This is the story of one boy who attended camp for a week during the summer. When he came the first day, he acted like he didn't want to be there. He spoke with a low, intimidating voice, and would not listen at all. He wouldn't acknowledge us, and had a terrible attitude. The situation seemed hopeless. The counselors were persistent in trying to discourage his bad behavior, but they were more persistent in caring for him. Throughout the week he started to let down his guard, and was enjoying his time at camp. One day on the van ride home, he excitedly asked if he could come back for another week of camp. I was happy that we were able to provide a safe place for him this summer.

From one of our camp counselors

The week I got to teach the Bible story was amazing, although I was nervous about sharing God’s Word. But God gave me strength and His words to tell the kids His stories. On Thursday when we gave the gospel presentation, all of the kids were curious and asking questions about different details in the story. One of the girls wanted to accept Christ as her savior. It was an awesome day to see God working in these kids. The older kids are always a little bit different, but when it comes to learning about Jesus they are just as curious as anyone. I enjoyed this week a lot because when we went in to small groups to talk about the Bible story, the kids were always asking questions and wondering more about Jesus!

From one of our camp counselors

"Otis" was constantly getting in trouble during camp. He was usually at the center of several verbal battles during the week. During lesson time he could not sit still and would talk through most of it. One day he ended up losing all of his pool time. I took him and another boy to the rec room to play hockey. While we were there, Otis started playing with the puppet we use for part of the lesson time and wanted me to watch him put on a show. As I was sitting there listening he started repeating a short portion from the lesson. It was encouraging to hear. Although it was only about one or two sentences, it made me realize how much these kids may really be hearing, even when it seems like they aren't paying attention. I hope we were able to communicate biblical truths to them about God which will continue to come back to them years from now and point them towards the love and salvation God has for them.

From one of our camp counselors

Sharing a summer season with Camp Roberts kids is such a treasure. With four years of memories, I look forward to seeing how God is going to move. Our campers come with an excitement and their minds are so open to the truth. This year I saw children memorizing scripture, asking intense questions, challenging and stirring a deeper love for the Lord. This ministry makes an impact. Seeds are planted, love is shown, and God continues to soften our hearts. I am so thankful we are able to bless and be blessed by the sweet souls that jump out of our vans each day and run with His joy.

From one of our camp counselors

The 5th and 6th grade children had just heard the gospel story as a big group. Afterward, we split up into small groups for a question and discussion time. One girl in my group kept asking if we were going to be done now and said that it was boring. I continued to explain the gospel message to the best of my ability and I said that it might be kind of boring having to sit and listen and having to be quiet, but if we were actually there and saw everything, it would be far from boring. I explained how because of Jesus dying on the cross for us, when we ask for forgiveness, and trust in Him, our sin is gone because He is that powerful. We don't have to be a slave to guilt or shame or death. I asked them, "What do you think it means that we don't have to be a slave to sin?" They seemed puzzled, and the girl that had been asking if we were done said, "That's kind of a confusing question." So I explained that it meant that we don't have to listen to our own selfish desires or feelings. We can be free to do the right thing even when the wrong thing seems good. I explained about our sinful nature. They seemed to understand at least a little then. Afterward, I asked if they had any prayer requests, and another girl who had had a lot of good questions throughout the week said, "For God to forgive us", so I had them join in a circle and prayed with them for God’s forgiveness.

Visit the registration page for details.

There is no charge for children to attend camp; the program is funded entirely by donations. With all of the programs, staffing, and maintenance of our 54-acre campground, it costs approximately $60,000 annually to operate Camp Roberts. Your support will allow a child to attend camp this summer!

The following items are useful for our daily ministry at Camp Roberts:

• Laundry soap

• Dryer sheets

• Napkins

• Fruit snacks

• Granola bars

• Jello/pudding/fruit cups

• Ranch dressing, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce

• Bandages, topical antibiotic

• Sunscreen, bug spray

Items may be delivered to Lima Rescue Mission.