By Dave Sekura, Camp Director
When you think back on your childhood, are you filled with nostalgic memories from summers spent at camp? A week of summer camp is often viewed as the best week of the summer. Camp is a wonderful place to meet new friends and enjoy high-octane fun in a Christ-centered atmosphere, sure, but its existence is so much more. Camp is intentional. Camp is where the gospel is preached, questions are answered from the Bible, and opportunities are created to meet with the Creator. Camp is a week (or a weekend) away from the world and is designed to give students and children an opportunity to experience God. The power of camp is profound.
A few summers ago, our camp pastor asked me if he could preach first and then do praise and worship second during one of the midweek chapel services. We had never done that at camp before, but I was willing to shake up the schedule if the camp pastor had something in mind. In thirty years of camp ministry, this was one of the most memorable chapels I have been a part of. After explaining to 500 teens that they were singing songs without understanding the words they were singing, he began teaching them about the curtain in the temple that divided the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies.
The curtain was a barrier. Only the high priest could go into the Holy of Holies and only once a year. There were strict guidelines given to the high priest because he was serving before the Ark of the Covenant, symbolizing the very presence of God. The ordinary person was forbidden to enter into this space. Fast forward to the New Testament, Jesus is hanging on a cross as our substitute. This is the most important moment in the history of the world. As our Lord died, there was an earthquake, and the curtain in the temple was torn from the top to the bottom, giving full access to the Holy of Holies. As the camp pastor explained how everyone can now approach the throne of God at any time, the words to one of the songs we were singing that week came to life. After the pastor finished his message, we sang, and students responded. Hundreds of students were on their knees, crying out to God. It was amazing. As the camp director, it eventually became time for me to dismiss the campers into their small groups, but as I directed them to leave, everyone continued to stand or kneel without moving. No one wanted to leave. So we sang some more. After a while, I dismissed again, but again, no one moved. Finally, on the third attempt, I told them they had to leave! They were in the presence of God in that moment, behind the curtain, and nothing was better than that. It was a moment where biblical truth came to life in a service that no one will ever forget.
That’s the power of camp.
Manderley Christian Camp, 830 beautiful acres in the Sequatchie Valley, is one of many camps that is intentional in teaching truths from the Scriptures that will give hope and assurance. We are dedicated to the life-changing impact of camps and retreats. Weekly themes are woven throughout the program so that every day, every activity, every chapel, and every quiet time can be spiritually impactful. Devotional booklets that take campers into the Word daily, expounding the theme, help create the habit of continuance in the Word long after they return home.
Children and youth pastors understand that the week of summer camp is often the most impactful week of ministry on their calendars. Listening to pastors and youth pastors share about decisions children and teens have made during camp is one of the motivating factors that makes me excited to go to work every day! There simply is nothing quite like the experience of camp.
You are invited to join us for signature events throughout the year at Manderley. There is a Man Camp every April where men are challenged to lead in their homes and workplaces. The dynamic of having only men together for a weekend looking into the Word is unique and powerful. We also have camps in the summer for children and teens conducted by godly and seasoned camp pastors and program directors with a staff of young adults who have dedicated their summers to serving God full-time. We wrap our signature events up with our women’s retreat “Seasons” each October, where ladies leave refreshed and encouraged.
Manderley also hosts custom camps and retreats, where you can enjoy our campus and hospitality while running your own program. Nearly every weekend off-season, church groups enjoy the Manderley experience.
To learn more or to register for a signature event, contact us at info@manderley.camp or visit our website, www.manderley.camp.Break away and come to our mountain on the edge of the beautiful Sequatchie Valley and enjoy the power of camp!