Hearts changed and friendships forged at YFC Castaway Club camp
July 18, 2022
Denver—With summer well underway, youth across the country are enjoying all types of summer camps and activities. Youth For Christ (YFC, www.yfc.net) is proud to offer camps that not only give youth a place to spend the summer having fun with friends, but also change lives with the Gospel of Christ.
“The vision of YFC Camp is to provide an excellent experience through which Jesus Christ would forever alter the life of every person who comes to camp — that they in turn would be driven to alter the lives of those around them for Christ,” said YFC spokesperson Joe Beckler. “YFC Camp exists to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus by creating a transformational environment for young people through authentic relationships, shared experiences, outdoor challenges and times of solitude that draw students to the heart of God.”
These unique, Christ-centered camp experiences give youth a clear space to bond with their peers while diving deep into their relationship with Christ.
“Our daily themes and messages cut to the heart of YFC’s mission — to reach young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus,” Beckler commented. “It’s so powerful to hear how God is working at the lives of the campers.”
YFC’s Castaway Club camp recently reported how lives were changed during their week-long camp at the end of June. Campers and staff alike enjoyed a week of fun outdoor activities along with deep conversations about God’s plan for their lives.
Beckler commented, “Throughout the week, young people began to open up to their trip leaders in what we call ‘cabin time.’ They disclosed details of hardship and challenges back home, reflecting on the pain of abuse, fear, and spiritual hopelessness. Our leaders responded with courage and responsible care, providing kids with support. It was taxing at times for our leaders, but they were mindful that God was at work. Indeed, the work of Jesus intensified exponentially, overpowering darkness.
“Evidence of this was powerful. One cabin of young men was volatile at the beginning of the week. They didn’t want to be together, expressing hatred towards one another. At the end of the week, most of the young men in this cabin accepted Jesus. They could be seen circled up, laughing together. They forged new friendships. Enemies turned into allies.”
Beckler continued, “We heard other campers, sometimes in tears, explain that they didn’t want to leave camp. The experience was so good. They couldn’t fathom going back home to a chaotic situation. Our leaders came alongside these kids assuring them that the camp experience would go with them as they returned home and connected with their local YFC Chapter.
“Finally, we will never forget the night we commonly refer to as ‘solo time.’ Kids spread out across the grounds of our camp, contemplative and praying. When the time came, you could hear teens yelling at the top of their lungs, ‘YES!’ They were saying yes to Jesus for the first time in life. It was remarkable!
“It is impossible to know the total impact of this YFC Camp on the lives of the 271 campers and leaders who attended. What we do know is that God turned the hearts and minds of many towards his love and grace. Their lives were forever altered.”
To see a snapshot of what YFC camping and trips are like for young people, click here to watch an informative video.
YFC chapters impact thousands of communities across the nation, seeking out and serving youth from all walks of life. Young people are silently struggling through a wide variety of challenging issues—and through the YFC ministry God empowers, they see the living power of a loving God. YFC trains its leaders in a proven, relational ministry model called 3Story®, which encourages staff and volunteers to be good news while also sharing the stories of the Good News of Jesus. It involves building relationships through the ups and downs of everyday life to lead people to Christ.
YFC has been a pillar of missional ministry since 1944, when Dr. Billy Graham served as YFC’s first full-time staff member. Since then, Youth For Christ has continued to be both a rural and urban ministry on mission, and it is always about the message of Jesus. YFC reaches young people everywhere, working together with the local church and other like-minded partners to raise up lifelong followers of Jesus who lead by their godliness in lifestyle, devotion to the Word of God and prayer, passion for sharing the love of Christ, and commitment to social involvement. Youth For Christ operates in over 100 nations and has over 130 chapters that impact communities across America.
Visit the Youth For Christ media page here. Learn more about Youth For Christ at its website, www.yfc.net, Facebook and Instagram pages, Twitter feed @yfcusa or on Vimeo.
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