What do Indiana Academy, a local church, a youth ministry event and summer camp have in common? A lot!

December 1 was an exciting day for Monticello (Indiana) Church members. Several important things happened that day. First, the youth director from the Indiana Conference (me!) was visiting. Second, a group of dedicated students from Indiana Academy visited to share their musical talents. Third, and most important, seven young people were being baptized!

It all started when Monticello Church members made a commitment to send their young people to spend a week at Timber Ridge Camp (TRC). The young people worked hard at fundraisers throughout the year, and enough money was raised to spend a week at TRC.

When the young people arrived at camp, the TRC staff was prepared and praying that God would touch the hearts of every camper with whom they came in contact. During the week, through campfires, camp counsel and one-on-one contact, these young people heard about and witnessed what a relationship with God could become. On Friday night they, along with many others, took a stand for Jesus. At TRC, we give young people an opportunity to make a decision, and invite them to come forward as a symbol of their commitment before God and their peers.

When word of these decisions reached Blake Hall, Monticello Church pastor, and others in the church, they decided it was time to get involved and fan the flame that was started at camp. These young people, who gave their hearts to Jesus and took their stand for Him, prepared for baptism by learning what it means to become a true disciple and an active member in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

As a result of a visit by some Indiana Academy students who shared their faith at the Monticello Church, there is an interest by some or all of the young people in attending the academy.

The Monticello Church is not through nurturing these young people. The church has started a Pathfinder club, sent their young people to a caving weekend at TRC, spent the weekend at the Indiana Conference Youth Rally, and, yes, they are sending them to TRC again this summer. In addition to camp and local church involvement, several of these young people participated in a conference-sponsored canoe trip.

When we all work together and allow God to lead, He can and will do great things for and with our youth! Support your conference youth programs, send your youth to summer camp, take time locally to lead them to Christ and keep asking God to guide you as you nurture our youth.

Camp brochures may be picked up at local churches, or applications may be requested from www.trcamp.org. Completed forms should be mailed to: Indiana Conference Youth Department, P.O. Box 1950, Carmel, IN 46082-1950. For additional information, send e-mail to youth@indysda.org; or call Trish Thompson at 317-844-6201. After June 15, call Trish at the camp at 812-829-2507.

Charlie Thompson is the youth director for the Indiana Conference.

TIMBER RIDGE CAMP DATES

Single Moms and Kids Camp, June 19–22 (All ages)

Blind Camp, June 22–29 (All ages)

Family Camp I, June 22–29 (All ages)

Cub Camp, June 29–July 6 (Ages 7–10)

Junior Camp I, July 6–13 (Ages 10–13)

Junior Camp II, July 13–20 (Ages 10–13)

Teen Camp, July 20–27 (Ages 13–16)

Family Camp II, July 27–August 3 (All ages)

Timber Ridge Camp

Youth Department

Indiana Conference

P.O. Box 1950

Carmel, IN 46082-1950

Call: 317-844-6201

Call: 812-829-2507, after June 15

E-mail: youth@indysda.org

Website: www.trcamp.org