Taylor, a high-spirited girl with lots of energy, had signed up to attend Horsemanship Extravaganza at CRISTA Camps. While she was there, Taylor shared with a staff member that her life was going to change, big time. Her father was about to re-marry and she would soon have a stepmother. On top of this, her father had begun attending church and was telling her about Jesus, but with all the complexity in her life she wasn’t sure she wanted Jesus in her life, too.
At the camp’s fireside, though, she learned about Jesus’ love and sacrifice for her, and she decided that she wanted what her father had. When she accepted Christ into her heart, the counselor celebrated with her, telling Taylor that all of heaven was rejoicing because of her decision.
This transformation is a regular outcome of CRISTA Camps’ efforts to free youth from their daily life demands and distractions, so that they can encounter Christ. During the last year, we hosted 22,666 campers, with 9,749 spending at least one night at our facilities. We presented the Gospel in a personal, fun, and exciting way to 1,430 resident campers and to 500 day campers in the summer.
During the school year, our Fusion weekends gave us the opportunity to share Christ to 221 campers. By renting our facilities out to external Christian organizations and groups, 2,800 campers heard the Gospel. Overall, we served campers from 49 churches and Christian organizations, as well as 41 schools and school systems.
Transformation in the lives of youth is enhanced by our Youth Pastor Series events, which helps to educate and support youth pastors and leaders. In the past year, we have provided engaging and helpful seminars to 154 youth workers, representing 92 churches and parachurch organizations.
Sponsorships continue to grow and provide opportunities for kids to attend camp. This past year, we raised more than $75,000 for sponsorship grants to 174 campers. These gifts were given to the Tacoma Boys and Girls Club, the Zion Prep Academy, and to 93 other traditional campers.
CRISTA Camps themselves have transformed facilities and operations to best serve our campers. Miracle Ranch renovated part of Sweetwater Lodge to accommodate a new clothing store and a novel point-of-sale system, in preparation for a coffee shop in the existing space. In light of the recent economic downturn, all off-season camp bookings were scheduled solely at Miracle Ranch for this fiscal year.
It’s clear that when kids are taken out of the daily grind, their hearts are opened and Christ can be seen. At CRISTA Camps, transforming youth is our priority and privilege.