The 2011 United Youth Camp theme is “A World Away from the World.” Although this year’s theme is expressed with unique wording, it has been fundamental to Camp Pinecrest for 15 years. Yet in certain respects, 2011 is a year of firsts.

United began using Camp Pinecrest as a youth camp beginning in 1996. From that time forward thousands of volunteers and campers have been part of the traditions established at this location. The camp transformed over the years to include challenging experiences such as a canoe trip down the Black River and rock climbing, to mainstay activities such as swimming, riflery, softball, speedaway, archery, ropes course, journalism and leadership classes.

For 15 years, volunteers have come together to pool their talents and abilities to create “A World Away from the World.” Amazingly over that span of time, the goal of creating a “zone” that is peaceful, safe, edifying and yet challenging has been consistently achieved. How has that goal been accomplished? It is through the application of Christ-like service. As men and women come together in humility, dedication and service, a wonderful atmosphere is created in which campers can thrive.

As 2011 began, there was great uncertainty. Would we have use of Camp Pinecrest? Would we have enough staff? Who would be the director? Would we have campers? As time progressed, the facility was secured, a great staff applied to serve, a new director was appointed and 65 campers came to camp.

As Camp Pinecrest unfolded, “A World Away from the World” has once again been produced. Men and women have filled the gaps in the program and have joined together with dedication for the 15th time to produce an atmosphere that is edifying to all.

Did we achieve our goal of creating “A World Away from the World”? An outside observer’s comments will answer that question.

As camp began on July 31, a volunteer worker for Camp Pinecrest was drilling a hole in a large rock near the dining hall. The work continued throughout the week with the digging of a hole, putting in a plastic pool, running a water line and then setting everything in place for the water to bubble up through the rock. As this worker and his companion worked all week, they watched our campers go about their activities.

As camp was coming to a close, the man came up to me and said, “I have to tell you something that I have observed this week. Your program is well-organized, and your young people are a most courteous and respectful group. These qualities are not found in all groups who come to Pinecrest.” Being a light to the world is a goal we want to achieve with the UYC program, and we attained that level of excellence again this year.

This was the 15th year for Camp Pinecrest, but in a lot of ways, it was also a kind of first year. The cultivation of “A World Away from the World” was most decidedly a success.