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July 2007
Index of Feature Articles |
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The summer camp sponsored by the Russian Baptist Union took place in a facility that was just purchased. The camp is located about two hours SE of Ufa in a beautiful forested area near a very small village. The roads get extremely muddy when it rains and many times one must walk from the little village to the camp. Renovating, changing and remodeling the camp is possible because of ownership. There will be much clearing of land and work to be done, but already the camp looks great. The people have done a good job in preparing it for visitors. The facility has great multi-use potential and functioned well in the weeks of operation this summer. There are little cabins about 8 feet by 8 feet which will fit six people each in a bunk bed style. There is a large kitchen and a large multipurpose tent that serves as an activity center, music hall and worship center. There are two large fields that can be used for all kinds of activities and a river that is great for swimming and walking next to. There were about 80 campers with several counselors and adult workers and a nurse to take care of the campers. The day started at 8:00 am with the adults getting together for tea and to have prayer for the teens and the camp. Scripture was shared by one of the pastors and a brief discussion of the previous day and the planned day’s activities. Many of the adults were up earlier praying together for the students. The campers were awakened at 9:00 am with a whistle and a trash can drum sounding the signal to arise and shine. Many campers were very slow and had to be encouraged to get up and participate in the morning exercise program for 15-20 minutes. Breakfast and then the activities for the day and evening began. Each day had a Bible lesson and Scripture reading and a story with Biblical references. They had services in the evening with singing, skits and movies. The movies always related a moral theme and social implications. The camp was well organized with many opportunities for the campers to share time together, read, play sports, sing, arts and crafts, take walks and get to know each other and get to know the adults working the camp. The campers shared in the responsibilities of running the camp. Groups took turns washing dishes, clean-up, table setting. Each group leader and helper served their tables with food. Trash patrols cleaned the grounds of the camp. The weather was always a factor and it rained almost every day, so all of the workers and campers had to be very flexible each day. The campers developed many friendships and there were many tears at the end of the camp by both workers and campers. The concern that the workers had for the campers was very evident and touched many lives that would not have had that opportunity if they had not attended the camp. There were at least eight campers that I know of that prayed the prayer of salvation and two that were expressing a desire to get into a church. The others were going to be followed up with counseling and other contacts to help them along. We went away feeling very happy, sad, glad and several other emotions and thoughts about the love and caring that was displayed and shared at this camp. Victor and Susan Bauer
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