Student Ministries Update: Camp Teams, Camp Theme, and Final Sunday

Dear Parents-
With only two weeks left before camp and our summer break, we had a fun-filled evening at Student Ministries.

Summer Camp Teams
After introducing the new 6th graders, we announced the team colors for camp. Jonathan Kellso made a super fun video to introduce it. I know a number of people were out of town for the holiday weekend; it would be fun to have them watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS4H77fFXBc

[Camp team roster omitted from this public archive.]

We announced the teams in advance this year so that it is easier for the kids and leaders to plan their team “swag”. The idea is that they would be able to prepare low- and no-cost things to bring to camp that won’t be overly distracting but will show their team spirit. This would include clothes and hats and glasses in their team colors. Some teams might make posters or extra accessories. If you have any questions about this, please direct questions to your students’ team leader (different from their discussion leader). It's going to be fun.

Seasoned with Salt
This year’s camp theme will be Seasoned with Salt (Col 4:6 & Matt 5:13ff), speaking to the way that Christians are fundamentally different from non-believers, and their interactions with the world should evidence that difference like salt in a meal or light in a dark room. In preparation for that I shared my prayer for the students that aligns closely with Paul’s for the Colossian believers from Colossians 1:9-14. My ongoing prayer is that God would use all of our efforts to fill these students with a knowledge of God’s will that they might live lives pleasing to Him. This must start with salvation, but must not end there. I pray that they would bear fruit in every good work, increase in knowledge of God, be strengthened to endure with joy, and would give thanks to the Father especially for His saving work in the gospel. You can watch or read that short message here: https://www.gbcaz.org/student-ministry/prayer-to-please-the-lord/

Next week – Last Week of Student Ministries
Next week is the last week of Student Ministries before camp. It will be a night for our senior students to share with the others in a retrospective look back at what God has taught them and how He has grown them through their time. I’m sure it will be encouraging for all. I will be interviewing them and helping the rest of us listening to learn from and grow from their experience, giving God glory for what He has done in them.

The second half of the meeting will be spent in teams. I particularly love the summer camp teams because it is where the older students and the younger students get to interact. It’s a perfect follow-up to hearing from the older students. Your students are encouraged, but not required, to dress with team colors this Sunday. Even if your student isn’t going to camp, it will still be a very worthwhile Sunday meeting.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns. You will be hearing more about camp this week and next as we finalize all the details.

Your servant for His glory,
-Jacob