For the seventh straight year, teenagers from across the world were afforded the privilege of attending God’s camp. This year, 53 young people, 22 staff, and a number of camp administrators journeyed into the woods of western Pennsylvania to participate in the two-week long event.

Since 2008, The Restored Church of God has been holding camps for teenagers at Raccoon Creek State Park, a beautiful secluded location away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world.

More than a location with vintage cabins and hilly greenery, this historical park has a number of lessons for us today.

A New Deal

Established in 1935, Raccoon Creek State Park was one of over 2,650 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps built in the United States during Franklin Roosevelt’s presidency. These camps were part of the “New Deal”—a series of experimental domestic economic projects that provided opportunities for struggling unemployed men between 18 to 25 years old. The programs offered the opportunity to work during the Great Depression years until America entered World War II.

According to Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy, the goal of CCC was two-fold: “Conservation of our natural resources and the salvage of our young men.”

Between 1933 and 1942, over 600,000 men, staff and administrators lived and worked in camps across the United States. Through them, men were given the opportunity to learn various trades and develop a broad range of skills. Over the life of the program, 97,000 miles of fire access roads were constructed, more than 4.2 million man-hours were devoted to fighting forest fires, and more than three billion trees were planted.

Working in these camps taught individuals important life lessons.

Ambassador Youth Camp (AYC) does the same. Modeled after the Worldwide Church of God’s Summer Education Program (SEP), AYC has a long-standing history of providing invaluable experiences for God’s youth.

One significant aspect of Worldwide Church of God Pastor General Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong’s unique ministry was to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers…” (Mal. 4:6). We are pursuing the same goal today.

In an increasingly dark world, AYC stands out as a beacon of light, reinforcing true values and providing wholesome, life-changing activities. It affords teenagers from around the globe the opportunity to come together and be apart from the negative pulls of society (Rev. 18:4). In doing so, they can build lasting friendships with other teenagers as they strive to be leaders in the world to come.

Structure, Fun and Friendships

CCC camp life had structure, routine and purpose. Hard work was enforced every day except for a day of worship. After evening meals, however, the atmosphere changed as men relaxed during free time. By working and playing together, men created enduring relationships.

AYC is no different. Each day, the overarching purpose is to have fun while practicing God’s way of life disconnected from modern distractions. Every day is organized (I Cor. 14:33) and chock full of group opportunities designed to build memories. Challenging, exciting activities stimulate youth—mentally, physically and spiritually.

Teenagers are presented a balanced schedule of activities that includes soccer, public speaking, challenge courses, softball, volleyball, canoeing and whitewater rafting. In addition, campers listen to edifying daily lectures and write articles that are published in the special camp edition of Ambassador Youth—of which this article is a part.

Similar to the young men at CCC camps, teenagers are exposed to a variety of essential life skills. This includes cleaning up after themselves and learning to help each other by taking turns sweeping the dining hall and washing dishes.

To complement structured activities, youth are given plenty of leisure time. These periods allow for fellowship with other teens who face similar daily struggles despite coming from different nations.

Camp is truly a place where friendships are made.

Year of Firsts

This year was one of firsts. Campers and staff attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Church’s new Hall of Administration in Wadsworth, Ohio; experienced a power outage due to a torrential downpour (with quarter-sized hail); and witnessed an unassisted triple play in softball!

In addition, the expanded camp program broadened the cultural landscape of many teens and staff alike. Attendees experienced the first lecture on fine-dining etiquette and enjoyed three formal meals where young ladies and gentlemen practiced their recently honed skills.

Everyone also enjoyed a dance lesson, during which the entire camp learned two line dances and a waltz. Finally, campers were instructed by a resident artist on sketching techniques.

Many more exciting activities are scheduled for next year! Anyone wishing to discover them should apply to attend AYC 2014.

The Future

President Roosevelt’s CCC camps lasted only nine years. At the commencement of America’s involvement in the second world war, these camps quickly became obsolete. Yet no one can measure the value these “camps of opportunity” provided America’s young men. Most of those who could explain the program’s worth are now gone.

Similarly, lasting impressions have been made on many of the youth in God’s Church during the last seven years of AYC. Most long for another chance to return to camp. Some even choose to volunteer as staff after they are no longer eligible to attend as campers.

If you are considering if camp is for you, do not allow this opportunity to pass you by. Do not miss out on the life-changing opportunity that will be AYC 2014!