Tik Tok - Time's Up!

 With the exponential growth in popularity of the social media app Tik Tok, especially since the lock downs associated with covid, Christian Assemblies Camps decided to use this as our theme for August camp 2020 - "Tik Tok - Time's Up". Our Easter camp had already been cancelled earlier this year, and we did not want 2020 to pass by without engaging with the young people who normally attend our camps. Some campworkers were skeptical about whether the online version of camp would succeed; some of the highlights of our camps include the crazy sports, the pool time, the hike, the food - none of which would be possible over the internet. Even though it was unchartered waters for  a ministry with over 60 years camping experience, we were willing to try something new in order to adjust to the changing dynamic with which we were now faced.

Camper craft showcasing theme and memory verse

We started off with the Senior Camp, to allow for participation of the younger ones who were writing the SEA exam the following week. We had an average of 20-25 campers between the ages of 15-21 years old in attendance. They were challenged about the urgent situation we are currently in: things are getting progressively worse in the world. We shared with them about the need to accept God's plan of salvation in these urgent times, because this is the only way we would be guaranteed the victory. We encouraged them to have a sense of urgency for the things of God, and to be passionate about their role in building the kingdom of God.

These truths were taught during our virtual "Pool time" using
the analogy of a race

We also took the campers on a virtual hike, where they were encouraged to see the Bible as a tool to help them live a victorious Christian life, allowing it to guide the decisions that they make when they have to make choices. They were challenged to consider the persons who they have in their circles, ensuring that they were those who would influence them positively. The hike also brought out the application that even though they may fall due to trials they face, they should not stay down, but get back up and persevere until the end.

Lessons taught during this virtual hike were
etched in the campers minds during dorm time

The final camp speaker provoked the campers to think about whether they were using their limited time on earth to be salt and light, recognizing that they are not guaranteed tomorrow. They realised that there are many persons around them who do not know Jesus, and they all have a role to play in sharing the good news with them. One camper admitted that she had let her relationship with God deteriorate over the past few months of lock down, and she was committed to making the effort to do better by the end of camp. We had a Spoken Word challenge based on the theme and memory verses, and this is an excerpt from one of the entries:

The campers got involved in the dorm discussions, where we were able to hear from them how they could apply the messages to their lives, and spend time praying with them. There was also a Fill the bottle game using water and a sponge which the participants enjoyed, as well as a Bible Jeopardy game which was hotly contested. We welcomed a camper all the way from the Bahamas who enjoyed the fellowship with us. The following week, we moved on to Junior camp, where we had over 80 campers ranging in age from 5 to 14 years old from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, St. Vincent, the Bahamas, and the USA.

Singing our theme song lustily - The countdown's getting
lower everyday!

One of the speakers for Junior camp used the biblical account of Josiah as her scriptural focus. She used his story to illustrate to the campers how they too can seek God, turn away from things which seek to take God's place in their lives, build on the good things in their lives and depend on God's Word for guidance. She made the application to things they could relate to in their everyday lives, like persons who use social media to dictate how they should pattern their lives, and they were challenged to place God as top priority in their lives, regardless of how young they were.

Powerpoint used in teaching the lesson

On the day that I was responsible for the message, I used the parable of the ten virgins to illustrate the importance of being prepared and having your own oil (salvation) when Jesus returns. It was also the day that we took the campers on the virtual hike, so I was able to use scenarios from the hike - someone falling asleep when they were supposed to be getting ready, which resulted in them being left behind; someone not purchasing water before the hike and then trying to get others to share their own on the hike when they got thirsty - to drive home the necessity for us to make the decision to serve Christ for ourselves NOW before it is too late. I also shared with them the importance of having the right gear (the armour of God) to keep them from falling for Satan's traps, much like how those who were wearing sneakers on the hike were able to keep from falling.

Taking in the view which was the reward for those
who finished the course and kept the faith :)

Junior camp was filled with lots of energy as the campers participated in the various games - the scavenger hunt was the biggest hit! They enjoyed running all over the house retrieving random items - even their family members got involved :) Another highlight was the memory verse competition. The campers were encouraged to represent the memory verses visually, using a song, poem or spoken word piece and we received entries for all 4 categories! The creativity displayed by these children was simply amazing, and we thank God for this outlet for their artistic skills to be displayed.

