Dear Families and Friends of Peace,
Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit Camp Wapo, where 12 Peace students and 9 additional friends of Peace (21 total!) have been enjoying their week of Youth Camp.
As always, it was great to be at camp. It’s a place where students feel more open to being their true selves, where there’s a shared unified energy that’s centered around Jesus, and where discipleship and faith formation plant deep roots. I’m excited to return on Saturday for the 1-3 grade “Seeds” weekend.
And recently, I received this email update from the Camp Wapo staff:
“So far this summer we have welcomed over 1,500 guests to the Wapo site. They came to camp as Youth campers, Seeds campers, Fishing campers, summer retreaters, family campers, GIFT (grandparent/kids) campers, and One Day campers. The site is buzzing with activity, laughter, and singing for most hours of the day.
Campers and counselors are diving into the theme “Always” through daily Bible study time, chapel, and nighttime devotions. There are beautiful yarn art, friendship bracelets, and tie-dye creations happening at the art shop. Friendships are growing, faith is being explored and formed, and campers are experiencing a caring camp community. There is, of course, an endless supply of field games, rainy day activities, canteen snacks, chill time, and even a wellness corner for all to enjoy!
Please join us in praying for all the campers and families that will be coming for the second half of summer and for the staff who will walk alongside them. There is still a lot of fun to be had! God is at work here.”
Indeed, camp is always a great experience, and our students are taking it to heart that God will always love them, and that God is always at work around them.
So, along with all of our Wapo campers, we lift up our prayers and praises for the promise that “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). And filled with God’s unending love, may God strengthen us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
Grace and Peace,
Joe