So, things did not go as planned for AYC 2020…

But much in life is a matter of perspective. Two people can view the exact same event and see it differently depending on their viewpoint. They can choose to see things positively, as an opportunity, or negatively, as a setback. There will be experiences throughout your life that will be out of your control, but how you view them and how you respond is entirely your choice.

Which perspective will you choose?

God was fully aware of what was going to happen this year, and He allowed it. Understanding this should make you look at things differently—in a positive way. God knows everything (I John 3:20) and He sees things at a different level (Psa. 147:5). He is planning and making moves in our lives well beyond what we can see or even imagine. Because all His people are important to Him, and that certainly includes His teenagers, you know that He has something even better in mind for next year’s camp.

As we were all trying to make sense of the pandemic, did it ever cross your mind that God possibly allowed this delay to give His Church an extra year to plan for a major transition to a new camp location?

There are dynamic additions being made to build a new camp experience, raising it to higher levels—physically, mentally and spiritually. Much time and effort are being poured into the creation of an environment where all attendees can flourish in every aspect of their lives. But how will this be done, you may ask?

A New Experience

As you have likely seen, one of the major changes to AYC is the new location of the campsite. This alone has afforded greater opportunities and enhancements to the camp experience.

Consider some things that will be new as we move to this site:

• Beautiful bunkhouses—with air conditioning!
• A huge lake on the property that we will have access to every day.
• Endless trails through the woods and a massive state park next to our site.
• A gorgeous main hall—that also has air conditioning!
• There is so much more that can be said about this new location—it is bigger, has more things for us to do and a greater variety of terrain to explore. It has possibilities for our campers that did not exist in prior years.

Also, there will be a new schedule that will energize and challenge you on a deeper level! Each bunkhouse will have its own schedule, different from others. You will attend various sessions each day that will focus on skill building, and will learn life skills through repetition—not just a one-time activity during the two weeks you are there.

The wide variety of events—both independent and group—will never leave you bored: canoeing, basketball, mountain biking, swimming, tubing, volleyball, speeches, fun show acts, hiking, archery, ziplining. And all of these will be done without leaving the campsite!

You will participate in these activities more than once. As a matter of fact, some will repeat often—like canoeing, hiking and water sports!

There will be activities going on all over the property including on the lake covering hundreds of acres every day. You will learn outdoor survival skills, how to orienteer the woods and how to flip a canoe right side up—while in the water!

Each bunkhouse will have its own schedule and its own counselors who will be assigned for the entire two weeks. Of course, there will be activities where everyone will be together, but the variety of each day’s activities will far surpass anything we have ever done before!

There will be times both boys’ bunkhouses will be working and competing together on certain activities while another day one boys’ bunkhouse will be working together with one of the girls’ bunkhouses.

We will rarely if ever leave the campsite, other than a trip or two to Headquarters for separate events. No more hours upon hours riding in a van when you could be at the campsite having more time to bond with your friends. Camp will feel like camp is supposed to, not a constant road trip!

Right Time

Why was it time to change our structure after all these years? Simply because we wanted to offer a more challenging, stimulating and exciting experience for those who earn the right to attend!

Let’s say it plainly: It was time for our annual camp to receive a long-deserved promotion. A promotion at a job means an advancement—greater opportunity, challenges and a raise in pay. We have been using the same camp template for many years, and it worked well. But it is time to elevate the program. You might say the campers who went before you paved the way for a greater opportunity for you now!

Do not misunderstand—this change was God’s doing: “For promotion comes neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: He puts down one and sets up another” (Psa. 75:6-7). Promotion here not only refers to people, it can also be about opportunities. God knew it was time to grow and enhance AYC!

In addition to the expanded activities, you will have plenty of free time to build lasting friendships with others of like mind from around the world! But most important, you will have extra alone time to focus on the most vital things in life—your relationship with God and His plan for you as a part of His Family.

Camp is always a highlight each year for the attendees, but this event will go above and beyond your greatest expectations. This will not be an ordinary two weeks!

Keep Going

Consider this exciting update as a small peek into next year’s camp and a chance to get started on your preparation.

Now is not the time to let down, thinking you have plenty of time to get ready for AYC 2021. On the contrary, now is the time to begin qualifying (again) for your spot on next year’s camp roster!

The same qualifications still apply:

• Work to earn your camp fee. Get involved in fundraising and figure out a way to make it happen! Approach your minister for the help you need.
• Get involved in serving in your local congregation.
• Prepare spiritually by making a routine of Bible study, prayer and drawing close to God.
• Be on the lookout for upcoming Bible studies and “Ambassador Challenges,” which you have yet to hear about!

I know some of you missed your final year of camp and were terribly disappointed. You should not be! You can apply to be a counselor (if you are baptized by the start of camp) or an assistant counselor (brand new for 2021) as you continue your journey living God’s Way.

AYC 2021 will be incredibly special, and you do not want to miss this unique part of the summer. Get ready now for an extraordinary experience. I promise it will be bigger, better and more rewarding than you can even begin to understand.

Campers, it is time to get excited…get very excited! Put in the time starting now to work hard and qualify to attend. I am looking forward to seeing you there and experiencing a life-changing two weeks!