This summer marked the sixth year of the Everyone Belongs Camp! It was a joy to be able to gather once again with campers, their families, and volunteers from churches across the BCM/D. We were thrilled to welcome both many familiar faces and numerous first-time families, all coming together for a weekend of worship, friendship, encouragement, and fun.
This year‘s teaching focused on the truth, that God, by His handiwork, created all things for His glory. Pastor Tommy Rowe of The Gathering Place, shared about how God has uniquely designed each of us to worship and serve Him, strengthen His church, and share the hope of the gospel with others. Throughout the weekend, campers and families were reminded that every person has immeasurable value because they are created in the image of God and have an important place in His Kingdom. The Bible lessons were adapted from a free VBS curriculum that was created by Berlin First Baptist Church. Both Pastor Tommy and his son, Brian, have served as the camp pastor and worship leader since the camp began.
The impact of the camp was evident in the commitment of those who attended. Campers, families, and volunteers traveled from near and far, including some who drove more than four hours, to be a part of the special weekend. They’re willingness to make the journey reflects the immense need for Christ centered inclusion and community, where everyone can truly belong. Carol and Jesse Carrico, mother and son, of Bethany Church Columbia attended the Everyone Belongs Camp for the first time this year. While both shared how much fun they had throughout the weekend, Carol was especially moved by worshiping alongside so many people with disabilities. One moment she recalled was the Sunday morning talent show, where many campers chose to sing or dance to worship music. Before arriving at camp, Carol had prayed that God would use her to be a blessing to others. Instead, she found herself overwhelmed by the blessings she received. Carol shared that she had been the one who was deeply encouraged and couldn’t imagine that she had given even a fraction of what she had received through serving at camp.
The BCM/D team is incredibly grateful for every volunteer who served with compassion, every family who trusted us with their weekend, and every church that prayed for and supported the camp. Some churches paid for their members to attend, while others brought volunteers. Lexington Park Baptist Church provided a time of respite for the families on Saturday. Shawnetta McCombs was compelled years ago to minister to the camp families through a time of worship and prayer. For the past three years, LPBC has provided the parents with the time of “sweet retreat” where gift baskets, and an open tab at the Skycroft coffee shop, Hebrews, are offered.
Taylor Tuel, Guest Relations Manager at Skycroft, shared that she looks forward to the camp every year. She shared, “Throughout my years at Skycroft, I’ve had the privilege of seeing so many different camps and retreats come to the mountain.” Tuel continued by sharing her observations of those who attend, “You can see the intentionality of the volunteers, staff, and churches in making sure every camper feels seen, included, and genuinely loved. The name “Everyone Belongs” isn’t just the name of the camp, it’s something you see lived out all weekend, and I think that’s a beautiful picture of Christian community.”
Families have already expressed their excitement for next year’s Everyone Belongs Camp asking how they might be able to reserve spots for other members of their churches. Our prayer is that that the Everyone Belongs Camp is more than just a fun weekend event. We hope it is a place where every camper, family, and volunteer experiences the love of Christ, discovers that they belong, and joins together in bringing glory to God. As we celebrate six wonderful years of the Everyone Belong Camp, we praise God for his faithfulness and look forward with anticipation to all He will continue to do in the years ahead.