Inspire, Fall 2001

C ampfires,cabins, mosquitos,a thirst for the word of God ... what is it about summer church camp that draws eager young people into this unique environment? Whatever the appeal,each summer many youth attend a church camp and make new friends, have fun,and meet God in a new way.Indeed, many return as changed people. Church camps are familiar territory within the Cedarville family. Many Cedarville students leave the campus each summer to work at church camps.Some were campers in their youth. Several alums are now camp directors or full-time staffers. So what is it that makes camp so appealing and rewarding? For those who have been part ofa camp staff, the answer most always involves changed lives. Witnessing the change in a camper's life is a reward many counselors and directors mention.They say that almost daily they hear a testimony of how a camper has accepted Christ."Sometimes the change is dramatic—a complete turnaround. Most often it is watching a camper come back year after year and grow a little bit more," said Bill Roloff'78,executive director of Skyview Baptist Ranch in Wheelersburg, Ohio."Parents will often tell me,'I don't know what you did to my child at camp, but when he came home,he was changed in some area of his life." Norm MacKenzie'81 with New Life Island Regular Baptist Camp in Frenchtown,New Jersey,echoed Bill's sentiment."Listening to campers tell how their counselor led them to the Lord or helped them with some other life-changing decision during the week gives me enough juice to keep going for a long time," he shared."It is amazing that God would allow me to have a part in a ministry that has such a profound impact on campers and staff members.Sometimes I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming." "It is also rewarding to see counselors and staff make decisions to serve Christ around the world as Christian laymen and laywomen,pastors, and missionaries," said Gary Storm '77,executive advisor of Scioto Hills Baptist Camp in Ohio."There are former Scioto Hills staff members in countries such as Egypt,China,Turkey, Inner City Impact ministries of Chicago, Cincinnati, and all across America,serving faithfully in their local churches." Norm added,"Any survey of those in full-time Christian service will reveal that many have made important spiritual Inspire 13