For many teenagers around the world, summer vacation is the highlight of the year: three whole months of being able to sleep in, set their own schedules, spend time with friends, and have 24/7 access to a fully stocked refrigerator.

This time is made even better because it means another school year filled with homework and tests is over.

While down time is beneficial, it can easily be wasted because of inactivity. Many make the mistake of spending all their free time lounging around the house, binge-watching television shows, texting friends, eating junk food, and guzzling sugary soft drinks.

Instead of teens taking advantage of a time they have been waiting for all year, modern devices and conveniences take advantage of teens! In addition, it is easy to waste away the days by watching other people’s lives fulfilled in pictures and videos on social media apps such as Facebook and Instagram.

Yet living vicariously through someone else is never satisfying. It ultimately leaves one feeling unfulfilled and hollow.

So how can you avoid the pitfalls of this tech-driven world?

The first half of Proverbs 13:19 reveals the answer: “The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul…” This means if we want to feel satisfied, we have to get out and accomplish! It requires action.

For teens in God’s Church, one of the best ways to fulfill this verse is to attend Ambassador Youth Camp. The two weeks spent at camp can be the most productive and fun-filled of the summer.

This year was The Restored Church of God’s 10th session of AYC. It was again held at Richland Rural Life Center in Mansfield, Ohio. Surrounded by the woods of central Ohio, attendees had an awesome opportunity to draw close to God and each other while removed from the distractions of the 21st century.

The campsite contains a spacious dining hall, where attendees enjoyed three wholesome and delicious meals a day. Also, large bunkhouses for the girls and boys provided comfortable living quarters for the 62 campers.

Throughout the two weeks, campers and staff learned that following God’s Way involves challenges. It takes both physical and mental work to gain everything that AYC has to offer. Yet they learned that this effort is not only fun, but also beneficial. Whether aiming to dribble a soccer ball down the soccer field, deliver a five-minute speech, sketch a scene of the Headquarters campus, or even manage personal time and friendships with dozens of others in the bunkhouses, those who make the most out of God’s camp will find it to be “sweet to the soul”!

Many campers and staff who have attended before anticipate returning each year. They cannot wait to come for another session of challenges and accomplishments—another summer of fun to remember!

Throughout this magazine, you will see many photos of smiling, genuinely happy people who appreciate what God’s Way has to offer. Yet 40 pages of photos, quotes of campers, and essays written by teens can only begin to capture what over 60 young people experienced. For those interested in what they see and read, we hope to see your applications for AYC 2017!

This year, we had the largest attendance yet. Also, members and co-workers sent in more donations for camp than ever before. This allowed young people who could not afford camp the chance to experience the opportunity of a lifetime.

Those who donated realized the value of their investment—that AYC changes lives!

Much planning and effort goes on behind the scenes to ensure that this once-a-year event has maximum impact. In addition to staple events—sports, art, outdoor recreation, and speeches—in 2016 we reintroduced a few favorites: whitewater rafting and a high-ropes course. These intense activities, which occurred during a two-day trip to western Pennsylvania, were definitely highlights.

Those who attend AYC come to expect the kind of quality and high level of care that goes into everything from the daily menu to the bunk assignments. Each activity is designed to help teens grow, overcome, get out of their comfort zones, and challenge themselves. The principle found in Ecclesiastes 9:10, “Whatsoever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” is both stressed and rewarded.

Campers and staff are trained to be different from those in the world, and to appreciate and value the time they have with one another. In every event, the give way of life is emphasized.

AYC is filled with unique experiences. Teens are able to build friendships with others from all over the world who hold to the same beliefs. The abundance of laughter, encouragement and embraces of true friends during camp are priceless. In addition, campers express thankfulness for healthy food, abundant activities, and access to the truth.

Being an ambassador (II Cor. 5:20)—a representative—of God, His Church, government and way of life is not something that any should take for granted. It is a tremendous privilege to represent the God who created the heavens and Earth. Wearing the AYC uniform is a special joy that relatively few have the opportunity to experience.

If you are a teen in God’s Church, or if you know of one who is looking to have a fulfilling experience next summer, study this magazine. (You are also encouraged to watch the video about AYC 2016 at rcg.org/ayc.)

If you want to personally grow and become more productive while meeting others who share in that interest, allow this special issue of Ambassador Youth magazine to get you excited. Take hold of your next available opportunity. Make sure you too are part of the many photos filled with smiles, laughter and friendships. Work hard to come to AYC 2017—it is an awesome privilege you do not want to miss!