Worth Checking Into
About 6 years ago I was asked to serve with a group of youth guys on the board of a unique event. The event had begun about 10 years earlier during the declining days of the relevance of Youth In Action. I had grown up going to that event in Tuscaloosa. It was a great place to pick up girls and to hear a good lesson now and again. But as it continued to become more and more about the controversies amidst up - even driving the same - it became apparent that something needed to come along to fill that gap.
Exposure Youth Camp bills itself as a “non-controversial Christian youth camp.” I spoke a few times in those early years and always loved what they were cooking up. The spirit, the energy, the creativity, the love for young people was all awesome. So, when this group of 6 youth ministers invited me to come on board I was humbled and honored.
Last December (EYC always occurs December 27-30) about 3 in the morning (when the board seems to meet each night to review the day) they asked will you blog about this year? Yes - happily! So, here goes.
Exposure Youth Camp is one of the most exciting and faith building programs for young people that I have ever seen and I want to encourage elderships and youth ministers everywhere to consider sending your young people to this event. Here are some of the things that I see as a blessing:
The program is put together with excellence: The speakers are always well prepared and are some of the best we have anywhere. David Shannon, Clark Sims, Kelvin Teamer, Keith Parker, Ralph Gilmore, Bill Watkins are but a few of the keynoters the last few years.
The Spiritual Challenge Sessions: These are basically very large classes during the day. The topics are ones young people need to hear.
The kids themselves: They have a blast but there are so very very few problems. We never get complaints from the hotel support staff or other guests where we are staying.
Ministering without meaning too - planting seeds: Throughout the program there are challenges and opportunities presented to grow and to “do” for Christ.
The touching moments: It’s an emotional week in a spiritual way. I am often struck by something a teacher says or a camper does during the week that encourages me personally and pushes me to be better for the Lord.
Last year there were 115 restored and 6 baptized at EYC.
The Atrium Singing! EYC closes the last night with a singing in the Embassy Suites atrium. It is some of the greatest singing you’ll hear in this life.
EYC brings 2000 of the best people you could spend part of your holidays with!
You can learn more about EYC at http://www.exposureyouthcamp.com/
Let me know if you have any questions about the program or any other aspect of the work.
