Summer 2013
Summer 2013
The past few years at Camp La Vida have been a life changing experience. This year has especially been the best year because I got saved this year. I loved this year’s theme “Fearless” because a lot of times we forget that God is always with us wherever we go. So, now I will remember that He is always with me because of Camp La Vida. I always love getting to hear the missionaries talk about their experiences of telling the world about Jesus Christ. I love when we have decision night when we get to open up and choose how we want to live our lives. I also love how the staff loves God, and want to spend their summer with us and for living their lives so that we see God in them. Making new friends is always a good thing and you can make lifelong friends at Camp La Vida. Bible study can give you ideas of bible studies that you can do at home. I really love everything about Camp La Vida. I think trying new foods and activities is always a good thing to do. Everything about Camp La Vida is wonderful and I cannot wait until next year! Camp La Vida has been a part of my walk with God and I want to thank God for that!
Camp La Vida is special to me because it gives me a chance to learn about Jesus more closely than I could by just going to church. I can meet missionaries and hear stories about Jesus and how people came to Him. I can meet new friends and have tons of fun. The list could go on forever! I love the fun activities we get to do. These activities include swimming, archery, riflery, canoeing, crafts, etc. I often miss my family at times, but the staffers are always there to give me courage to keep going. I love the food that they have at camp! It is always tasty. Camp La Vida is important to me because it played a big role in helping me become a Christian. They gave me the courage to let my faith be known to all. They gave me courage to be baptized. They gave me a wonderful life!
Camp La Vida is special to me because it’s one of the best and only places for my friends and I to learn and tell more about Jesus! Plus it’s a fun place to go during the summer, I’d rather be here than wasting my time at home. When I learn more about Jesus, experience, and tell more of Jesus; I become a better Christian and that is one of the things that I love about myself. Camp is awesome! I love the counselors and campers here. They are all so nice! Camp La Vida is special to me because I became a Christian about a year ago and without camp, I wouldn’t be a Christian. I am very thankful for that. Also, without camp there would be a part of my heart broken off that only being a Christian could fix.
Camper Essays Summer 2013
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp La Vida is special to me it's like my second home. This is my eighth year coming and I'm going to keep coming until they tell me that I have to work. Camp La Vida isn't just a place where your parents send you so they can have time without you. My mom sends me because she wants me to grow and I want to grow as well. When I'm here, I can feel God's presence. The missionaries share how they lead people to Christ so you can too. What gets me the most is worship when we are just praising Jesus in song and in testimony. Lindsey told us to thank God that you have something instead of complaining because some people aren't even allowed to talk or show their religion like we are. Another thing I love is meeting new people. I came by myself and on the first day I already had a best friend. I'm glad they won't let us have our phones because they distract us from seeing the beautiful world that God created. The only thing I can say about Camp La Vida is that I just love it! There's no other way to describe why I keep coming back. It just brings me to the point I want to be with God and it gets me right with Him.
Camp La Vida is special to me because all of the staff are kind and caring to the children. I love all the singing that we get to do. I like being able to meet new people and friends. Waving missionaries coming to our cabins and other places in the camp to teach us about what they do is really fun. I like getting to try new activities. I have fun learning new games. Camp has helped me become more independent. Usually, when I have a problem; you would find me off in a corner somewhere crying. Now I ask the cabin leader or CIT if I have a question or problem. I enjoy doing Cabin Capers even if it is cleaning and I don't enjoy cleaning. The food at Camp La Vida is delicious. I love the skits the staff perform. I like how different cabin leaders do things in different ways and enjoy seeing how my cabin leader does those things. I'm glad Camp La Vida has canteen and the camp store. I love Camp La Vida a whole lot. Everything about it is great. I know that I cannot wait to come back to Camp La Vida in years to come.
These are some things that are special to me about GA camp this year. It was a blast! I hope you enjoyed this year as much as I did. First, I would like to thank our missionaries. I always love to hear what they have experienced on their trips around the world. They work so hard to come each year and tell us about God and tell us what He has done in their lives and it helps all of us learn about the miracles that He does in our world. They tell us God's word and I love hearing what wonderful things they have been doing in many different places to tell God's word to the people that don't know him and get to know Him and God leads them on the right path to heaven. Next, I would like to thank our camp counselors that help us everyday throughout the week to get us to our daily activities like the pool, church, daily meals, and many more. I am so thankful to get to spend a week with them at camp. My favorite part was in the cabin and hearing the lesson every day. They show us in our lessons every day about how to teach people about God and get to know Him better ourselves. They guided us every day for us to get closer to God. I also liked the skits they do at church. They are so
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
funny, I want to die laughing. They are so sweet to me that's what I love about them. Finally, I would like to thank Mrs. Skelton for helping to make this program come to life. I have always enjoyed being a small part of GA camp by coming every year with my friends and family. She does very well at her job by being a leader at GA camp. She is a very nice lady in my perspective. She sees every single young girl come and go through camp. She helps them leave with knowledge in their head and some in their heart so it helps them on their path with Christ. I love seeing her smile after the day is over. Looking back on my facts about this trip, I loved my time that I have spent at GA camp. This is my last year as a GA and I hope this experience guides me on my path with God. I love GA camp!!!!!!
Camp is great! Camp La Vida is very special to me because when I come it helps me get closer to Christ. I want to know more about Christ so that I can let him into my heart when I am ready. My cabin leaders tell me more about Christ so I will know more. I get to meet new friends and missionaries so that in the future when I come to know Christ and I want to tell the good news of Christ. I want to go to a lot of places and go tell about Jesus. I enjoyed talking to the missionaries and learning about what they do. The staff are great and want us to know more so that we can come close. I had a great time at camp.
