Youth Camp Testimonies

Youth camp 2009 was my 1^st Youth Camp. I was still reasonably new in church and still getting to know some of the youth. While I was deciding whether of not I should go, I was asking myself – Aren’t I too old for this kind of thing? My boss and colleagues were probably thinking the same thing when I told them that I was taking time of work to go to a youth camp. Youth Camp? Lil aren’t you like 20 something? – I imagined those thoughts forming in my colleagues mind and the thought of going to a Youth Camp reminded me of being a teenager again. I had been on trips away with my previous youth group in my teen years and I enjoyed them a lot but I knew that Youth Camp was going to be different from those trips. I asked myself so Do I really need to go to Youth Camp? I’m still kind of new I don’t want to go and feel left out – Does the theme even relate to me at all? And you know let’s be honest – Going to Youth camp is not cheap (although I understand now why) especially for those that come from other countries and while we are being honest money is always a factor that most people have to think about.

Nevertheless despite my thoughts, I thought (yes more thinking) Why not? After all I want to go. I think the theme is interesting so what does it matter what people at work may or may not think? Anyways I could do with a few days away from work to de stress. It doesn’t matter if I’ve been to trips or a camp that might be similar to this – I’m open to new experiences and why am I worried about the money when God is providing me with what I need? So I came to a conclusion to go; have an open mind, no expectations. It might be something different, might be fun, I might enjoy it, I might learn something, might experience new things. Who knows? I won’t know unless I go? And if I don’t really like it then I don’t have to go again.

We’ll you’ve probably guessed it J – Yes It was great fun, I enjoyed it loads and I learnt even more. I was reminded of God’s love for me, reminded that when I needed comfort through hard times – God was the only one who was really there for me and the topic “Standing at the crossroads” was just what I needed at the time. I was touched by a community that has been touched by God, I realised that I wanted to be a part of it and I did feel a part of it. I got a glimpse of what it’s like to spend a whole few days with God and I realised after that I wanted that feeling all the time. So yes I’m glad I went in the end age didn’t really matter because we all just got a long.

I would like to say that because of Youth Camp I’ve grown more as a Christian but I don’t really know for sure. However I definitely think that Youth Camp helped me step in the right direction in terms of becoming the Christian I am today. It’s amazing what you realise after 2 years – if not for me writing this I would not have known.

Anyways I could go on telling you stories about Youth Camp, ask anyone else that has attended one I’m sure they would too. I could tell you about the kind of activities we did, the kind of discussions we had, the place the people, the ways it could benefit you but we would probably be here for ages and to be honest, I don’t really want to because frankly I want you to just go and see for yourself. It’s kind of like a relationship with Christ – Despite all the things many people may say about it your really just need to experience it for yourself. – Lil Torio