Christian retreat settings important

“Now in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, He went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed” (Mark 1:35 NKJV).

Jim Austin

From both the admonition in Proverbs and the example set by our Lord, the scriptures clearly teach the value of intentional and concentrated time with God. Children especially need this time, and as many adults will attest, they also experience profound benefit from these concentrated times as well. Conventional wisdom tells us that by the time a child is 7 years old, much of their personality, values, and habits are largely developed. Clearly the early childhood years are crucial related to instilling godly principles, morals and values. The Christian family and church play a vital role in this effort. In addition, Christian retreat settings help fill a significant void in this area as well. Many of our churches and associations conduct a variety of camp experiences throughout the summer season. One such camp is Camp Pinehill, located in the Pee Dee Association. Attendance at the camp so far this year is around 300, with 55 salvations and 27 rededications!

Your state convention and WMU offer a variety of camping and conference experiences also. This year, Camp McCall celebrates its 50th anniversary of serving Royal Ambassadors of the South Carolina Baptist Convention. This summer, under the expert leadership of Cliff Satterwhite and Eddie Pettit, campers will participate in the Lad Camp (boys who have completed the first through third grades), Crusader Camp (boys who have completed fourth through 12th grades), and Adventure Camp (boys ages 14 and older). Boys will be effectively equipped and challenged in their Christian walk, learn about missions and evangelism, and simultaneously experience the beautiful setting of a mountain environment that God has graciously provided for such training.

Camp McCall is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009. Look for coverage in our next issue.

At the WMU Camp LaVida, under the dedicated direction of camp program director Cindy Skelton, girls in grades three through 12 are effectively taught about missions and challenged in their walk with the Lord. Campers are exposed to Southern Baptist missions and missionaries, and also experience God’s wonderful outdoors. Every girl will greatly profit from being a part of this valuable experience.

Summersalt, the state convention summer camp, added an extra week this year and is held at the recently renovated White Oak Conference Center. This camp provides quality Christian instruction with lifetime lessons that are invaluable to campers. Steve Rohrlack and Cory Singleton have carefully crafted a well-run camp that God uses not only to bring many campers to faith in Christ but also help others take significant growth steps in their Christian walk. Reports from many state conventions this summer indicate that because of the sagging economy, camping and conference attendance is down. South Carolina Baptists, however, report that Camp McCall, Camp LaVida and Summersalt attendance appear to be at least on par with last year. Obviously, South Carolina Baptists continue to see the value of Christian education and camping experiences for their young people. Please pray that not only will many campers be won to faith in our Lord, but will also be inspired and equipped in principles of godly living as well.

If your children or grandchildren have not yet been a part of any of these camping experiences, there may still be time to experience such this summer. If this summer is not an option for them, we hope that you will seriously consider having them be a part of the camping/conference experience next summer. We look forward to seeing them there!

May our Lord bless you richly.