Every so often, I hear these words from some of the teenagers who have never gone to Ambassador Youth Camp: “I don’t think I can go to camp this year…”

When I hear such phrases, I can understand the hesitancy to commit. The unfamiliar can be intimidating. The teen who utters these words may be thinking, “Will I fit in? Will I be accepted? What if I am not good enough at some of the activities?”

For the person asking these questions, these are legitimate concerns that need to be addressed.

As a minister, I have spent a lot of time at camp over the years. I have interacted and participated with dozens of teens and have watched their lives transform before my eyes. I have watched nervous boys and girls arrive the first day already homesick. But I have also watched these same campers stay late after the final banquet, heartbroken about having to part ways with their new family the next morning.

Newcomers learn how extraordinarily these two weeks can affect them. For many, the attitude before arrival is, “I can’t wait until this is over.” Yet by the end of AYC this turns into, “I can’t wait until next year!”

One second-year camper summed it up best: “When I’m at camp, I just feel overjoyed—like my heart is about to leap out of my chest!”

What happens at camp to generate such a dramatic proclamation? You owe it to yourself to find out.

Usually, the biggest regrets in life do not come from things that we do—they come from the things we do not do. Deciding not to attend camp, for any reason, would be one of your life’s biggest regrets.

But do not just take my word for it. Listen to those who have attended AYC before you.

Prepared especially for those who have not yet committed to camp, this is the list of the top 10 most-used excuses for not coming. Allow your fellow teens who have been to camp—and who have had these same objections before coming—to set you at ease in their own words. You will see that what appears as excuses are actually the very reasons for you to go!

(1) “I Won’t Know Anyone”

Thinking you will not have any friends at camp is a popular excuse, but it is totally unfounded. You are in for a surprise!

When you arrive at AYC, your fellow campers will eagerly greet you—not with harsh looks and judging attitudes, but with hugs and handshakes! They will be sincerely excited to get to know you. Listen to the words of these first-time campers who had this same fear lurking in their minds.

A camper from Nevada said: “I was instantly greeted by all of the kids at the camp and welcomed like I had known them all their lives.”

One camper from Connecticut said: “Campers quickly introduced themselves and I immediately felt welcomed with open arms. Looking at their smiles, I thought to myself: Who would not want to be here? The warmth of all the other teenagers made my nervousness disappear quickly. By the end of the first day, I had made so many new friends!”

Do you realize there was a time you did not know your closest friends? You had to meet them first—then you grew to love them! The same applies to camp. By the time you leave AYC 2016, you will have many new friends from all over the world!

A camper from Florida remarked: “I had the chance to bond with international teenagers from places such as Belgium, South Africa, Nigeria and elsewhere. This helped me better understand the world and how we all live differently.”

(2) “I Don’t Know if I Will Fit in”

Based on past experiences of not fitting in, many assume AYC will be more of the same. Yet you will learn at camp that everyone has differences—and that this is wonderful. But you will also learn that everyone is the same in their beliefs. God’s truth binds us together as a tight-knit family unlike anything else you can experience.

In fact, if there is any place on Earth you will fit in, it is at camp!

According to a camper from the United Kingdom: “One of the major lessons I learned while attending AYC for the first time was to always be yourself—when playing sports or at any other time. People like you for the way you are no matter if you have an accent or have different-colored skin. With the problem of racism high on the news agenda, it was refreshing to see that no such thing was even thought of at camp.”

A camper from Ohio said: “These camps have made ‘the weird girl’ no longer worried as being thought of as weird. The shy girl is no longer afraid to say something. I have friends I could never lose from camp now, as we have a bond as strong as a perfect diamond.”

Just as the Church is completely unified, so is AYC. You will have no trouble fitting in.

(3) “I’m Shy and Tend to Be a Loner”

Many feel alone back home and fear being singled out as strange because they choose to obey God. With being the “different” kid comes fears of being the object of ridicule and being left out. This is not so at God’s camp.

A camper from Ohio said: “At my first AYC in 2010, I was terribly shy…Within the first few days, though, I was chatting happily on cabin steps with friends I still love. The reason for this significant change was that some of the older campers engaged me. They went out of their ways to ask me questions about myself, tell me stories, and patiently show me the ropes of AYC. They helped me see that getting to know someone new can lead to some pretty great things—and amazing memories.”

The environment at camp is designed to allow you to come out of your shell and become the individual that God created you to be. Everyone—campers, counsellors, kitchen staff, and administrators alike—will help you reach this goal.

