Mid-2007: I was an incredibly shy 15-year-old girl, afraid to step out on my own and too hesitant to initiate the simplest of conversations. Then the weekly Announcement Bulletin came in, stating that The Restored Church of God would be holding its inaugural Ambassador Youth Camp.

As I initially believed I would be unable to attend due to the expense associated with traveling from Australia, it was many weeks before I seriously considered the possibility.

But eventually I did decide to attend. Since then, nothing has been the same!

The main focus that year was on bringing together youth from around the world for the first time. AYC 2007 focused on encouraging campers to spend as much time talking to each other as possible, building friendships, and setting the standard for the years to follow. Campers were taught to live God’s Way with lectures focusing on the fundamentals of Christian living.

By the time AYC 2008 and 2009 rolled around, the focus had shifted and learning to be detail-oriented gained new importance. A strict schedule was introduced, and lectures began to address the intricacies of being a lady or gentleman, and resisting the pulls of the world.

Once AYC became an extended two-week camp, the youth had more time to grow and form stronger friendships from those built the first year. With an increase in campers, both Americans and internationals (I was no longer the sole foreigner!), there was a shift toward a cultural awakening. Campers became more aware of the differences between their experiences in one country compared to another and were able to learn from each other.

As the years passed, and the camp structure became set, there was also more emphasis placed on the need for each camper to develop character as well as his or her own personality.

July 12, 2010: I see five new versions of the girl I once was. Only since then, I have had to step up and really change who I am. The beauty of Ambassador Youth Camp is that everyone is encouraged and pushed to step out of their comfort zone.

Campers, staff and ministers alike will all attest to the vast differences seen not only between each year of camp, but also week to week, and even day to day. This year at AYC, we saw girls who had never played a sport before dive in and give it their all, learn basic skills and end up proficient players. Young men who had never before given a speech, stepped up and spoke out, rallying their courage to share an interesting experience with the group. Their ability to reach a point where they were comfortable enough to speak so personally with a large group of peers was indicative of the supportive and welcoming environment at AYC and the way campers begin to open up and gain confidence once they are there.

Through experiences such as the low ropes course, campers learned to work together. As trust is an integral aspect of any relationship, the youth at AYC are always encouraged and almost have no choice but to trust other campers and staff alike. Having this trust then allows them to share more of themselves, whether it be through funny stories, fears, hopes or struggles they have.

Being the youth in the Church, we are naturally inclined toward each other, and form bonds through our shared experiences and friendships that we hope will last forever. For us, camp is our home away from home, and other campers become our family.

Many peers confirm that before coming to camp, they never would have had the guts to sing their lungs out on camp songs or do silly dances. But with the support structure AYC brings, they feel free to open up and experience this.

Most important, though, AYC youths are motivated and directed spiritually. Learning God’s way of life and fellowshipping with those of like mind, especially those our age, is a once a year opportunity—one to make the most of.

As campers grow and mature, the Ambassador Youth Camp experience evolves. Campers are expected to go home and apply the lessons they have learned. After attending AYC, campers increasingly recognize the importance of God’s truth and approach their everyday lives with this on their mind.

With our return to camp next year, we can be sure there will be a vast difference between our approach to activities, take on life and general attitudes and understandings. We have already witnessed returning campers’ added enthusiasm and heard their cheers ringing through the air.

Since I have been attending camp, I have also noticed that we have all grown in our ability to judge situations and approach conversations and situations tactfully.

The best part about attending AYC is knowing there will always be new campers to welcome to the family. And with the increase in experienced campers, there are more people to help them open up, more stories to share and the potential for many new memories to be made.

For now, though, we sit and wait for another year to pass and the chance to witness the changes that are sure to come. Bring on AYC 2011!