Camp Director's Report - David Buncher

Some of Our Brigade Camp Staff Week 3

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they

may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in

heaven.” Matthew 5:16 ESV

Our theme this year at Brigade Camp was “Truth”.  As written in our Bible Explorer, Winston Churchill once said, “The truth is incontrovertible. Malice may attack it, ignorance may deride it, but in the end, there it is.”

We had a successful Christian Service Brigade Summer Camp season.  This is a difficult statement to convey in words.  There are many ways I can try to help you understand how this summer was a success:

Our camp was one of the fullest we have had in over a decade.  We had 416 campers in all this summer, ministered to by over 137 staff.  Several weeks we were using every available cabin and filled the dining hall wall to wall.

Our skill and craft programs were a huge success thanks to the hard work of our senior counselors, junior counselors, and staff that kept everything going smoothly.  It is a major task to keep so many balls in the air and keep every part of this giant camp machine running. 

How can I give you an idea of what went on spiritually?  Our counselors are encouraged to fill out decision cards for any major spiritual decisions.  It is exciting to report to you that we received cards reporting 7 salvation decisions, 40 decisions to rededicated to the Lord, and 27 requests for specific prayer on a spiritual issue.  Though these numbers are exciting I don’t believe they can adequately tell about the true gravity of what God had done in the hearts of our campers.

One of my favorite sights to see around the camp is cabins sitting together in the afternoon doing their Bible Exploration, and campers spending time alone with God during morning devotions.  These times are open the door for God to work in the lives of these kids.

Also God showed up at our evening campfires.  Campfires begin with fun skits and songs led by our great team of Junior Counselors.  Each night a different Senior Counselor brings a brief message.  The culmination of the week is always our Friday Night Campfire at our “Down-Below” fire ring.  During our Battalion week 58 campers went forward and 55 went forward during stockade week, for salvation, rededication, and prayer.  It was truly a moving sight to see these young men gather together before the Lord, and boldly stand before their peers.

In any ministry, there is also a great spiritual impact on those who choose to serve.  It was great to have Ken Horst, who was one of our campers nearly a decade ago return as a senior counselor and bring his son along as a camper.  It is always fun to hear both senior counselors and many dads, from our Father/Child camps, reminiscing about their years as campers at Brigade Camp.

All in all we had a great summer at Brigade Camp and can’t wait to see you next year!!

Dave Buncher

Ohio Valley CSB Ministries Camp Director

Herald of Christ: Joshua Toth

Congratulations Joshua Toth and the men of North-Mar C&MA, Battalion #1180!

Joshua Toth was awarded the Herald of Christ achievement at a banquet on August 21^st at North-Mar Church of the C&MA. He is a member of North-Mar’s Christian Service Brigade, Battalion Unit 1180. 

Joshua successfully completed all the requirements necessary to receive the highest honor awarded by Christian Service Brigade. The Herald of Christ award is the culmination of the Battalion achievement program.

He is a resident of Newton Falls, Ohio, the son of Ron and Tamara Toth, and the brother of nine siblings. Joshua is attending Liberty University to prepare for a future as a teacher and/or in missions work.

Dale Kinkade, Regional Director for CSB Ministries, presented the award in the presence of family, friends, and members of the church and Unit.

Battalion 1180 is proud of Joshua’s steadfast commitment and endurance in this great accomplishment.

Find out more about the Herald of Christ recognition.

Dale Kinkade presents Joshua Toth with Herald of Christ #755

Special Ohio Brigade Camp News Bulletin!

Thank you SO MUCH for your prayer and generous support for, as well as your enthusiastic involvement with Ohio Brigade Camp 2017 – Helping men share their passion for Christ, through their passion for life. This has been a very busy year, and your partnership in every part of CSB Ministries’ summer camp ministry is bearing much fruit. If you have not had time to keep up with our Facebook posts during camp, take a look at our Facebook page today.

Serving More Campers

We served nearly 420 campers this season. As far as I can tell, that is more campers in one year than we have served in any of more than 20 years! This is a testament to the Lord’s blessing on the mission of Ohio Valley CSB Ministries and the regional leadership team, and your support and involvement. THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Seeing More Decisions

More Campers, means more opportunity for spiritual impact. After all, that IS what IT is all about in the end. We had around 52 campers go forward during Friday night campfire at Battalion Camp! We had more that 55 go forward at Friday night campfire during Stockade camp! In total, we had decision cards turned in representing 7 first-time salvation decisions, 40 rededication decisions, and 27 for campers responding to special spiritual needs. Some of these decisions may not bear fruit, while other important decisions were made without documentation. However, we can see through these responses that God was at work and your partnership in ministry is this great ministry is accomplishing much.

Camper Scholarships

Because of the generous financial donations and committed men and women who serve in programming and support, we are able to keep the price of camp well below actual value for everyone. Even so, there are some who need additional help to make camp a reality.

We were able to assist sixteen campers for a total of just over $2000! Special scholarship donations filled the majority of the need. We were able to make up the difference because of our regular supporters to the general fund. THANK YOU ALL!! You helped make a great impact on the lives of many!