Camp La Vida is special to me because we get to learn about Jesus. Each and every one of us grows in Jesus. Camp La Vida is a great way of getting to know God. We do lots of fun activities. One of my favorite activities is pottery. I really liked that! Camp really gets me to know God better by listening and talking to missionaries and having mother, daughter time. I also love the songs too! My favorite was there was a moose! My counselors were Lindsey N and Emily. They were very sweet and talented. Camp La Vida was very, very, very fun. I met nice, new friends. I will miss camp and my friends and counselors, but I might see them again next year.
Camp La Vida is special to me because it is a place and a family I look forward to seeing each year. The staff is awesome. They have great activities. They always remind us how important it is to serve God in different places and ways. This is the only camp I’ve ever gone to! When I am too old to be a camper here, I want to work at Camp La Vida!
Camper Essays Summer 2013
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp La Vida is special to me because we learn about God. I learned how God uses people in so many different ways to spread His word. Mrs. Cathy is able to use sign language to teach deaf people about Jesus. Mr. Christopher is able to speak Spanish to talk to migrant workers about Jesus. These are two very special gifts that God gives them. I can’t wait to find out what my gift will be and one day I might be a missionary too!
Camp La Vida is special to me because it’s where I was born. Now I don’t mean that’s where I was born, born, but I mean born again. Jesus washed my sins white as snow; it changed my life in a way that I will never forget. Camp La Vida fills your heart with joy and happiness. You can just feel God’s presence in the air. That warm special feeling that is why God sent you here, to feel this love, to feel this kindness, feel that sensation that God is with you through everything. Camp La Vida takes me to places I’ve never been before, it opens my mind wide open. It makes me think about God like I never have before, through bible study, through worship, and through the missionaries. Worship is what hooked me before, the fact that Jesus died for us, was old news, and I hate to admit it; but I wanted something new. Though the sermons and songs opened my eyes, I was blind, now I can see. God allows these things to happen because it’ll lead to something spectacular something grand, something special. Something just like Camp La Vida. That’s why I love Camp La Vida.
There are so many teens that say you’re too old for camp when you’re in high school, but honestly, you’re never too old to learn about Jesus Christ. At Camp La Vida, you’re surrounded by the most caring and inspirational staff, campers, and missionaries. The staff and missionaries are so supportive of our walk with Christ. They teach us about 1 Timothy 4:12 which tells us not to let anyone look down on us because we are young but set an example for other believers. As we talk to the missionaries, we have the chance to hear their testimonies. Sadly, I haven’t had the chance to get to know all of them. Camp La Vida is an amazing experience. I have made so many new friends this week and have been able to grow spiritually with them. We feel like a family at camp and are always supportive of each other. As we go back home tomorrow, and get back into “normal routine”. I pray that everyone remembers what we have learned throughout this week, and always stay close to Jesus Christ. “In order to be fearless, you have to be faithful.”
Camper Essays Summer 2013
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp La Vida is special to me because I got to meet missionaries like Fran and Richard and Heather and David and Joy. Camp La Vida is special to me because I got to learn new things like archery, riflery, and canoeing. Camp La Vida helped me to become a better Christian. Camp La Vida taught me new Christian songs and to thank God for anything. The missionaries told me that you do not have to go across the world to be a missionary. You can be a state missionary or just go around neighborhoods and towns. Camp La Vida also taught to say the blessing every time you eat. I love the way Camp La Vida has missionaries come into speak to us about the Lord Jesus Christ. Camp La Vida is the very first camp I have come to and I love Camp La Vida it’s all family here at camp and I am going to miss everyone here so much. Camp La Vida makes me read my bible more and more. Thanks to everyone who tells me about Jesus Christ.
Camp La Vida is special to me because it’s a place where the focus is all on God. Camp La Vida is a place where you have no outside distractions and it’s a place where you grow in your faith. I love learning about Christ, and in Camp La Vida, there is always a meaning from the Bible with whatever we do. I love how Christian girls come to one place because we all kind of feed off each other’s positive energy. The Bible studies are very special. I love how my cabin leader, Amber, is always ready to answer tough questions and to go in depth with answers. Every day, I learn something new, and my knowledge about the Bible expands, because of our awesome Bible studies. Camp La Vida is a special place to me because the focus is on God, and the Bible studies are so in depth. I’m so glad I came back because I wouldn’t change Camp La Vida for the world.
Camp La Vida has been especially special to me this year because this year at camp I decided to rededicate myself to Christ. I was baptized when I was about seven, but I did not really understand what it all meant. I didn’t start telling other people or being an example for Christ. I just acted the same way I had been. This year’s theme, Fearless, has really helped me to realize that you have to be a fearless follower of Christ because there are people who haven’t heard of Jesus. I think that that is really sad! I realized that you can be a missionary anywhere and that you can be the reason that someone else’s life changes because they know God now. I also learned that some fears that are not real to you can be very real to others, but with God you can fear less in your life. This camp experience has been very life changing for me because I now understand that believing in Christ is the most life changing, important, and personal thing that you can do. I also know that God is with you everywhere you go and through anything and I think that is very amazing!
Why is Camp La Vida special to me? Well, right now, I can think of 3 main reasons. Fun, Friends, and Jesus. Reason 1: Fun, One reason camp is so very special to me is because every single time I come
Camper Essays Summer 2013
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
to La Vida, I have so much fun! I love to come and laugh with complete strangers as we sit at the big round tables and eat the La Vida crews AMAZING food! Reason 2: Friends, another reason I love La Vida is that I met so many new nice people! From the cooks to the other campers, everyone is so, so, so kind and caring. And I love my cabin leaders Beth, Amber, and Kristin! From a case of the giggles to making you a nick name, they’ve got you covered! But the reason that camp is most important is Jesus. I love to learn about, pray to, give to, and give service to my mighty God! I also love to hear the missionary’s stories about the places they go! I think that God is calling me to missions for him. I can travel and tell about Jesus and then, since I love to write, I can write the stories of my travel, the people, and Christ so that other people can find Jesus though my words.
