FCA Camp attendee: ‘Now, I feel like my validation is through Christ and that’s all I need to know’
July 19, 2022
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — With hundreds of Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA, www.fca.org) Camps across America and the world well underway and many more camps to come, coaches and athletes alike are building relationships, working on their athletic skills, and connecting with Christ.
“The life changing camp stories we’re hearing are incredible,” said Shane Williamson, FCA President and CEO. “There is power when people come together in a safe and fun environment where they work hard and hear about a God who loves them. We are so thankful for the hours our staff and volunteers have invested in FCA Camps to make them such a positive experience for campers.”
Coaches and athletes at Camps have already responded positively to FCA’s dedication to engage, equip, and empower through sports ministry.
One high school wrestler, Andy, struggled to feel accepted both at school and on the wrestling mat. At FCA Camp, however, barriers began to break down as Andy felt the environment was different than any he’d experienced.
“It’s a very uplifting experience, very faith-building,” the first-time camper said. “It’s nice to be around other people with the same mindset and values.”
What really struck Andy was everyone’s vulnerability, from Huddle leaders to coaches to fellow campers. “It’s great to see everyone lifted up in faith and be themselves and not put on any facades or fakeness.”
The freedom to ask personal questions and examine what God says about his identity lifted a weight off Andy’s shoulders he’d been carrying for too long. “There are too many people who would shame you,” he said. “Here [at FCA Camps], there are people you know you can find help and hope with.
“It feels amazing. There’s a huge difference. Now, I feel like my validation is through Christ and that’s all I need to know.”
To read more about Andy’s experience at an FCA Camp, click here.
Year after year, coaches and participants in these unique FCA Camps have shared their reactions to the experience: “FCA Camps are focused on what’s important: sharing Christ with kids and helping them understand that it is cool if you are wired for sport, but Christ always has to come first,” said Sue Semrau, head coach of the women’s basketball team at Florida State University.
Trent Dilfer, ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback and Super Bowl champion, said of his time with FCA, “I rededicated my life to Christ… I truly believe God has chosen to use FCA in a powerful way to reach athletes and coaches.”
FCA’s numbers and impact are impressive. FCA welcomed 57,613 coaches and athletes to its programs in the summer of 2021. These coaches and athletes attended 697 Camps all around the world.
FCA Camps allow coaches and athletes to experience an exciting, inspiring, and healthy environment in which they can pursue their passion for sport — while also clearly seeing Christ’s passion for them. Six different types of FCA Camps provide competitors with the chance to reach their potential through athletic, spiritual, and leadership training: Sports Camps (multi-sport and sport-specific camps); Leadership Camps (developing coaches and athletes to be leaders); Coaches Camps (designed to minister, equip, and encourage); Team Camps (allowing student-athletes to come together to compete); Power Camps (typically for athletes 8-12 years of age); and Partnership Camps (FCA partners with some of the best organizations).
Several Camps have already begun this year, while hundreds are set for July and August. For more information about FCA Camps, click here.
FCA’s theme for 2022 is Every, based on Ephesians 1:3: “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” FCAreminds Christian coaches and athletes that they already have everything they need in Christ and encourages them to seek Him both on and off the field.
Read more about Fellowship of Christian Athletes here, visit FCA’s website at www.fca.org, its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheFCATeam or its Twitter feed https://twitter.com/TheFCATeam.
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