Every summer at Camp La Vida is different, special in its own way.  The campers come and go each week, usually leaving with something new, maybe a friend, t-shirt or, more importantly, a relationship with Christ.  This summer, 585 campers made life-changing decisions, such as accepting Christ or a call to be a missionary.

“Camp La Vida is all about camping, meeting new friends, and missions education,” Cindy Skelton, camp director, said.  “The campers have so much fun and they enjoy learning about the missions work from our missionaries who come from South Carolina, the United States, and around the world.”

To show the difference Camp La Vida makes, the following are portions of essays entitled “What Camp La Vida Means to Me” written by summer campers this year.

“Camp La Vida, in my opinion, is an opportunity.  It’s an opportunity to leave behind distractions and focus on God.  It’s an opportunity for self-discovery and personal evaluation of my life.  It’s an opportunity that has helped me shape my life and discover part of God’s amazing will for me… It was at camp that I learned the importance of a daily quiet time.  It was at camp that I learned about the college I hope to attend; and it was at camp that I dedicated my life to missions.” -Kelsey, 10th grader

“When I was here, I let Jesus into my heart.  That’s what Camp La Vida means to me.” -Anna, 4th grader

“Camp La Vida inspired me to talk to God more…I want to become a missionary so I can lead people to Christ.” -Miranda, 4th grader

“The number one reason camp means a lot to me is because here I made that very important decision and said that very important prayer.” -Jessica, 7th grader

One thing never changes at Camp La Vida—the focus on missions education.  This year the theme of camp was “It’s All About You, God.”  Missions representatives from around the world shared experiences and encouraged campers to be involved in missions by doing missions and by giving to missions.

Camp La Vida staff members also impacted the lives of campers.  The staff led nightly Bible studies and taught activities such as archery, pottery, adventure recreation, outdoor living skills, swimming and canoeing.

“It’s exciting to see the relationships that campers form with camp staff, who are wonderful Christian role models.  Also, it is neat to see campers, especially GAs, who want to one day be a camp staffer,” Skelton said.

From recreation activities to worship and decision times, this past summer at Camp La Vida has been a place where campers made fun memories and eternal decisions.

“As camp director for 11 years, I have seen many children and youth grow in their commitment to God and their knowledge of missions,” Skelton said.  “Camp is an effective way that God uses for Empowering Kingdom Growth.”     

For information about next year’s camping season, contact SC WMU, Auxiliary to SC Baptist Convention, at (800) 723-7242, extension 8503.