Camp La Vida is special to me because I get to meet new friends and new leaders. I also like getting to do different activities and learning more about God. Also, learning what it means to be a missionary. I love learning about different things like clean water, pure water. What those programs are doing in the world and what the missionaries come and do at Camp La Vida is really cool. This camp also helps people get closer to God. When you come to camp, it’s like getting a new relationship with God and with other people. I also learned that people can help you with any personal problems and any difficulties that you have if you need them to. They can help you with your relationship with God and you really can’t get that at any other camp. I also like that Camp La Vida lets any age come because it’s really hard when you grow up to keep a strong relationship with God and with other people. That’s why Camp La Vida is so special to me and is like no other camp I have been to so that’s why Camp La Vida is so special to me.
Camp La Vida is special to me because I get to meet new people like missionaries. The missionaries are special to me because they are very nice. I have things to pray for now their safety or Malaysia and the girls who are sent to live in the city to work. Camp La Vida is also special to me because of the counselors and staff. The counselors teach us new things about God. The staff also helps a lot. They are all kind and always willing to give an answer to anyone who needs it. The students are also special to me because they are like family. They are like sisters to me and they all get along. Sometimes we argue, but we all work things out with each other’s help. The cabins are also very special to me because it is like a home to me. The cubbies are like my closet and the bunk beds are just like my bed. Camp La Vida is very special to me and those are the reasons why Camp La Vida is special to me.
Camp La Vida is special to me because I love learning about God. Camp La Vida helps me understand God and I learn new things about God every day. It has really helped me to connect with God more, and to pray and read the Bible more. I have made a lot of friends that I will keep forever. I have also tried many new things too; like okra, corn nuggets, diving, and the flying squirrel. I have loved listening to the bible stories, devotions, and the missionary’s stories. I loved when Tom and Crystal visited our cabin, and told their stories of how they became missionaries! I also loved when Debby shared the story about the helmet of salvation. I liked making the tissue paper butterflies. I am going to miss everyone and all the activities and the missionaries too!
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Hi, this week’s start has been an experience. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow I’ll be at Camp La Vida and so far it’s been wonderful. I would recommend this camp to anyone and everyone. My favorite things here would have to be how friendly everyone is and bible study. Our cabin leader Lindsey has been able to interact with kids to where they really understand what she is saying. At bible study, one of the days she made me cry. After being here I’ve learned something very important. Now, I think God is calling me to be a missionary right down in Spartanburg and Greenville. However, I always knew good things; good things I could do for myself. I also always knew God was calling me to do it, but this camp got me to realize it was my time to shine God’s light. That’s why Camp La Vida is special to me.
Camp La Vida is special to me because of all the special things we do here. We learn about missions and meet missionaries. We do fun things like pottery and learn how to thank God for things. For example, when we do pottery, we change the shape of the clay like God changes your heart. My favorite part of Camp La Vida is when we get to go swimming. This is why Camp La Vida is special to me.
I think Camp La Vida is special to me because we learn about other missionaries and how they teach others about God. The most important thing about Camp La Vida is that you learn about God. He is so amazing. The last reason is it is so much fun. I love Camp La Vida.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
I love Camp La Vida because I get to know new people and I get to learn more about God and missionaries. Some of my other friends are here, so I can play with them too. I get to go canoeing and so much more to explore and everything. Not a thing could make Camp La Vida any more fun. This is why I like to go to Camp La Vida.
Camp is special to me because we stay in cabins, we go to bed at 10:00, we have nice leaders, we learn new things, and every year I’m here I get closer to God. Camp is always my favorite camp each year. I love the fun songs. I also love the bunk beds. The camp teaches girls responsibility and respect. The gift shop is great. They always have the best items. Camp is for girls and that’s why it’s a really good camp for girls.
Camp La Vida is special to me because you get closer to God. One day when I get older, I want to become an overseas missionary. My favorite part of camp is listening to missionaries. They amaze me with their stories. It makes me want to be a missionary even more. It is sad how people can’t or aren’t allowed to hear or even worship God. I pray every night that they will be allowed to hear His word. Another thing I like to do at camp is the nature class because you get to look and explore all the beautiful land and creatures He created. I’ve learned God has a place for everyone and everything. If people get bullied or picked on, I tell them you were put on this world for a reason. God doesn’t make mistakes and He is not about to start with you. I’ve learned to tell people that no one is perfect but God made you how he wanted you to be, not how anyone else wanted you to be. God has a purpose for everyone. At camp, I grow closer to God. God gave me the ability to do all this in my life. I pray and thank Him every night for giving me the ability to do everything I do.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp is special to me because we learn new things about ourselves that we didn’t know before. We get to grow closer to God while making new friends and meeting new wonderful people. I thought I had fun the other years that I came before, but these three days were the highlight of my summer. I made a lot of new friends that I can do anything with. The most important thing is that we can share a bond with Jesus and also have a great time. I love my other counselors from the first year and the year before that, but this one is the best. I love her so much and hope I can see her again. I love you Counselor Linda!
Camp La Vida is special to me because it’s just such a great opportunity. A great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. There are so many people that you’ve never even met that could turn out to be your life long best friend because you met here. It’s a great opportunity to learn things about the Lord our God that we either needed to learn or needed to be reminded of. Camp La Vida can change people’s lives for the better. Many people who came to camp finally understand the word of God and why it’s important to accept him into our hearts. I was one of those people. I learned so much about here and accepted God into my heart. Another reason that camp is special to me is because you get the opportunity to meet different missionaries that are from and have been to many countries. We can just learn so much from them. Just hearing about how they live their lives and how God called them to do what they do really inspires many people to go out and serve God. God has done so much for us, we should do more for Him. There are so many reasons to love camp that I can’t think of any reasons not love it. I love Camp La Vida.
