Be Ye Like Christ - Jr. High Summer Camp 2026

Last week, our Junior High Ministry had the amazing privilege to host a summer camp at Orchard Springs Campground! Our topic this year, "Be Ye Like Christ” was on Romans 12, preached by our in-house speaker Vlad Sonnik. We had 40 students attending and a dedicated group of parents and ministry staff.

Our objective with this camp was to further share the gospel and instill biblical truth in the hearts of these young teens. Camp was most certainly a memorable experience for them that was full of fellowship and worship.

In our 4 sessions we went over Spiritual Worship, Transformation, Humility, and Serving.  
Spiritual worship is giving reverence and honor to God. We are all created as worshipers. We are called to be a living sacrifice, to give and devote our whole being to the Lord and do all for his glory and praise. Every day we sacrifice for the Lord with ongoing devotion. Living our life set apart from the world and living for Christ rather than all that is vain in this world. A transformed life is a transformed mind. Only the Lord can transform our hearts and only the Lord can change the condition of one’s heart. We know Romans 10:13 says, “For everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved”. And in order to receive this gift of salvation we are called to repent and turn our eyes to Christ. We are called to live in a way that is set apart from the world, not pursuing earthy passions. Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly for what we consume is what we will become. You cannot be like Christ if you do not know him. With all humility we should not think of ourselves highly but serve each other in love. For we are one body of Christ, so may we go out and uplift each other and worship our Lord in unity.

Throughout our week there were multiple tournaments including a soccer tournament won by team “Little Chuds”, volleyball tournament won by “Empire Builders”, chess tournament winners were Dan and Mark, ultimate frisbee, and many other competitions. The overall camp points winners were team “Tuff Poopsiki” and we congratulate them for accumulating the most total points! We also had crafts and time at the lake during those hot hours where you just want to enjoy the refreshing cool of water! The kids had some floats and paddle boards as well as a couple boys that went fishing. We had a few teens brave rock jumping (with complete supervision of course) and everyone came home safely. We were fed delicious meals all thanks to our incredible kitchen staff.

We are grateful to our church family for your prayers, and we praise God for His protection over everyone who attended. This camp was an abundant blessing and a powerful time of growth, not just for our teens—but also for our staff. Serving together for God's glory brought us much closer together. Through our morning devotionals, evening services, small group discussions, and a quiet time with God, these young teens were able to learn what it means to “Be Like Christ”.  Please continue to pray for our campers as they transition back to regular routines, and that the seeds of the gospel that were planted continue to grow and bear beautiful fruit.

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"When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart,
I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.
Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
For behold, those who are far from you shall perish; you put an end to everyone who is unfaithful to you.
But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works."
Psalm 73:21-28