The Journal: News of the Churches of God

CEM goes back to Wewoka, Okla., for sixth annual camp

WEWOKA, Okla.--Campers from several states and Canada converged on an out-of-the-way Seventh-day Adventist 100-acre facility near here in July for the sixth annual summer youth camp sponsored by Christian Educational Ministries.

CEM, headquartered in Tyler, Texas, played host to 44 campers for the 2001 session, reported Lora Hufton of Hawkins, Texas, a 19-year-old associate counselor.

Activities included canoeing, water-skiing, tubing, basketball, volleyball, swimming, horseback riding and softball.

"Thanks to our newest counselor and canoe instructor, Jonathan Stahl [of Big Sandy, Texas], canoeing on the lake was far more exciting than you would think," said Miss Hufton.

Husband-and-wife team Chris and Lisa Gregory of Atlanta, Ga., came up with "mind puzzles" and "group initiatives" for the campers, reported Miss Hufton.

Mr. Gregory served as a counselor and Mrs. Gregory as activity director.

Evening entertainment included a pool party, swimming races, two dances and an ever-popular Church of God tradition, the fun show.

"The busy days at camp were broken up each day by a two-hour Bible-study break after lunch," said Miss Hufton. "First the campers would go to their cabins for counselor-led discussions on the topic 'Who Do You Say Jesus Is?' "

By studying Jesus as "Creator, Savior, brother, healer and King," she said, the campers were "encouraged to form a closer personal relationship with Him."

Miss Hufton credited Paula Hughes, assistant camp director and counselor, for the success of the discussion program. Mrs. Hughes lives in Arp, Texas.

Group Bible studies were led by CEM founder Ron Dart of Whitehouse, Texas, and camp director Larry Watkins of Big Sandy.

Also helping out with the discussions was counselor Beth Meese of Catlin, Ill.

Mr. Dart led two sessions on the topic of baptism.

The music theme for 2001 was "Shout to the Lord," inspired by a contemporary-Christian song by Australian Darlene Zschech.

Mr. Watkins said this year's camp went "great."

"We try to keep it where it doesn't get too large," he said. "We had 44 this year. I usually try to keep it in the 50 range or so. We had kids from as far away as Canada, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and we had a large contingent from Atlanta."

The Atlanta, Ga., group was mainly from the Independent Church of God of Atlanta, pastored by Steve Sanders.

For information on the camp that will probably take place the last week of June 2002, contact CEM at lsw@cemnetwork.com or P.O. Box 560, Whitehouse, Texas 75791, U.S.A.

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