Camp La Vida is special to me because I get to worship Jesus while meeting and fellowshipping with new people. I have made a ton of new friends. My counselors and other staff were really nice. I liked the swimming, canoeing, and archery. We even went on a small hike and I found out that hiking is not for me. Camp showed me you don’t have to have electronics or sleep to have a great time. I will be back again. Thank you Camp La Vida.
I have an opportunity to communicate with other campers and witness what is happening in the other camper’s lives and mine. I thank God for giving me an amazing opportunity to teach and help. I hope I have done my part to help and serve the ministry. Thank you Camp La Vida.
Camp La Vida is fun because I like to play with my friends and listening to the missionaries. I think the stories they tell are amazing. I also liked the pool. This is definitely the best time I have done this whole summer. I love camp and I love that I have made so many great friends. I am going to be sad to leave. I learned a lot about God and it is such a great thing to be here.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp is special to me because it is where I’ve made a lot of good memories. My first three years here were with my mother. Then, when I was too old to go with my mother, I took a friend to minicamp. On the first night of mini-camp, I cried because I missed my mother, but my cabin leaders were very nice to me and calmed me down. After that, I wasn’t too scared any more. The counselors made my time here awesome. That goes for every year. I have only been to mini camps so far, but I am definitely going to a weeklong camp soon. This camp is just wonderful. I have recommended it to all my friends and cousins. My cousin Kylee came here earlier in the summer. I love camp so much. That’s why I come to camp every summer. It’s also why Camp is so special to me.
Camp la Vida is very important to me because it gives me a way to meet new friends, and to learn more about God. When I first came to camp La Vida I was very nervous, but everybody was so nice. I was also that the cabin leaders would be mean, but they turned out to be fun, and encouraging. The first time I came, I was with my mom, and I came without my mom and I was nervous. But I learned at camp to be fearless, that when I am scared I can remember that God will help me to be less afraid.
I have had a great time. This was a very good experience. I have had a lot of fun. I got to meet new people. I liked trying to learn to play guitar. I got to build a better relationship with God. I feel like I will be able to continue to build this relationship with God. I think I will start to read my bible more because there are interesting stories. I thought it was cool to speak to Sam from Honduras because I got to talk to him in Spanish. I liked being able to build a better relationship with Joseph. Thanks Camp La Vida
I had fun there and doing a lot of activities, like going to the riflery range, archery range, canoeing, pottery, fishing, and adventure rec. It is special to me because I learn about missionaries that go around the country. I like that the missionaries came and talked to us because it help us tell people about God. I like to learn about God because he is my father. I like to read the bible because it is the best thing to do. I love Jesus because he died on the cross for me to take away my sins.
Let’s see, why is camp special to me? Why wouldn’t it be? Camp La Vida is an amazing place. It has been every year I have come. I’ve absolutely loved it here. I’ve never had more fun. I’ve met so many amazing people that I would die for, I have come closer to God, and I’ve learned so much at this camp. I have adored meeting the missionaries, Margie’s stories about the babies were awe inspiring, George’s job sounded like lots of fun, and Paul’s stories were really interesting. Over all, all of my experiences at camp have been amazing and I’ve loved them every single time.
Camper Essays Summer 2013
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Have you ever had that special moment? That moment when you are saved and you decide right then and there to give your life to God? I did that last year at camp. It was honestly the best thing that has ever happened in my life. My entire life. Before I came to camp, I didn’t really know what to do with my life or who to live it for. However, when I came to camp, they opened my eyes and showed me that I needed to live my life for God. That year, I was saved. This year, I’ve become closer to God than I have ever been. Not only have I become closer to God, I have made new friends and have learned more about missionaries. They really touched me with some of the stories they have told about how God is doing some amazing things everywhere. Honestly, camp is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Thanks to all the amazing people there and by the grace of God, I was welcomed into the kingdom of God, and I was saved.
To me, camp means faith, fun, and fellowship. During the day, we are practicing our faith, while having fun along the way, and still fellowshipping with my cabin mates and Robert, my counselor. I enjoy listening to Mr. George, Mr. Paul, Ms. Margie, and Ms. Jane. My best friends this year was Collin, Nathan, Justin, Jacob, and Trenton. My favorite part of camp was when I did riflery and got six bulls eyes. And that is what camp is to me.
Camp is special to me because whenever I come it is encouraging to see so many people who love the Lord. The way our cabin leaders encourage us and how they love to share God’s word with all of us is truly a blessing. Also, being able to come and hear about missionary’s lives and what God has done through them is just absolutely incredible. Being a missionary kid and coming to camp helps me make Christian friends and be able to tell people what it is like living on the other side of the world. Camp helps me get into a good routine of reading the bible every day. So many fun games and activities makes one day go by so fast here at camp. Being able to learn new things everyday encourages me when I go home to try and learn and find out about new things. This is an amazing camp and I hope I will be able to come back again.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp is special to me for so many reasons. I can’t possibly write them all down, but I can share most of them. One reason this camp is my favorite camp is because I always meet new people and make new friends. Every year is different, and it seems to get better year after year. At camp, there are also some extraordinary games that you can rarely find at other camps. Some of these awesome games are: broom dance, Billy bob, and so many more. I enjoy playing these games with my cabin leader. Another quality of camp is they do a great job of picking leaders for the cabins. They are special to me and always encourage us campers, especially during cabin capers and shower races. They help me get through the feeling of being homesick every year. Even though the cabin leaders are awesome, the variety of missionaries that visit every year are even better. They always share their personal stories and life with us. It really is encouraging to hear how they changed the lives of people who were non-believers. Camp La Vida is so important. Whether I am making friends, playing games, or hearing amazing stories, this is the best camp I could ever wish for.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
The past few years at Camp La Vida have been a life changing experience. This year has especially been the best year because I got saved this year. I loved this year’s theme “Fearless” because a lot of times we forget that God is always with us wherever we go. So, now I will remember that He is always with me because of Camp La Vida. I always love getting to hear the missionaries talk about their experiences of telling the world about Jesus Christ. I love when we have decision night when we get to open up and choose how we want to live our lives. I also love how the staff loves God, and want to spend their summer with us and for living their lives so that we see God in them. Making new friends is always a good thing and you can make lifelong friends at Camp La Vida. Bible study can give you ideas of bible studies that you can do at home. I really love everything about Camp La Vida. I think trying new foods and activities is always a good thing to do. Everything about Camp La Vida is wonderful and I cannot wait until next year! Camp La Vida has been a part of my walk with God and I want to thank God for that!
