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North Central Youth Camp successful again

Puppets provide Gospel lessons at the 2009 North Central Youth Camp hosted by Downs UMC. (photo by Ross Olson)

Written: 9/24/2009

By Jim Rice
Special contributor
DOWNS—The annual North Central Youth Camp, an off-site camp of the Kansas West Conference, was hosted by Downs United Methodist Church June 5-7. “Making a play for Jesus” was the theme of this year’s camp, which was attended by 30 youth from the north central part of Kansas.

Different United Methodist churches in north central Kansas host the camp. So far, Glen Elder, Jewell, Beloit, Rose Valley and Downs UMCs have hosted it. Courtland and Scandia UMCs are scheduled to host the camp in 2010.

The purpose of the camp is two-fold. It’s a good way to introduce young people to Christian camping because it’s a short-term camp—three days—and inexpensive—$70. Hopefully, the youth will love Christian camping so much they will at-tend another conference or church camp.

The other purpose is church renewal. The hosting churches have enjoyed new energy when they become involved. They also experience new interest in youth ministry as well.

About 20 percent of the campers are not United Methodist but have been invited to attend by their United Methodist friends or by a pastor.

A high point this year was presenting the Gospel through puppet ministry. The campers learned how to use the puppets, and, at the Sunday morning worship, several groups presented their puppet programs.

North Central Youth camp is an exciting opportunity to introduce youth to camping. It is also an opportunity for local congregations to experience the revitalizing fun and excitement.

Jim Rice is pastor at Jewell Trinity and Montrose UMCs and co-dean of the North Central Youth Camp.

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