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No. 275265
© H&DCYC 2009
Camp is such an amazing place...
Quotes gathered by Dave Cook, September 2001
Ever wondered if it is all worth it? Is H&D really that important in building God’s Kingdom? Whilst many of the camp names have changed down the years, what many of our young people have got from them hasn’t. Why not spend a couple of minutes reading what some of them have to say. Their background, experiences and personal stories are very varied, but they share one thing in common: an experience of H&D Camps that has transformed their lives. So be encouraged, read on and praise God.
Mark Oliver
Mark Oliver is 20. He spent several years as a camper on our Activity Camp and then joined the leadership team on last year’s Discipleship Camp. Mark grew up in the heart of the East End of London. He is now about to join the Pioneer Church DNA one year training course. For summer 2001 he joined the team of the leaders on the Activities Camp. This is what he says about his experience;
“I can honestly say that if it was not for H&DCYC it would be doubtful I would be a Christian today. The way they bring together Christians from all round the country really acts as an amazing support network, especially for those of us that sometimes feel alone in our faith. The freedom of worship that the camps encourage and inspire is a great inspiration to all who take part, and the community spirit that this and other aspects of the camps bring out add to the great things that the camps do.
Although there are the so called ‘bigger’ events such as Soul Survivor or New Wine, the great thing that camp has over these is the community spirit. Church is not meant to be a building, but a group of people who come together, do everyday things together, grow together and worship God together. In camps, we have a supreme model of church that is very difficult to recreate anywhere else. On top of that the camps are led by a leadership of such high quality people, and they have had such an impact on individuals and they are involved personally in all aspects of camp, right down to the so called menial tasks.
The camps, their leaders and the campers have had a hand in influencing so many outstanding people and so many more are emerging. Everyone I've known on camps have left either knowing God more, and desiring him more, most both! That in itself shows the amazing work of camps.”
Lizzie Chilton
Lizzie Chilton is 20. She attended the one of the Activity Camps and Mixed Camp ’97 as a camper, and served as a leader on the Activities Camp. This is what Lizzie has to say about H&D;
“I've made some of my closest friendships on camp and I know that these are true friends that’ll always care for me even if we haven’t spoken for ages. I can definitely say that camp has changed my life for the better, it has always had sound teaching which has spurred me on in my faith and it is much more personal than many other good Christian events, but as well as the teaching from camp I’ve learnt even more from sharing with the people I’ve met there and learning from them. Even driving past the camp site gives me a buzz because it reminds me of some of my fondest memories which have stemmed from there!”
Ben Webster
Ben Webster is 20. He attended the Activities Camp and Mixed Camp ’97 as a camper and served as a leader on the Activities Camp. This is what Ben has to say about H&D;
“Hants and Dorset camps never fail to stun and amaze me!! The formula is so simple: campers and leaders come together, they get to know each other, they worship together, God shows up! Once some of the inhibitions felt earlier in the week melt away, Hants and Dorset camps provide the perfect setting for young people to come, experience and know God, and for God to deal with issues in their lives at a time when they have the opportunity to be open and receptive.”
Miriam Dauvin
Miriam Dauvin is 21 and comes from Thornhill Baptist Church in Southampton. She attended the one of the activity camps and Mixed Camp’97 as a camper. This is what she has to say about H&D;
“H&D is the place where I first found that knowing God is dynamic and renewing and life-changing. It is the place where lasting friendships are made. In some ways the crazy activities actually work as a ‘retreat’, a place to stand back and evaluate where I am with God. It is a place where I can move on spiritually, knowing that not only is God with me in that field, with these wonderful people, but He is with me always.”