Camp La Vida is special to me because it gives me a chance to learn about Jesus more closely than I could by just going to church. I can meet missionaries and hear stories about Jesus and how people came to Him. I can meet new friends and have tons of fun. The list could go on forever! I love the fun activities we get to do. These activities include swimming, archery, riflery, canoeing, crafts, etc. I often miss my family at times, but the staffers are always there to give me courage to keep going. I love the food that they have at camp! It is always tasty. Camp La Vida is important to me because it played a big role in helping me become a Christian. They gave me the courage to let my faith be known to all. They gave me courage to be baptized. They gave me a wonderful life!
Camp La Vida is special to me because it’s one of the best and only places for my friends and I to learn and tell more about Jesus! Plus it’s a fun place to go during the summer, I’d rather be here than wasting my time at home. When I learn more about Jesus, experience, and tell more of Jesus; I become a better Christian and that is one of the things that I love about myself. Camp is awesome! I love the counselors and campers here. They are all so nice! Camp La Vida is special to me because I became a Christian about a year ago and without camp, I wouldn’t be a Christian. I am very thankful for that. Also, without camp there would be a part of my heart broken off that only being a Christian could fix.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp La Vida is special to me it's like my second home. This is my eighth year coming and I'm going to keep coming until they tell me that I have to work. Camp La Vida isn't just a place where your parents send you so they can have time without you. My mom sends me because she wants me to grow and I want to grow as well. When I'm here, I can feel God's presence. The missionaries share how they lead people to Christ so you can too. What gets me the most is worship when we are just praising Jesus in song and in testimony. Lindsey told us to thank God that you have something instead of complaining because some people aren't even allowed to talk or show their religion like we are. Another thing I love is meeting new people. I came by myself and on the first day I already had a best friend. I'm glad they won't let us have our phones because they distract us from seeing the beautiful world that God created. The only thing I can say about Camp La Vida is that I just love it! There's no other way to describe why I keep coming back. It just brings me to the point I want to be with God and it gets me right with Him.
Camp La Vida is special to me because all of the staff are kind and caring to the children. I love all the singing that we get to do. I like being able to meet new people and friends. Waving missionaries coming to our cabins and other places in the camp to teach us about what they do is really fun. I like getting to try new activities. I have fun learning new games. Camp has helped me become more independent. Usually, when I have a problem; you would find me off in a corner somewhere crying. Now I ask the cabin leader or CIT if I have a question or problem. I enjoy doing Cabin Capers even if it is cleaning and I don't enjoy cleaning. The food at Camp La Vida is delicious. I love the skits the staff perform. I like how different cabin leaders do things in different ways and enjoy seeing how my cabin leader does those things. I'm glad Camp La Vida has canteen and the camp store. I love Camp La Vida a whole lot. Everything about it is great. I know that I cannot wait to come back to Camp La Vida in years to come.
These are some things that are special to me about GA camp this year. It was a blast! I hope you enjoyed this year as much as I did. First, I would like to thank our missionaries. I always love to hear what they have experienced on their trips around the world. They work so hard to come each year and tell us about God and tell us what He has done in their lives and it helps all of us learn about the miracles that He does in our world. They tell us God's word and I love hearing what wonderful things they have been doing in many different places to tell God's word to the people that don't know him and get to know Him and God leads them on the right path to heaven. Next, I would like to thank our camp counselors that help us everyday throughout the week to get us to our daily activities like the pool, church, daily meals, and many more. I am so thankful to get to spend a week with them at camp. My favorite part was in the cabin and hearing the lesson every day. They show us in our lessons every day about how to teach people about God and get to know Him better ourselves. They guided us every day for us to get closer to God. I also liked the skits they do at church. They are so
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
funny, I want to die laughing. They are so sweet to me that's what I love about them. Finally, I would like to thank Mrs. Skelton for helping to make this program come to life. I have always enjoyed being a small part of GA camp by coming every year with my friends and family. She does very well at her job by being a leader at GA camp. She is a very nice lady in my perspective. She sees every single young girl come and go through camp. She helps them leave with knowledge in their head and some in their heart so it helps them on their path with Christ. I love seeing her smile after the day is over. Looking back on my facts about this trip, I loved my time that I have spent at GA camp. This is my last year as a GA and I hope this experience guides me on my path with God. I love GA camp!!!!!!
Camp is great! Camp La Vida is very special to me because when I come it helps me get closer to Christ. I want to know more about Christ so that I can let him into my heart when I am ready. My cabin leaders tell me more about Christ so I will know more. I get to meet new friends and missionaries so that in the future when I come to know Christ and I want to tell the good news of Christ. I want to go to a lot of places and go tell about Jesus. I enjoyed talking to the missionaries and learning about what they do. The staff are great and want us to know more so that we can come close. I had a great time at camp.
