As we wrote about in the blog earlier this month, we offer the kids from our youth programs the opportunity to go to summer camp each year. It is an opportunity for campers to have experiences they might not otherwise have and a chance for them to take the next steps in their faith journeys.
Here, in their own words, is what summer camp has meant to some of our campers and camp leaders over the years.
Testimonies from campers
“Something that I want to remember and that I learned at camp would be that God is always there with you and that you aren’t alone even if it feels like it. He has a plan for everyone and sometimes it takes time for His plan to happen, we just have to be patient and have faith in Him.” – Liz, 11th grade
“Thank you for sending me to camp because I loved being here and learning about God. It was the best experience in my life!” – Vivian, 5th grade
“My favorite part of camp was the zipline because I got to do it for the first time. I also liked the ropes course because I did it and faced my fears. One thing I learned about God was there is no darkness inside Him. Thank you for sending me to camp because I had so much fun! It was so cool and it was my first time going to camp.” – Angeles, 5th grade
“I am thankful for going to camp because I’ve never been out of Texas! Also, I’ve seen new nature (plants, flowers, birds, and sea creatures). I met a new singer/songwriter and heard his amazing songs. Best of all, I did things I’ve never done before; some were from my bucket list (archery, going to the beach, leap of faith, seeing a shooting star, and laying on a hill looking at the stars).” – Dania, 8th grade
“Camp was the best week of my life. It was very special because it was the first time I actually went on vacation far away from home. Also, I had time to spend with my friends at camp. Thank you for taking me to camp because I have learned and done new things I have never done before. I have had to jump off of high platforms and trust the people that are making everything safe. Thank you very much for giving this experience of a lifetime.” – Jennifer, 7th grade
“Camp meant a lot to me because it made me experience the best week of my life. And it helped me find Jesus. Thank you to everyone that helped pay for me to go to camp.” – Carolina, 7th grade
“My favorite thing that I liked about camp was the water activities like the lake and tubing. I learned at camp that Jesus will always be with you in the good and bad and that He will love anyway.” – Alex, 7th grade
Testimonies from camp leaders
“Last year I took ten sixth-grade students to Fort Lone Tree. I was nervous because I had never been to that camp, and I worried about getting lost. I had also just finished my Border Fellow year, and this was my first official task as the new middle school coordinator for Ciudad Nueva. My nerves immediately eased once we were at camp, and the entire week was an opportunity to dive deeper into the relationships I already established as a Border Fellow the prior year. It was fun hanging out with the kids in a non-Ciudad Nueva setting. We had fun doing outdoor activities, but more importantly, I got to see the kids hear the Gospel every day. The devotion times were special because the kids could ask me questions about who God is. By the end of the week, I felt like I established strong relationships with the kids that made me even more excited to be the next middle school coordinator.” – Lexi, Middle School Coordinator
“Last year was my first time taking kids to camp as a leader! It was a very different experience. I was nervous and did not know what to expect, but I was not alone. Alison Schulte and Gustavo De Los Rios were my other two chaperones and co-workers to help the kids have a good time. Kids are so funny — for some it was the first time being away from home and their parents, so they acted with such freedom. But at the same time they were like, ‘Where are we going? Are we there yet? What are we going to do?’
They had a million questions. When we got to Aspendale they got the opportunity to explore and it was like a new world for them. Overall it was a great experience for all of us!” – Tamy, Community Connector
“Going to camp with kids is one of the most impactful things at Ciudad Nueva. It is fun, gets us away from our routines, and opens up so many opportunities to connect. It’s a great chance to get out of town, have new experiences and grow outside of our comfort zone. I am so grateful for the growth in faith and relationships that takes place at camp. It’s well worth all the time, effort, and funding that it takes to make happen.” – Sami, Executive Director
Are you interested in giving a child the experience of a lifetime by sending them to camp this summer? Please consider contributing to our fundraising campaign. You can also call us at 915-521-2951 or contact us online.