Entry by one of our youngest
competitors - 6 years old

This child clearly has a future as an artist

Can you guess what are the verses
represented by each of the items she created?

When we asked the campers in our dorm what they had learnt from camp this week, here were some of their responses:

• I realize that I need to spend more time in the Word of God in order to strengthen my faith
• I need to encourage my friends to learn more about Jesus before it is too late
• You are never too young to be in the Word of God
• We need to seek God, and stand up for what is right
• Always put God first
• We need to use the armour of God so we can stand against Satan's plans

We thank God that the message was indeed received, and pray that it would be rooted deep in the children's hearts and transform the way that they live.

Painting representing Revelation 3:20

Taking a leap of faith

Winner of "People's Choice" from Memory Verse Challenge

When the ISCF Camps Committee came up the plan to have Camp 2020 online, there were a lot of doubts about whether it would work. Many youth leaders reported that they were struggling to attract their young people to online youth meetings. Past campers expressed their unwillingness to consider a camping option which, in their opinion, could never be as fun as "real" camp. We were not sure that we would be able to get the campers to feel comfortable to open up about issues they were facing, giving that we were "meeting" the majority of them for the first time. Two weeks before Senior camp was scheduled to start, we only had 3 confirmed male counselors, and 36 campers in total registered. But we were convinced that this was a God-ordained idea, so we continued our planning in faith believing that God would bring those who needed to come, and that we would be sufficiently staffed to minister effectively to them. 

Counselors meeting for prayer before the start of camp

One week before Senior camp began, God opened my eyes to two persons I could ask to serve as counselors for Senior camp, and they said yes! One of them was hesitant initially, because of work commitments, but he was able to serve for almost every day of camp :) In addition to these, we received a request for someone from St. Lucia who was involved with ISCF over there in the camping ministry, who wanted to come to our camp as an observer. Not only was he able to function  as a counselor in the dorms, as well as bring a whole Lucian contingent with him, but he also initiated an idea that we did not conceive would work via Zoom - worship before chapel! It was so encouraging to see the campers singing alongside 'A Minor' as he led in songs of worship. We also thank God for 'Prarie Dawn' and 'D Las Ting' being able to join us for a few days from Australia and New Jersey, USA respectively - it was so lovely having them back as a part of the counseling team :)

A Minor leading in worship

By the time camp started, we had approximately 65 campers showing up every day, the majority of whom had never been to an ISCF camp before. They came from schools all over Trinidad (from Diego Martin Central to Guaico Secondary School, from ASJA Girls College to Chaguanas South Secondary, from Point Fortin West Secondary to Rio Claro West Secondary) and Tobago (from Bishops High School Tobago to Speyside High) We also had campers from 3 different schools in St. Lucia joining us, and it was wonderful to have that connection with our Caribbean brothers and sisters! Our camp speakers were very engaging and relevant to the youths - they were able to speak to issues which were very real, so by the time they got into their dorms for the break out sessions, the campers were sufficiently pumped and ready to share. For this, we give God all the credit, because it is an openness that only He could have brought, in such a short period of time.

Campers were encouraged to respond to the speakers' message
using the Chat feature of Zoom - probably the first time they
were allowed to "talk" while a message was being presented :)

You know the campers were sufficiently engaged when, during the "Hot Topics" segment in their dorms where they were free to bring up any topic or ask any question, the Administrators had to leave the Zoom call open for over an hour after the camp session officially ended! We really thank God for providing this avenue for so many of our young people, the males in particular, to share about their struggles and to receive godly counsel from our counselors who drew from their own experiences. Topics covered included:

• Effects of being on lockdown due to covid 19
• Racism in T&T
• Identity, comparison of self against others
• Self pity
• Having a new body in Heaven
• Transitioning to adulthood- what is needed to positively transition?
• Knowing your self worth, finding out your purpose
• How to heal rejection 
• Dating/relationships. What is the appropriate age for dating?
• Sexual sin - what does the scripture say and practical ways to overcome it 
• Finding your purpose 
• Recognising the need to cut off negative influences in our lives
• Recognising that God saves us with a purpose in mind. 
• Building a relationship with Jesus through reading his word, prayer, and telling other about him

ISCF Senior camp 2020 - the online experience!