Camp La Vida is special to me because we get to learn about Jesus. Each and every one of us grows in Jesus. Camp La Vida is a great way of getting to know God. We do lots of fun activities. One of my favorite activities is pottery. I really liked that! Camp really gets me to know God better by listening and talking to missionaries and having mother, daughter time. I also love the songs too! My favorite was there was a moose! My counselors were Lindsey N and Emily. They were very sweet and talented. Camp La Vida was very, very, very fun. I met nice, new friends. I will miss camp and my friends and counselors, but I might see them again next year.
Camp La Vida is special to me because it is a place and a family I look forward to seeing each year. The staff is awesome. They have great activities. They always remind us how important it is to serve God in different places and ways. This is the only camp I’ve ever gone to! When I am too old to be a camper here, I want to work at Camp La Vida!
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp La Vida is special to me because we learn about God. I learned how God uses people in so many different ways to spread His word. Mrs. Cathy is able to use sign language to teach deaf people about Jesus. Mr. Christopher is able to speak Spanish to talk to migrant workers about Jesus. These are two very special gifts that God gives them. I can’t wait to find out what my gift will be and one day I might be a missionary too!
Camp La Vida is special to me because it’s where I was born. Now I don’t mean that’s where I was born, born, but I mean born again. Jesus washed my sins white as snow; it changed my life in a way that I will never forget. Camp La Vida fills your heart with joy and happiness. You can just feel God’s presence in the air. That warm special feeling that is why God sent you here, to feel this love, to feel this kindness, feel that sensation that God is with you through everything. Camp La Vida takes me to places I’ve never been before, it opens my mind wide open. It makes me think about God like I never have before, through bible study, through worship, and through the missionaries. Worship is what hooked me before, the fact that Jesus died for us, was old news, and I hate to admit it; but I wanted something new. Though the sermons and songs opened my eyes, I was blind, now I can see. God allows these things to happen because it’ll lead to something spectacular something grand, something special. Something just like Camp La Vida. That’s why I love Camp La Vida.
There are so many teens that say you’re too old for camp when you’re in high school, but honestly, you’re never too old to learn about Jesus Christ. At Camp La Vida, you’re surrounded by the most caring and inspirational staff, campers, and missionaries. The staff and missionaries are so supportive of our walk with Christ. They teach us about 1 Timothy 4:12 which tells us not to let anyone look down on us because we are young but set an example for other believers. As we talk to the missionaries, we have the chance to hear their testimonies. Sadly, I haven’t had the chance to get to know all of them. Camp La Vida is an amazing experience. I have made so many new friends this week and have been able to grow spiritually with them. We feel like a family at camp and are always supportive of each other. As we go back home tomorrow, and get back into “normal routine”. I pray that everyone remembers what we have learned throughout this week, and always stay close to Jesus Christ. “In order to be fearless, you have to be faithful.”
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp La Vida is special to me because I got to meet missionaries like Fran and Richard and Heather and David and Joy. Camp La Vida is special to me because I got to learn new things like archery, riflery, and canoeing. Camp La Vida helped me to become a better Christian. Camp La Vida taught me new Christian songs and to thank God for anything. The missionaries told me that you do not have to go across the world to be a missionary. You can be a state missionary or just go around neighborhoods and towns. Camp La Vida also taught to say the blessing every time you eat. I love the way Camp La Vida has missionaries come into speak to us about the Lord Jesus Christ. Camp La Vida is the very first camp I have come to and I love Camp La Vida it’s all family here at camp and I am going to miss everyone here so much. Camp La Vida makes me read my bible more and more. Thanks to everyone who tells me about Jesus Christ.
Camp La Vida is special to me because it’s a place where the focus is all on God. Camp La Vida is a place where you have no outside distractions and it’s a place where you grow in your faith. I love learning about Christ, and in Camp La Vida, there is always a meaning from the Bible with whatever we do. I love how Christian girls come to one place because we all kind of feed off each other’s positive energy. The Bible studies are very special. I love how my cabin leader, Amber, is always ready to answer tough questions and to go in depth with answers. Every day, I learn something new, and my knowledge about the Bible expands, because of our awesome Bible studies. Camp La Vida is a special place to me because the focus is on God, and the Bible studies are so in depth. I’m so glad I came back because I wouldn’t change Camp La Vida for the world.
Camp La Vida has been especially special to me this year because this year at camp I decided to rededicate myself to Christ. I was baptized when I was about seven, but I did not really understand what it all meant. I didn’t start telling other people or being an example for Christ. I just acted the same way I had been. This year’s theme, Fearless, has really helped me to realize that you have to be a fearless follower of Christ because there are people who haven’t heard of Jesus. I think that that is really sad! I realized that you can be a missionary anywhere and that you can be the reason that someone else’s life changes because they know God now. I also learned that some fears that are not real to you can be very real to others, but with God you can fear less in your life. This camp experience has been very life changing for me because I now understand that believing in Christ is the most life changing, important, and personal thing that you can do. I also know that God is with you everywhere you go and through anything and I think that is very amazing!
Why is Camp La Vida special to me? Well, right now, I can think of 3 main reasons. Fun, Friends, and Jesus. Reason 1: Fun, One reason camp is so very special to me is because every single time I come
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
to La Vida, I have so much fun! I love to come and laugh with complete strangers as we sit at the big round tables and eat the La Vida crews AMAZING food! Reason 2: Friends, another reason I love La Vida is that I met so many new nice people! From the cooks to the other campers, everyone is so, so, so kind and caring. And I love my cabin leaders Beth, Amber, and Kristin! From a case of the giggles to making you a nick name, they’ve got you covered! But the reason that camp is most important is Jesus. I love to learn about, pray to, give to, and give service to my mighty God! I also love to hear the missionary’s stories about the places they go! I think that God is calling me to missions for him. I can travel and tell about Jesus and then, since I love to write, I can write the stories of my travel, the people, and Christ so that other people can find Jesus though my words.
