Voices: Change lives with us this summer at Lake Lavon Camp

Just getting there is an adventure

I (Derek) grew up as a preacher’s kid. So, I was dragged along to most church events throughout the years, including church camp. Back in those days, we had Royal Ambassadors camp and Girls in Action camp at Lake Lavon Camp.

Even though the camp was visible from our side of the lake, we had to go around the lake through Lucas and Branch to get there. The trip always was fun, traveling with friends on the church bus. We sang silly songs the entire trip and had to cross two long bridges on the way, holding our breath as we went across.

For me (Jemar) going to summer camp was an adventure by itself. It took a full day and an overnight ferry ride to the northern region of the Philippines—lots of fun if you’re not prone to getting seasick.

Then it was another full day by bus to the final destination—again, great if you’re not prone to getting motion sickness. You must really, really want to go to camp just to endure the trip.

The things we did

I (Derek) have many fond memories of my experiences at RA camp. Now, as an adult, I wonder how the adults survived those trips some 40 or so years ago.

We worshipped in an open-air tabernacle in the July summer heat. Thirty kids slept on old, metal bunk beds in one large non-airconditioned room. I do not know how the adults slept on the rickety old bunk beds with that many talkative, laughing kids in the room.

My first year at camp without dad as a sponsor, I even did my mom a favor by wearing the same clothes all week. I didn’t want her to have to wash clothes when I came home.

The most memorable event at camp for me was when two of my friends asked Jesus to be the Lord and Savior of their lives. I still can remember vividly that evening down by the lake.

I (Jemar) learned a lot about myself during camp. I discovered my love for nature, the outdoors and photography. I also discovered my spiritual gift of service. I can remember that day clearly, like a lightbulb was switched on.

The people we remember

One year, my (Derek’s) dad was camp pastor, and a senior adult from our church, Mr. Montgomery, was our sponsor for RA camp. He was responsible for supervising us in the cabin. I think he survived because he was hard of hearing and took out his hearing aids and went soundly to sleep.

I am thankful for men like Mr. Montgomery who gave up their week to invest in the spiritual lives of young boys just like me.

All the activities at RA camp were fun. I remember archery, learning to shoot BB guns safely, swimming in the pool and sitting around the campfire by the lake in the evening.

Missionaries on furlough shared their experiences on the mission field. One year, a man brought some live reptiles for us to see.

The volunteer counselors and staff stick out in my (Jemar’s) memory. They were so invested in each one of us—from our dorm life to what we ate each day and all our activities. Because of them, camp had a positive impact in my life. I thank them for that.

The camp we love

There have been many changes over the past 40 plus years to Lake Lavon Camp. The open-air tabernacle is now enclosed. A worship center and motel rooms have been added. Yet, many things still look the same as they did when I went to RA camp as a boy.

Today, thousands of children and youth still get to experience Lake Lavon Camp each summer like I did as a kid. Hundreds have committed their life to Christ there, just like my friends did at RA Camp.

Last summer, over 4,000 campers came to Lake Lavon Camp and over 400 of them made decisions for Christ. This year, we are expecting 5,000 campers to experience Lake Lavon Camp.

What we need

We desperately need volunteer workers throughout this summer. We need volunteers to help in the kitchen and concession, on the grounds and with daily cleaning.

I (Jemar) volunteered at Lake Lavon Camp last weekend. It was a rewarding experience for me. It was great to serve and watch the kids enjoying themselves and good to help lighten the load of the kitchen staff. I plan to go back next weekend.

If you can pitch in by volunteering for a few hours, a day or a full week, you will help alleviate the camp’s workload. For those planning to volunteer for a week, housing and meals will be provided. Please contact Kalliope Sirkel at [email protected] with plans to volunteer.

Yes, the worship center and dorms are air conditioned now, the beds are much better and the swimming lake is incredible. However, the one thing that remains the same after all these years: Boys and girls still are being introduced to Jesus Christ, and hundreds are coming to him by faith every summer.

Won’t you come be part of that?

Derek Draper is on the Lake Lavon Camp board. Jemar Bahinting is the office manager for Collin Baptist Association.