“God with us.”
Heidelberg Youth Camp was held at Camp Bob Marshall, Custer, SD. Every year at Heidelberg Youth Camp, there are new things and old things. There are also some of the same things and some things change. The young people were a mix of new faces and familiar faces. Because God is with us, we expect some changes.
Let us start with what some of the Heidelberg campers said about camp. Adalia and Clara Hall stated that camp is too short. Camp should be at least two weeks long and maybe the entire summer. Why did they say that? In sum, summer fun and summer friends.
Friendships that were made last camp were rekindled this camp. Although the camp schedule is packed full of activities, many of the campers felt there was still so much to do. One camper caught almost 50 fish – smallmouth bass, bullhead catfish, crappies, bluegills, and trout – during the first day! Other campers busied themselves with board games, canoeing, turtle racing, dodgeball, painting, and volleyball. Everybody enjoyed the campfires. This happens every year.
There are also a couple of Thursday events. The campers can choose between hiking up Harney Peak, enjoying Legion Lake, or Sunday Gulch. Elder Jonathan Blair was weaving over trails, jumping over rocks, and running 3 miles up and 3½ miles down the Peak with Jason Arbach and Jimmy JH Hall. Carrhee!
But there was at least one thing missing. Yes. Elder Roger Gallimore must have retired his sun hat or forgotten it. But another thing was present that you can count on. What is that? Somebody must utter the Star Wars blessing to the Camp Director Matthew Fickbohm,“May the force be with you.”
The theme for camp was “God with Us.” To cover this subject, we give thanks to all the pastors who prepared the lessons. Thank you, Pastors. But the heavy lifting was done by the kitchen volunteers. Kauk’s Meat Market from Eureka, SD, donated much of the meat, and the kitchen volunteers made every breakfast, lunch, and dinner wonderful. If you are a kitchen volunteer, please know we appreciate your service.
Year after year, the same old gospel is taught, encouraged, and preached to the hearts and minds of some 150 young people. Do they change? Some apply the lessons immediately, others take some more time. But the gospel does not change and continues to be faithfully taught at HYC. Praise be to God! The wonderful memories of camp will stay with campers and counselors alike for a lifetime, and may God continue to be with them all the days of their life.
Oh, there was no forest fire this year. Everyone was thankful for that!
Rev. Jimmy John Hall
Eureka Reformed Church
Eureka, SD