08/07/2026
Three unforgettable days. Three powerful reminders. One faithful God.
Over the last three days of camp, we walked through our final sessions: “Leave It in the Water,” “Check Your Reflection,” and “Unsinkable.” Together, we wrestled with the challenge of living unoffendable. We spent time learning what it means to surrender our hurts, frustrations, pride, and anger to Christ instead of carrying them ourselves. We discovered that true freedom is found not in being right, but in living with the joy, peace, and grace that only Jesus can give.
Our lessons came to life through meaningful experiences. We spent time enjoying the water, creating resin crosses and custom cross t-shirts, throwing rocks into the lake as a symbol of releasing our unforgiveness to Christ, and watching the flames of the campfire consume the things we chose to surrender. Each moment reminded us that God invites us to lay our burdens down and walk in freedom.
As camp came to a close, we experienced one of the hardest traditions of the week by saying goodbye to our 12 incredible seniors. Your impact on this ministry has been immeasurable, and the example you’ve set will continue to shape this youth group for years to come. We ended Camp 2026 the best way we knew how: gathered around one final meal together at Zorbaz, celebrating the friendships, memories, and the work God has done in each of our lives.
Camp may be over, but our prayer is that what God started this week continues long after we leave. Here’s to living unoffendable, reflecting Christ, and remembering that with Him, we are truly unsinkable.
As we reflect on an incredible week at Camp 2026, we also want to recognize the many people who made it all possible.
A special thank you to Mike Honsey for the two incredible meals he prepared and for the many hours he spent building relationships and sharing life with our students. Your generosity and heart for our youth made a lasting impact.
Thank you to Pastor Bahe and Elle Schmidt for taking time out of your busy schedules to spend an afternoon with us. Thank you for leading a meaningful lesson, thoughtfully answering tough questions, and sharing the gift of Holy Communion with our teens.
To our amazing leadership team—thank you. Your countless hours of planning, preparing, leading incredible devotions, cooking meals, cleaning up, and stepping in wherever there was a need did not go unnoticed. Camp simply would not happen without your servant hearts and willingness to pour into the lives of your peers.
Thank you to every one of our camp participants. Thank you for showing up with open hearts, leaning into every lesson, asking honest questions, encouraging one another, and allowing Christ to work in your lives. It has been a privilege to watch you grow in faith, choose forgiveness, surrender your burdens, and take steps closer to Jesus. Our prayer is that what God began in you this week continues long after camp is over, shaping your hearts and drawing you closer to Him every day. We couldn’t be more proud of each of you.
Finally, to our incredible Zion congregation, thank you for the many ways you love, encourage, pray for, and support our youth ministry throughout the year. Because of your generosity and investment, our students have the opportunity to experience life-changing mountaintop moments like we did this week. We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you.
