Ambassador Youth Camp 2009 – An Inside View!
After many months of anticipation and preparation, Ambassador Youth Camp 2009 is now more than 30 days behind us. All attendees heard in advance how “life-changing” this third year of camp would be. No doubt it surpassed all expectations—yet again! The experience and impact of two weeks in the deep woods of Raccoon Creek State Park—with others striving to live God’s way of life—can be described only as phenomenal!
AYC – It’s as Easy as 1-2-3!
Have you ever had one of those friends that you can just look at and you know what she is going to say? You don’t even have to speak a word? I have a friend like that who I only get to see once a year at AYC.
Tabletopics and Ladies’ Speeches – A Unique Experience
You glance around you and see multiple faces staring at you with looks of interest. Your heart races—your stomach seems to be dancing inside of you. You take a deep breath, prepare yourself, and begin…
Discovering a Brighter Horizon – Expectations vs. First Impressions of America
I have always wanted to travel to America. As AYC drew near, I was not sure if I would be able to attend. Since I was busy finishing college and did not have sufficient time to work in the summer, I was concerned. Without working, I could not afford the trip to America.
AYC: An Extended Family
One memory that sticks out most from my childhood was when my grandaunt used to travel to my town in Ghana to sell shea butter. Whenever she arrived, she came to my house, and as a child I would run to meet her with a big hug before she entered. She usually brought interesting news from other family members, along with some shea butter for us. Seeing my dear grandaunt was quite exciting.
Not Your Average Camp Food
What comes to your mind when you think of camp food? Maybe you think of scrambled eggs. Perhaps those scrambled eggs resemble a half goat-eaten rubber glove normally used in dishwashing. When it comes to camp food, no matter what you think of, or where you are, good nutritious food is important.
Camp, My Experience and Me!
As I arrived at camp, my heart was racing. This year being my first year, I was excited beyond belief. Many of the things I would be doing would be totally new to me, such as whitewater rafting, volleyball and canoeing.
Nothing Compares to…The Amazing Race
The first Friday of camp started out like a hot Mississippi day. The sky was as blue as the ocean. But it was not an ordinary day—it was the day of the Amazing Race! By the day’s end, we would all have found a girl’s soapy foot, run to the far reaches of the campsite and had water balloons explode in our faces.
Memories That Last Decades
I’m so antsy I can’t sleep. Excitement courses through my mind as I lay in bed with anticipation for the clock to strike 3:00 a.m. I’m up! And am on my way to my first summer camp! I’ve heard so much about it and all the friendships you make and people you meet. Just a teenager, I am so very happy to be going somewhere without my family—an experience all my own!
Playing to Win With the Right Attitude
Throughout every sporting event scheduled at camp, we applied God’s standards to maintain the proper attitude. Common, worldly “win at all costs” attitudes were not tolerated.
Focusing on Youth – Daily Lectures at AYC
Imagine the Sabbath for a young person: waking up early to put on dress clothes, jumping in the car and arriving at a meeting place to have services. Every week, a new sermon is played. The messages heard, though they are applicable to all, naturally are geared toward baptized members of God’s Church. Young people at services, not yet having God’s Spirit, hear this message with different ears. At this point in their life, they may find it difficult to grasp what is being covered or to truly understand these messages. This introduces a big reason why Ambassador Youth Camp is so beneficial: it provides campers with special Bible lectures, specifically directed toward them!
Being Away From Friends and Family
Before leaving my home country of Jamaica, while checking in at the airport, I told my dad and brother, “Bye!” My sister and my mom came on the plane with me. After getting on the plane to New York, we sat patiently waiting for it to take-off.
Running the Raging Rapids
One of the most anticipated and talked about experiences at AYC occurred on the final Thursday of camp: the whitewater rafting trip down the Youghiogheny River at Pennsylvania’s Ohiopyle State Park.
Facing Fears on the Ropes Course
On Monday morning before the Linsly low ropes course, some campers expressed their feelings on the upcoming activity.
AYC vs. College Education – A Refreshing Contrast!
Mr. Armstrong often stressed that the proper form of education should teach one “how to live, not just how to make a living.”
SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER 2009
