Welcome Home

By Josh Cook

I have been a part of the camp program since I was five years old and have gone to many different ones throughout the years, and it truly has been like a home to me. It has given me a chance to grow up, become a better version of myself, realize that people are there to build me up, and ultimately go forward and be stronger in my faith. 

I’ve done things that I never thought I could, from rock climbing, to water skiing, to snowboarding, to actually talking to (and dancing with) girls. It has tremendously boosted my confidence and my ability to believe that I have people in my corner who are ready to help and pick me up whenever I stumble. Camp has given me such a positive environment where I could see a glimpse of what God’s Kingdom could be like: overwhelming positivity with nothing but growth and good times. Each one has made me into the person I am today and I am so much better off as a result of it. Camp really has been a home!

Trini Takes On Cotubic 2018

By Elizabeth Bissessar 

Questions arose in my mind about not fitting in, not knowing anyone and whether I could even perform the staff duties well. Soon I realized that these kinds of thoughts of hesitation were not of God’s will but that of the enemy. The focus of camp has always been to build love, joy and peace with God and your fellow brethren yet Satan can twist the goodness of an amazing opportunity into something negative. From there on, I made a more active effort to keep my mind focused on scriptures like Matthew 5:14-16 about being light. Dwelling on being a light reminded me that our service like volunteering at camp is should not hidden under a basket but is in fact a real calling for each of us to do our part and share our talents. Beaming with an attitude of willingness to assist the youth of the church is a chance I could not refuse. 

So how was camp really for me? One word: Awesome! The Cotubic camp grounds were absolutely gorgeous with its expansive green landscape, the glassy lake and cosy sleeping quarters. Working with Mitch Moss on the Team-building committee was a wonderful experience which involved planning out activities centred on teamwork. My job at camp allowed us to showcase the importance of building trust amongst campers, strengthening their relationships with God and their teammates during and post-camp. 

I also learned that being vulnerable has value as opposed to being harmful. Compass Check sessions evolved into precious moments where both staff and campers let down their barriers, insecurities and fears amongst each other, building up strength and encouragement rather than emphasising the weaknesses of one’s struggle. Furthermore, I cannot believe I even stressed about whether I would make any friends because turns out that was the easiest part of camp. There was a diverse mix of individuals across the USA as well as individuals reigning across the world such as South Africa, Philippines, Brazil and New Mexico. 

The main lesson I have learned from camp is to put the opportunity to serve others above my personal desires and to throw out discouraging thoughts separating you from God’s will for your life. How amazing is it that God challenges us to go beyond the horizon and explore unknown opportunities! Spiritual growth and the development of amazing friendships would not have happened if God had not moved me to attend Camp Cotubic in 2018. 

I would urge any young person who is thinking about going to camp in 2019 and has the means to go, to just do it!