(4) “I Don’t Want to Leave My Home or Family for Two Weeks”

It is natural to not want to shake up your daily routine. We are all creatures of habit and there is comfort in familiarity. However, AYC is an investment in your future. Your experience at camp will be so unique that you cannot compare it to “upsetting” two weeks of your life back home. There is no other camp like this anywhere in the world.

One camper from Florida recognized that AYC was a priceless investment: “Whatever life throws at me, I know I can draw on the experiences and warm memories of AYC—my second home.”

In addition to learning valuable life lessons, establishing strong friendships, and a myriad of other benefits, camp is unique as it creates that “second home” feeling. This stems from being surrounded by others who desire strong friendships, share the same beliefs and goals, and truly care about you.

(5) “Camp Can’t Be as Fun as Advertised”

One of the great misconceptions of God’s way of life is that it is not fun. Camp proves this is utterly false!

Good, wholesome fun is what God wants you to experience. This world is full of the wrong kinds of fun. You will learn that life under God’s government is challenging, enjoyable and exciting.

In the words of a camper from Connecticut: “Before I came to AYC, I really did not know what to expect. As a first-year camper, I was incredibly nervous about making new friends and adapting to my surroundings for two weeks. One thing I did not expect, though, was that it would be so easy! What I loved most about AYC is that we were taught positive teamwork skills—whether during kitchen duty or on the basketball court. Everyone always worked together and had fun.”

Many in the world picture God as old, boring and mean. Camp reveals just how much fun His Way is!

Consider what God says about His way of life: “You [God] will show me the path of life: in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Psa. 16:11).

Because you are secluded from the world for two weeks, you really get the opportunity to experience the “fullness of joy” and “pleasures” of God’s way of living.

(6) “I Heard You Have to Do Chores at Camp”

Even though camp is advertised as fun, fun and more fun, there is still real-life responsibility. God tells us, “In all labor there is profit: but the talk of the lips tends only to [poverty]” (Prov. 14:23). We were designed to work.

Yet even this work turns into an enjoyable activity at AYC.

The same camper from Connecticut said: “While everyone knows that washing and cleaning in general is not fun, at AYC we make everything fun! Instead of just passing plates and bowls one by one, my cabin mates and I sang, danced and made jokes. This made the process go much faster. I have never had this much fun washing dishes, whether it was by myself or with other people.”

Work is what you make it. Sadly, because many people think “work” is a bad word, they miss out on the joy and benefits labor produces. AYC helps instill this important point in campers’ minds to set them up for success throughout their lives.

(7) “I Don’t Know if I Can Live Without Technology”

With all there is to do and learn at camp, computers and televisions quickly fade into a distant memory. There is too much to experience in the beauty of God’s Creation to be distracted by electronic clutter.

According to another camper from Connecticut: “This camp is capable of turning around a mind caught up in technology. Before I came, I was one of them. But once I started getting active, I didn’t even want to watch TV anymore. I realized there is so much more to life than just pictures on a screen.”

A camper from Ohio said: “Last year I was upset about [not having access to technology]. But this year I was glad that I didn’t have a phone because I wouldn’t have been so into the experiences and would not have enjoyed them as much.”

It may be a little jarring at first to unplug, but you will soon forget all about social media and TV shows. Instead, you will be immersed in face-to-face communication with many boys and girls from different cultures and backgrounds—and build lasting memories with them.

(8) “I Heard Camp Is All About Sports”

Yes, sports are an important part of the camp experience, but AYC is much, much more than just athletics. Camp was designed to provide a variety of activities. God loves variety and He wants your camp experience to reflect that part of His Way. There is a stimulating mix of different activities. Consider what awaits you: softball, hiking, a scavenger race, flag football, rock climbing, swimming, dancing, soccer, public speaking, daily lectures, a final banquet, volleyball, writing, choir, basketball, an art class, canoeing, free time, archery, a campfire, charades and much more!

Because God created the body to move, sports is a big part of camp. Exercise is something that we should incorporate to take care of our bodies—yet there is so much more!

Sports teach us valuable lessons about teamwork, as well as winning and losing with dignity.

Yet the development of your mind is also a priority at AYC. You will be challenged by other activities that will introduce you to a rich and fuller life.

One camper from India said: “When camp ends, no one really misses the soccer, or the softball, or the basketball, but everyone misses the campers and the friendships made over two weeks at camp.”

