This summer, there is one place where it is impossible not to smile.
Retreat campers play a game with a large parachute.Joy Retreat, three-day camps for adults with special needs, is held every summer at White Oak Conference Center. Using the previous year’s Vacation Bible School materials, teachers spend time with small groups, walking them through Bible stories, crafts and songs. The campers also enjoy puppet shows, games and a big group celebration. This year’s theme was Game Day Central and utilized Hebrews 12:1-2 as the central verse.
It only takes a few moments at the camp to catch the smiles and laughter and realize the participants are having the time of their lives – a fact not lost on Richard McWhite, minister of education at South Main Street Baptist Church, Greenwood, and volunteer chaplain for the first of two camps.
“Thank you for making this a great week for your special friend,” he told campers at the large group “celebration.”
McWhite, with a name tag reading “special friend” and acting as the “umpire” for the Game Day theme, circled the camp checking on attendees and making himself available to campers and counselors.
McWhite went on to share about Jesus and what personal faith in him can look like in their lives.
“He washed us totally clean. Amen!” he said to much applause.
McWhite also encouraged campers to continue to grow daily with Jesus.
Richard McWhite“Grow in Christ. Keep coming back to Joy Retreat. Go to church,” he said.
The retreat relies on volunteer teachers, assistant teachers and staff to guide campers through the VBS material, game time and the group celebrations. But more than any other skill, volunteers must be proficient at hugs, smiles and handshakes.
McWhite urged the campers to talk with the volunteers about faith, and assured them they have their own personal Joy Retreat cheering section as they seek to trust Jesus.
“I am just a part of God’s team here on earth,” said McWhite.
Tying in the camp theme, McWhite offered one last word of encouragement: “May the ump call you safe in Jesus!”