We knew the Senior campers would have loved the games and baking and Memory Verse Art and Video challenges that we had done in Primary Camp. Some of us were not too sure about how they would receive the Fancy Hat Challenge - would they be interested at all, or would they think it was too childish. Let me tell you that we were BLOWN AWAY by the creativity expressed by these young people! From a hat with a lighted candle, to a hat which contained LED lights spelling out the word LIT, to a t-shirt and earring designed to match the hat, these campers certainly took the Fancy Hat Challenge to another level. The amount of vibes that was present as each of them presented their creations just made it even more enjoyable.

This camper took the "Get Lit" theme literally :)

Based on the campers feedback, many of them enjoyed the interaction and the general vibes of the meetings. One of them stated that "Camp brought life to the at stay home lockdown." One said that they appreciated that fact that everyone was so welcoming, and that they could freely express themself because they could be shy sometimes. Others expressed that the mentors were funny, and that everyone was nice to each other no rude comments or mean attitudes. One parent said that her daughter was very skeptical to join, not knowing what to expect, and she thanked us for making the camp such a fun and memorable experience. 

A sample from the creations of our budding bakers

On sharing what they had learnt from the camp, one camper said they learnt that the key thing is to tell your friends about God even if you can lose them. Some stated that their relationship with God has grown stronger. Others benefited from listening to what was said and looking at themselves and seeking how to apply the principles taught to their lives. One camper was grateful for the opportunity to make new friends from another country, and to learn more about following in God's footsteps. Others learnt new bible verses. We are so grateful to God for His faithful provision for this camp, both in terms of counselors and campers, and for allowing us to see the outcome of this leap of faith which was ISCF camp 2020 - the online experience.

One of the entries from our Memory Verse challenge

How do you have a camp online?

When the ISCF Camps Committee met for our monthly planning meeting in early March 2020, we had no clue how everything would change in just one week. When the first confirmed case of covid 19 hit our shores, everything stopped. Schools were closed. Persons were working from home. The country was placed under lock down - only essential services were allowed to go out. We had no idea how long this would last for, or what it would mean for ISCF Camp 2020. 

The only thing we knew for sure was
what the theme would be

We continued to meet online, brainstorming ideas. The hardest part was the uncertainty. How long would this last? Would we be able to have any camp activities in person? How would we advertise our camps if schools were closed? The only thing we were certain about was that we wanted to have an event - how it would look was what we were not sure of. By mid-May we decided to envision having a camp online. We knew there were elements of camp that we would not be able to replicate online, and that the lack of physical interaction would be a hindrance, especially for those who have been exposed to the joys of ISCF camps before. But we figured that something was better than nothing, so we started planning for our very first ever online camp, to be conducted via Zoom.

By this point, "Zoom" was now a part of our everyday vocabulary,
even though before March we did not know it existed

We started planning online training sessions for our counselors, and reached out to our pool of campworkers to see who would be available for this new format of camp. There were more questions than answers at that point, and we really are appreciative of those who took this leap of faith with us. With no prior online camp experience, we had to depend heavily on God's guidance to determine what elements of traditional camp we would be able to incorporate, and what new features could be added since it would be done online. In July we had 3 training sessions for our counselors. We focused on how to lead a young person to Christ, tools for discipling youths online and how to help youths navigate challenges incurred as a result of the lock down. We also had a dry run of our online camp, so counselors would have an idea of how it would work.

One of our counselors entertaining campers online

Since everything was now online, we started using social media to promote camp. On the first day that the flyer was launched, 8 persons registered. Two weeks later, just before camp was scheduled to start, we had 67 registrations. 17 persons registered the day after the official registration deadline, but we still had space so they kept on coming in. Even after camp started, new persons were added daily. The interesting thing is that the majority of those who registered had never been to an ISCF Camp before. As a matter of fact, most of our 'die hard' seasoned ISCF campers wanted no part in an online version of camp. They knew what their camp experience was like, and there was no way an electronic version would be an acceptable substitute.