Sports are important because of all the life lessons they teach. However, camp focuses on the full development of each attendee. If you are not “all about sports,” do not worry—you are not alone!

(9) “AYC Is No Different from Any Other Camp”

From shower time in the mornings to camp songs before breakfast; from inspiring lectures given by the ministry to speeches from fellow campers; from daily exhilarating activities to down time interacting with others—your life will never be the same. This two-week trek will forever change your life. I have witnessed this in so many campers.

AYC is unique in the world. Unlike any other summer program, this is God’s camp. The results speak for themselves.

A camper from North Carolina remarked: “AYC does not just end at the two-week mark. Instead, we carry it with us for 52 weeks. We take what we learned at camp and apply it to our lives back home to help us overcome the world.”

Another camper from North Carolina said: “Positive compliments came from different people and employees we interacted with throughout camp. They noticed we were different from other groups of teenagers and often mentioned how kind, courteous and encouraging we were. What they did not understand was the reason for this: God’s government at camp. This government is in place to improve campers so that we make good impressions on others. It is there to help us build character day by day.”

The plain truth is, two weeks at AYC will change you in ways you cannot even imagine. You will understand the value of godly concern and how to show it to others. You will also understand how true leadership can make a difference in your life—and how you can use it to positively impact others. You will appreciate life in a more profound way.

After AYC, you will see things differently forever.

(10) “I Cannot Afford It”

I have heard this objection before. However, the truth is, you cannot afford to miss it!

Church Administration and the ministry understand that the cost for you to attend can be an obstacle, but obstacles can be overcome. Just for the moment, forget about the cost.

Let’s study God’s words on this matter. If you are serious about hearing God’s perspective, take out your Bible and look up these scriptures (each point builds on the previous one):

• God gives us all things to enjoy (I Tim. 6:17)
• Jesus asks us if we believe He will do things for us (Matt. 9:28)
• Jesus tells us we will receive whatever we ask based on whether we believe (vs. 29)
• We must go boldly before the Father and ask for what we want (Heb. 4:16)
• We must believe with childlike faith that God will deliver (Mark 5:36)
• With all that said, we must then do our part (Col. 3:23-24)

Does going to AYC 2016 sound like something you want to do? Then plan on being there!

God longs for you to experience camp—His camp. He wants you to be happy and provides a safe, secure, fun and challenging environment called AYC 2016. He understands peer pressure and how that brings sorrow and unhappiness. He designed camp to change your life. Therefore, He will design a way for you to get there.

If finances concern you, talk to your parents and your minister. They can help you develop a game plan. Be industrious. Seek ways to earn money: shovel snow from driveways, mow lawns, or get a part-time job. If you do your part, God will do His.

Many members in the Church want you to go. That is why they help bring teens to camp by donating funds. If you desire to go, you will get there. One of God’s greatest servants once said, “Pray as if it all depends on God, then work as if it all depends on you!”

Time to Decide

Some of the most comforting words Jesus spoke are found in John 10: “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (vs. 10). Camp will provide an open door to experience this abundant life. Two weeks of stimulating activities while building lasting friendships define this opportunity.

I love asking teenagers how camp went for them after they told me they were not sure they would attend. I have yet to hear any regrets. Instead, I am usually treated to many of that year’s camp stories…over and over! Get prepared to accumulate your own treasure chest of memories in a safe environment.

One camper from Ohio talked about the security of camp: “If you come here, you don’t have to be scared because here people aren’t like people in the world. If you come here, they won’t pressure you into doing stuff you don’t want to do. They won’t make fun of you. They will cheer for you no matter if you mess up. If you are feeling down, they will cheer you up.”

Everyone who has lived the extraordinary AYC experience wants you to join them. Share in the exclusive bond that comes from two weeks among your fellow teens who have something that no other teen in the world has—an understanding of God’s way of life.

A camper from Africa adds: “It was awesome being with teenagers from all over the world who believe in the same way of life as I do.”

Do not let old, tired excuses prevent you from a uniquely enriching experience. Determine to step out of your comfort zone. God never intended life to be lived in hiding. It is time for you to share yourself with others!

Camp is more than a two-week sports adventure in the woods—it is a life-changing odyssey. You need to be there. Other campers want you to be there as well. God will make a way for you to be there.

One final quote from a camper from Pennsylvania: “For those who are hesitant about coming to AYC, do not be. Camp is one of the only places where you can surprise yourself by doing something that you never thought possible. It is one of those rare places where you can be yourself and not be judged.”

See you at camp!