Thankfully, we had the opportunity and blessing of holding it a month later. Many of us had fasted and prayed to God for His will to be done and for us to be able to spend a week together sharing and learning more of His Word, especially in these difficult, COVID-19-limited times. God heard our prayers and allowed us to go camping at Rancho el Añil, located in the beautiful area of El Maipo Canyon, 48 miles from Chile’s capital, Santiago, where COVID-19 restrictions were down to a minimum. 

Every day started with a short interactive discussion before breakfast, a great way to motivate the campers. Later we had different outdoor activities, such as hiking, ziplining and crossing a Tibetan (hanging) bridge. Last year we were not able to do many sporting activities due to the COVID-19 restrictions, and this year, though we were a bit out of shape, we were able to carry out all these activities without any injuries. Two of the classes, one on astronomy and another one on knot-making, were presented by Jaime Diaz, a minister in Southern Chile. We enjoyed the swimming pool in the afternoons. As in previous years, we learned different types of handicrafts. Romina Quezada, a camper, taught us the tie-dye technique, which we used to color the camp T-shirts. Another camper, Jocelyn Catalán, taught us how to make bracelets and how to prepare a dulce de leche (butterscotch) roll. Michelle Macedo, from Brazil, connected through Google Meet to give us a cooking class where she taught us how to make a typical dessert from her country called brigadeiro.

We also had the opportunity to enjoy a youth dance and a game night led by one of the staff, Daniela Morales. Bible classes were presented by Jaime Gallardo, Jaime Diaz and Marcelo Saavedra, the three ministers in Chile. These classes were divided into two parts: the first was on Christian living and the second on doctrine. The theme developed in the Christian living classes focused on Ecclesiastes 12:1, “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth.” The doctrinal classes focused on prophetic events related to the United States and Great Britain. Despite the pandemic, this camp made it possible for both campers and staff to spend a week connecting with each other and learning from God’s Word. All the campers and staff are grateful for these opportunities, as they help us make new friends and reconnect with other friends of many years. Our deep appreciation goes out to everyone who made this camp possible and, most of all, to our God for the opportunity to hold this summer camp. What a great blessing it turned out to be!

Carolina Medina Carrasco