Since we could not play conventional camp games we had
to get creative

The first 5 minutes of camp were the hardest. The counselors were nervous as we had no idea what to expect. The campers were shy as this was the first time they were meeting each other. But once we started interacting with them, they warmed up and started talking. We actually got to the stage where they were all talking at the same time - it was at this point that we appreciated the beauty of the 'Mute' button! We introduced the counselors, shared the theme and the memory verse for the day, then handed over to our camp speaker, who was phenomenal! Kosi 'Cosy Bear' Graham really has a gift for Children's Ministry. Using a combination of storytelling, puppets and object lessons, he brought the scripture passage to life in a way that was engaging for all our primary campers - from the 3 year old to the 11 year old.

Showing how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a godly life

One of the highlights of our online camp was the time the campers spent in break out rooms in their dorms. Like in traditional camping, we placed the campers in dorms headed by counselors with others in their age groups. After the chapel sessions, the counselors were able to use this time to reinforce the message, answer any questions the campers had, hear from the campers their thoughts about the message, and pray with them. For many of the campers, this was one of the few opportunities they had to interact with the peers since school was closed four months ago. It was hard for them to stop talking. In one of the sessions, we allowed the campers to share about issues they were facing, and how they were feeling about the changes brought about by the pandemic, and offered them encouragement from the Word of God. We are really grateful for the opportunity we had to speak truth into the lives of these campers.

We even had campers all the way from Barbados!

One unexpected benefit of having camp online was the level of parental involvement in the program. Normally when children go to camp, the parents pack their bags and send them off. With the younger campers, parents were in the room with them, listening to the message with them. They helped them when they had to do the Scavenger Hunt. They assisted in making their hats for the fancy hat challenge. One parent messaged me excitedly after sending a video of her 6 year old son saying his memory verse - it was the first time he had learnt a memory verse in his life, and she was so proud of him. Some of them messaged afterwards saying that they thoroughly enjoyed camp, even though they were adults!

One of the winners in our "Fancy Hat Challenge"

One of the reasons why I have remained active in the camping ministry for the past 25 years is because I have seen first hand the transformation that happens with a camper between the first and the last day of camp. It is amazing to see how children who were shy and withdrawn initially start to open up as they begin to socialize with the other campers and counselors. We were not sure how this would translate in our online camp, because physical interaction plays a huge role in this process, so we were very encouraged to get this message from the aunt of one of our primary campers:

"My nephew is enjoying the camp. Initially he was a bit apprehensive, didn't want his camera on, however, yesterday he REMINDED me that he had a session. Also yesterday, I heard him singing along loudly during what I guessed was song time (he is by nature a very quiet child, so this is noteworthy) Today, half an hour before the session, he put the IPAD to 'charge' even though it's capacity was more than 50%; he wanted to ensure the battery didn't die. Already, he is looking forward to 'baking' tomorrow. You guys are making an impact, I am sure of it."

One of the pieces created by a Primary camper,
depicting a Memory Verse - John 15:5

In brainstorming ideas for our online camp, one of our committee members who usually serves in the kitchen had a novel suggestion - that we should have a cooking segment! She found a simple recipe for cookies with basic ingredients, which we sent to all the parents so they could prepare in advance. The campers could not wait for this session, which was held on the second to last day of camp. The response was so fantastic that we are thinking of integrating it into our program when we go back to camping in person :)

So proud of their creations!

In the weeks leading up to camp, I was telling one of my prayer supporters that we needed a lot of prayer because we had no clue what we were doing. She assured me that it would all work out. I told her that when it did, God would get all the glory, because we didn't know in advance what would work, or how the campers would respond. Looking back at our inaugural week of camp I can truly say, "To God be the glory, great things He has done!" He brought us through the uncertainty, the challenges of dropped internet connections, and the awkwardness that comes from meeting persons for the first time online. On the day after our camp ended, one camper was insistent on logging in to the zoom call, even though her parent told her there was none. Such was the impact of ISCF Primary Camp 2020 - the online experience! We trust God that the seeds of His Word which were planted would take root and grow and bring forth much fruit in due season.