archery and BB gun shooting, creek walk, team challenge, slingshot and tubing down a long slip-n-slide. Campers also enjoyed evening activities including a carnival, a campfire sing-a-long, treasure hunt, novelty Olympics and on the final night, a “Dance with Jelly and Mr. Jonathan.”

Camp Ironwood is a family camp with many parents bringing their preteens and teens (as well as those 5 and under) and spending four days together in a loving and nurturing family environment. This year we had a wonderful group of teens who served as assistant counselors and activity assistants, also serving as the big brothers and big sisters to the campers. Adult staff included many parents who served as activity coordinators, counselors, support staff and dorm parents. Parents also enjoyed the opportunities to interact with their children during meal times and evening camp activities. We also enjoyed a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Victor Kubik. It was a fun-filled four days!

The friendships, camaraderie, nurturing family environment and working and playing together according to God’s way of life is an experience that those who attended Camp Ironwood this summer will not soon forget. We praise God and thank Him for another successful year at Camp Ironwood!