“Value of Church Camp”

Friday, June 11, 2021

Tonk Talk By Mark T. Tonkery

When I first heard about church camp, it was from the children in Bible class talking about it after they had returned from a fun week of camp.  As soon as Bible class let out, I would then beg my parents to go to camp; I begged my parents for a couple of years before they allowed my sister and me to attend West Virginia Christian Youth Camp (WVCYC).  

My first year to go to camp was 1987, it was also my first time to attend a weeklong, overnight camp.  The camp was then located in Richie County, West Virginia at the 4-H camp.  It was scary at first being away from home and not knowing many of the people other than a couple of kids from Bible class. This did not last long, by supper time the fear had worn off and I was making friends. 

Camp was a wonderful place, from the people, the fun activities, and the Bible lessons; to me, it was heaven on earth.  The teachers at church camp helped me to study the Bible for myself and were never afraid to answer my questions with Bible answers.  Each year of camp the Bible lessons and teachers helped stretch my mind and helped me to grow in Christ.

It has been over 34 years since I first attended WVCYC as a camper.  In that time, I have worked with at least six different church camps, and I have served in almost every role at camp there is such as a janitor, fire builder, counselor, dishwasher, Bible Class teacher, speaker, assistant director, and director.  

Since coming to Camden Ave. I am once again working with WVCYC and this year I will be fulfilling the role of assistant director for All Age Week. 

Church camp is an effective tool in the spiritual development of young people. Very few places in our day and time are influenced by the Christ-centered teachings and spiritual influences as church camp.  As I look at my life, I am a better and stronger Christian because of the Biblical teaching and influence that took place at church camp.  I believe it will be a blessing and benefit to your children as well.  We are blessed to have two choices for our children to go to camp in our area and I encourage each family to consider sending your children to one or both of the following camps:

Ohio Valley Christian Youth Camp

Camp is completed for the summer. 

West Virginia Christian Youth Camp, Pennsboro, WV

• Sunday, July 4 to Friday, July 9: Senior Week (Ages 14-18)
• Sunday, July 11 to Friday, July 16: Intermediate Week (Ages 11 -14)
• Sunday, July 18 to Friday, July 23: Junior Week (Ages 7-11)
• Sunday, July 25 to Friday, July 30: All Age Week (Ages 8-18)
• Sunday, August 1 to Friday, August 6: Singing Week (Ages 12-18)

You can only register for camp at https://www.wvcyc.com/2021.html

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