Camp La Vida is special to me because I get to meet new friends and new leaders. I also like getting to do different activities and learning more about God. Also, learning what it means to be a missionary. I love learning about different things like clean water, pure water. What those programs are doing in the world and what the missionaries come and do at Camp La Vida is really cool. This camp also helps people get closer to God. When you come to camp, it’s like getting a new relationship with God and with other people. I also learned that people can help you with any personal problems and any difficulties that you have if you need them to. They can help you with your relationship with God and you really can’t get that at any other camp. I also like that Camp La Vida lets any age come because it’s really hard when you grow up to keep a strong relationship with God and with other people. That’s why Camp La Vida is so special to me and is like no other camp I have been to so that’s why Camp La Vida is so special to me.
Camp La Vida is special to me because I get to meet new people like missionaries. The missionaries are special to me because they are very nice. I have things to pray for now their safety or Malaysia and the girls who are sent to live in the city to work. Camp La Vida is also special to me because of the counselors and staff. The counselors teach us new things about God. The staff also helps a lot. They are all kind and always willing to give an answer to anyone who needs it. The students are also special to me because they are like family. They are like sisters to me and they all get along. Sometimes we argue, but we all work things out with each other’s help. The cabins are also very special to me because it is like a home to me. The cubbies are like my closet and the bunk beds are just like my bed. Camp La Vida is very special to me and those are the reasons why Camp La Vida is special to me.
Camp La Vida is special to me because I love learning about God. Camp La Vida helps me understand God and I learn new things about God every day. It has really helped me to connect with God more, and to pray and read the Bible more. I have made a lot of friends that I will keep forever. I have also tried many new things too; like okra, corn nuggets, diving, and the flying squirrel. I have loved listening to the bible stories, devotions, and the missionary’s stories. I loved when Tom and Crystal visited our cabin, and told their stories of how they became missionaries! I also loved when Debby shared the story about the helmet of salvation. I liked making the tissue paper butterflies. I am going to miss everyone and all the activities and the missionaries too!
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Hi, this week’s start has been an experience. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow I’ll be at Camp La Vida and so far it’s been wonderful. I would recommend this camp to anyone and everyone. My favorite things here would have to be how friendly everyone is and bible study. Our cabin leader Lindsey has been able to interact with kids to where they really understand what she is saying. At bible study, one of the days she made me cry. After being here I’ve learned something very important. Now, I think God is calling me to be a missionary right down in Spartanburg and Greenville. However, I always knew good things; good things I could do for myself. I also always knew God was calling me to do it, but this camp got me to realize it was my time to shine God’s light. That’s why Camp La Vida is special to me.
Camp La Vida is special to me because of all the special things we do here. We learn about missions and meet missionaries. We do fun things like pottery and learn how to thank God for things. For example, when we do pottery, we change the shape of the clay like God changes your heart. My favorite part of Camp La Vida is when we get to go swimming. This is why Camp La Vida is special to me.
I think Camp La Vida is special to me because we learn about other missionaries and how they teach others about God. The most important thing about Camp La Vida is that you learn about God. He is so amazing. The last reason is it is so much fun. I love Camp La Vida.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
I love Camp La Vida because I get to know new people and I get to learn more about God and missionaries. Some of my other friends are here, so I can play with them too. I get to go canoeing and so much more to explore and everything. Not a thing could make Camp La Vida any more fun. This is why I like to go to Camp La Vida.
Camp is special to me because we stay in cabins, we go to bed at 10:00, we have nice leaders, we learn new things, and every year I’m here I get closer to God. Camp is always my favorite camp each year. I love the fun songs. I also love the bunk beds. The camp teaches girls responsibility and respect. The gift shop is great. They always have the best items. Camp is for girls and that’s why it’s a really good camp for girls.
Camp La Vida is special to me because you get closer to God. One day when I get older, I want to become an overseas missionary. My favorite part of camp is listening to missionaries. They amaze me with their stories. It makes me want to be a missionary even more. It is sad how people can’t or aren’t allowed to hear or even worship God. I pray every night that they will be allowed to hear His word. Another thing I like to do at camp is the nature class because you get to look and explore all the beautiful land and creatures He created. I’ve learned God has a place for everyone and everything. If people get bullied or picked on, I tell them you were put on this world for a reason. God doesn’t make mistakes and He is not about to start with you. I’ve learned to tell people that no one is perfect but God made you how he wanted you to be, not how anyone else wanted you to be. God has a purpose for everyone. At camp, I grow closer to God. God gave me the ability to do all this in my life. I pray and thank Him every night for giving me the ability to do everything I do.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp is special to me because we learn new things about ourselves that we didn’t know before. We get to grow closer to God while making new friends and meeting new wonderful people. I thought I had fun the other years that I came before, but these three days were the highlight of my summer. I made a lot of new friends that I can do anything with. The most important thing is that we can share a bond with Jesus and also have a great time. I love my other counselors from the first year and the year before that, but this one is the best. I love her so much and hope I can see her again. I love you Counselor Linda!
Camp La Vida is special to me because it’s just such a great opportunity. A great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. There are so many people that you’ve never even met that could turn out to be your life long best friend because you met here. It’s a great opportunity to learn things about the Lord our God that we either needed to learn or needed to be reminded of. Camp La Vida can change people’s lives for the better. Many people who came to camp finally understand the word of God and why it’s important to accept him into our hearts. I was one of those people. I learned so much about here and accepted God into my heart. Another reason that camp is special to me is because you get the opportunity to meet different missionaries that are from and have been to many countries. We can just learn so much from them. Just hearing about how they live their lives and how God called them to do what they do really inspires many people to go out and serve God. God has done so much for us, we should do more for Him. There are so many reasons to love camp that I can’t think of any reasons not love it. I love Camp La Vida.
