Brigade Camp Director's Report: from Dave Buncher

 “Like a Fire” Brigade Camp 2022

 Jeremiah 20:9

9 If I say, “I will not mention him,

    or speak any more in his name,”

there is in my heart as it were a burning fire

    shut up in my bones,

and I am weary with holding it in,

    and I cannot. 

For so many of us many of the strongest memories of our time at camp echo one event.  The campfire.  At Brigade camp we make sure that these campfires are memorable.  Most of them would fall under the category of epic.  We build some rather large fires.  I can’t tell you how many times, after speaking at a campfire, I checked the back of my calves for blisters.  But more important than the fire itself is the fiery passion for Christ that is passed on to our campers.  

Some of you who have been around Christian Summer Camps for a while will remember the old song “Pass It On.”  Many will only remember this song once you hear the first line:

 “It only takes a spark

To get a fire going

And soon all those around

Can warm up in its glowing

That's how it is with God's love

Once you've experienced it

You spread His love to everyone”

The message of this song is clear, the gospel that has taken hold of a man’s heart mustn’t be hidden it must be shared.  It is when we share the spark of God’s love for us that was exemplified in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross that the small fire within our hearts begins to turn into a roaring blaze.

 This was our theme for our 2022 camp season, passing on the flame of God’s love for us: Evangelism.  Teaching this young generation of believers the importance of sharing the gospel with everyone in our lives.  Evangelist, Preacher, and Author, Charles Wesley said these words, “Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.”

 As always, our team of volunteer Senior Counselors did an amazing job teaching our campers the importance of sharing the good news.  For these men the days at camp are long and arduous.  Most of them are up late ministering to their campers, with cabin devotions after campfire, and continue on with more direct one on one conversations, as the boys begin settling into their bunks for the night. We begin their day with Leaders’ Huddle at 7am, which means these men don’t get much sleep during their week of service.  However, I never hear a complaint… okay, maybe there is some complaining but mostly because we are all getting older 😊!  Our Counselors take a week away from their wives, children, jobs, and lives to serve God and share their faith to our campers.  I have deep respect for each one of them.  Thank you, men, for your sacrifice and service to our Savior!

 We began our season with Father/Daughter and Father/Son camps.  This demographic seems to be the fastest growing part of our camp program.  Both groups near breaking record numbers.  There is something special about being able to provide these dads the opportunity to steal away three days of focused one on one time with their child.  I love to see them walking through camp, participating in activities, eating meals, and studying the Bible and praying… together!  I’ve heard this many times form dads in the program over the years and heard it again a number of times:  one dad pulled me aside, with tears in his eyes, and said, “Dave, thank you and your team for Father Daughter Camp.  This is the only time in the year that I can get my teenagers undivided attention.  We love coming here together!”

 There was something different in our campers this year.  There was a true sense of unity and belonging in our campers.  One thing we often see is campers helping their peers, but in my eyes this year was off the charts.  It brings me such joy to see our campers cheering one another on and encouraging one another in their craft and skill areas, through game time, and as they celebrated the steps their cabinmates made spiritually. 

One afternoon I had a Battalion camper approach me with some questions.  He wanted advice on how to encourage another young man in his cabin to make a decision for Christ.  The success of this ministry does not just come from the commitment of our leaders but also in the campers ministering to one another!  Celebrating together when a friend chooses to follow Christ as their Lord and Savior. 

We had another phenomenal year of training in our Junior Counselor program.  This year we had 7 young men walk through our leadership training program.  I want to especially thank, Mike Sams, Jonathan DiLellio, and Garek Deere for the excellent job they did in training, equipping, and preparing these guys to serve.  Many of our Junior Counselors came from legacies where their fathers and grandfathers had been campers, JC’s, and served as counselors for decades, which is truly a testament of how this ministry has impacted not just individuals but also families.  And, I can’t go on without saying that these 7 men served with distinction, integrity, and passion.  Great job men! 

It is difficult to clearly communicate how God worked in the lives of our campers this summer we can celebrate what we know.  Based upon our decision cards we celebrate 9 first time decisions for salvation and 12 campers who rededicated their lives to Jesus Christ!  There is much more to that story but only God knows the true impact that was made this summer. 

There is much to celebrate, and much work to be done.  Please pray for our leadership team as we begin planning for next season.  Consider how you might get involved.  We are always on the lookout for medical staff, and help in the kitchen and sanitation services.  And, we are always looking for men to step up as Senior counselors to do what we do best:  Using our passion for life, to share our passion for Christ!