There was a cute little song that I learned this past summer at Camp Wagner entitled, "Making Melodies in My Heart." This tune was the summation of the spiritual aura that was felt by many as we enjoyed our time in Cassopolis, Michigan. For, you see, Camp Wagner is the place where fun begins! It also provides a time for our youth to get close and personal with the King of Kings.

Every morning began with campers meeting at the flagpole to start the day with Jesus. Each unit proved their loyalty to God by memorizing and sharing a different verse of Scripture each day. The directors read from devotionals or gave personal testimonies that left the campers and me thinking about how awesome God really is! It also helped those of us who are Pathfinders not to break our No. 1 law, "Keep the morning watch." I often found myself humming a tune that encouraged a few campers to join in and sing with me! We were not auditioning for "American Idol," let's just consider it a "joyful noise!"

Our next opportunity to gather and worship was after breakfast and inspection. Camp Council, under the picnic shed, was the meeting place for the campers to bring their Bibles, lead out in song service and prayer, and receive a spiritual blessing from the speaker of the morning. The director had us spellbound! One particular series of talks was about the life of Joseph and how God used a bad situation for good. We also realized how much God loves us, and will protect us if we would only believe and trust in Him.

We went throughout the day attending classes, earning Pathfinder honors, playing games, splashing in the swimming pool, enjoying field trips and just having lots of good, clean fun! At the close of the day, we lowered the flag, and sometimes gathered around a warm, crackly bonfire as the sun slowly slipped out of sight. We marveled at how wonderful it felt just knowing that God was always near! We shared favorite songs and learned some new ones along the way—each one pointed to a relationship that was developing with our Savior. After a thought from the director, no circle was broken before an invitation was given to choose to follow or rededicate our lives to God. One evening, the campers and staff shared an agape feast, accepting God's unconditional love. What a wonderful friend!

Come and join us this summer! I can promise you will have the time of your life. Ask for Director Cutie Pie; I'll be the one "making melodies in my heart to the King of Kings!"

Contact 773-846-2661, ext. 206 for a registration form, or write: Youth Department, 8517 South State Street, Chicago, IL 60619.

Kathy J. Howard is the assistant director at Camp Wagner.

Camp Dates

Single Moms with Kids Camp, July 10–13 (All ages)

Junior Camp 1, July 13–19 (Ages 8–15)

Junior Camp 2, July 20–26 (Ages 8–15)

Junior Camp 3, July 27–August 2 (Ages 8–15)

Basketball and Drum Corps, August 3–August 8 (Ages 10–17)

Camp Wagner

Youth Department

Lake Region Conference

8517 S. State Street

Chicago, IL 60619

Call: 773-846-2661, ext. 206