Camp La Vida is special to me because I get to worship Jesus while meeting and fellowshipping with new people. I have made a ton of new friends. My counselors and other staff were really nice. I liked the swimming, canoeing, and archery. We even went on a small hike and I found out that hiking is not for me. Camp showed me you don’t have to have electronics or sleep to have a great time. I will be back again. Thank you Camp La Vida.
I have an opportunity to communicate with other campers and witness what is happening in the other camper’s lives and mine. I thank God for giving me an amazing opportunity to teach and help. I hope I have done my part to help and serve the ministry. Thank you Camp La Vida.
Camp La Vida is fun because I like to play with my friends and listening to the missionaries. I think the stories they tell are amazing. I also liked the pool. This is definitely the best time I have done this whole summer. I love camp and I love that I have made so many great friends. I am going to be sad to leave. I learned a lot about God and it is such a great thing to be here.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp is special to me because it is where I’ve made a lot of good memories. My first three years here were with my mother. Then, when I was too old to go with my mother, I took a friend to minicamp. On the first night of mini-camp, I cried because I missed my mother, but my cabin leaders were very nice to me and calmed me down. After that, I wasn’t too scared any more. The counselors made my time here awesome. That goes for every year. I have only been to mini camps so far, but I am definitely going to a weeklong camp soon. This camp is just wonderful. I have recommended it to all my friends and cousins. My cousin Kylee came here earlier in the summer. I love camp so much. That’s why I come to camp every summer. It’s also why Camp is so special to me.
Camp la Vida is very important to me because it gives me a way to meet new friends, and to learn more about God. When I first came to camp La Vida I was very nervous, but everybody was so nice. I was also that the cabin leaders would be mean, but they turned out to be fun, and encouraging. The first time I came, I was with my mom, and I came without my mom and I was nervous. But I learned at camp to be fearless, that when I am scared I can remember that God will help me to be less afraid.
I have had a great time. This was a very good experience. I have had a lot of fun. I got to meet new people. I liked trying to learn to play guitar. I got to build a better relationship with God. I feel like I will be able to continue to build this relationship with God. I think I will start to read my bible more because there are interesting stories. I thought it was cool to speak to Sam from Honduras because I got to talk to him in Spanish. I liked being able to build a better relationship with Joseph. Thanks Camp La Vida
I had fun there and doing a lot of activities, like going to the riflery range, archery range, canoeing, pottery, fishing, and adventure rec. It is special to me because I learn about missionaries that go around the country. I like that the missionaries came and talked to us because it help us tell people about God. I like to learn about God because he is my father. I like to read the bible because it is the best thing to do. I love Jesus because he died on the cross for me to take away my sins.
Let’s see, why is camp special to me? Why wouldn’t it be? Camp La Vida is an amazing place. It has been every year I have come. I’ve absolutely loved it here. I’ve never had more fun. I’ve met so many amazing people that I would die for, I have come closer to God, and I’ve learned so much at this camp. I have adored meeting the missionaries, Margie’s stories about the babies were awe inspiring, George’s job sounded like lots of fun, and Paul’s stories were really interesting. Over all, all of my experiences at camp have been amazing and I’ve loved them every single time.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Have you ever had that special moment? That moment when you are saved and you decide right then and there to give your life to God? I did that last year at camp. It was honestly the best thing that has ever happened in my life. My entire life. Before I came to camp, I didn’t really know what to do with my life or who to live it for. However, when I came to camp, they opened my eyes and showed me that I needed to live my life for God. That year, I was saved. This year, I’ve become closer to God than I have ever been. Not only have I become closer to God, I have made new friends and have learned more about missionaries. They really touched me with some of the stories they have told about how God is doing some amazing things everywhere. Honestly, camp is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Thanks to all the amazing people there and by the grace of God, I was welcomed into the kingdom of God, and I was saved.
To me, camp means faith, fun, and fellowship. During the day, we are practicing our faith, while having fun along the way, and still fellowshipping with my cabin mates and Robert, my counselor. I enjoy listening to Mr. George, Mr. Paul, Ms. Margie, and Ms. Jane. My best friends this year was Collin, Nathan, Justin, Jacob, and Trenton. My favorite part of camp was when I did riflery and got six bulls eyes. And that is what camp is to me.
Camp is special to me because whenever I come it is encouraging to see so many people who love the Lord. The way our cabin leaders encourage us and how they love to share God’s word with all of us is truly a blessing. Also, being able to come and hear about missionary’s lives and what God has done through them is just absolutely incredible. Being a missionary kid and coming to camp helps me make Christian friends and be able to tell people what it is like living on the other side of the world. Camp helps me get into a good routine of reading the bible every day. So many fun games and activities makes one day go by so fast here at camp. Being able to learn new things everyday encourages me when I go home to try and learn and find out about new things. This is an amazing camp and I hope I will be able to come back again.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
Camp is special to me for so many reasons. I can’t possibly write them all down, but I can share most of them. One reason this camp is my favorite camp is because I always meet new people and make new friends. Every year is different, and it seems to get better year after year. At camp, there are also some extraordinary games that you can rarely find at other camps. Some of these awesome games are: broom dance, Billy bob, and so many more. I enjoy playing these games with my cabin leader. Another quality of camp is they do a great job of picking leaders for the cabins. They are special to me and always encourage us campers, especially during cabin capers and shower races. They help me get through the feeling of being homesick every year. Even though the cabin leaders are awesome, the variety of missionaries that visit every year are even better. They always share their personal stories and life with us. It really is encouraging to hear how they changed the lives of people who were non-believers. Camp La Vida is so important. Whether I am making friends, playing games, or hearing amazing stories, this is the best camp I could ever wish for.
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218 Lavida Road, Winnsboro, SC 29180 803.227.6205 • 803.635.6608 Email: [email protected] • www.camplavida.org
