MIDDLETOWN, Md. — The Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware’s Everyone Belongs Camp (EBC), now in its fifth year, welcomed individuals with disabilities along with their families on July 18-20 at Skycroft Conference Center. Some campers arrived with one parent, while others came with both parents and siblings in tow. The youngest camper was 12 and the oldest was 35.

Sherry Wright shares a tender moment with her son, Robert, during worship at Everyone Belongs Camp. (Photo by Sharon Mager0

BCM/D Disability Missionary Katie Matthews, who was there with her husband, C.J., their oldest son, Thomas, and their four-month-old son, Clay, said, “The goal for this year was to minister to the entire family unit.” She explained that the entire camp experience was designed to show love to campers and their families, create lasting memories, provide a relaxing camp experience with a much-needed break for parents, encourage them, and offer time for worship together and to hear God’s word.

Parents and the youth played together outside and in the gym, they swam, made crafts, had Bible study and worship time, enjoyed meals together, sang (music was definitely a big deal) and danced. The finale was a much-anticipated talent show.

Several parents expressed joy that their children could have a camp experience. Robin Shrider, a member of Paramount Baptist Church in Hagerstown, said her other children had attended camp in the past, but not her 14-year-old son, Jackson. He only got to hear about the adventures. “He never saw it from the other side,” she said. Lindsey Holland, the wife of Ben Holland, pastor of Dunkirk Baptist Church, attended with her son, Marshall. “I just started realizing, he’s at camp! And he’s done all of this — the chapel, pool, art, eating in the dining hall, and meeting all these new people.” Lindsey was overcome with gratitude that this was possible for Marshall.

The campers had various favorites. Tessa Richmond, a young woman who attends Creekside Community Church, Dundalk, said she enjoyed the swimming. Jackson had a smile throughout most of the weekend and seemed to enjoy everything. When asked about his favorite part, he pointed to his food. Marshall especially enjoyed the s’mores at the campfire, along with the pool and music.

The McCombs family shares music and testimony for parents, providing a sweet time of respite and refreshment. (Photo by Sharon Mager)

Respite
Parents, though obviously fatigued at times, were thrilled. Multiple moms said the weekend was “refreshing.” Several parents said the special respite time provided by Lexington Park Baptist Church (LPBC) and presented by Pastor Chris McComb’s family was precious. Prepared and led by Shawnetta McCombs, Chris’s wife, the session was designed to be an encouraging and uplifting time for families, featuring music and testimony. The theme was the power of choice — we can’t choose our circumstances, but we can choose our responses. Music was a family affair, with Shawnetta on keyboard, Savannah playing violin, Macy singing, and her husband, Joey, playing the cajon. Chris took care of the soundboard. The songs followed the theme. Parents joined in on some songs, while at other times the family shared instrumental music, allowing parents to simply listen and meditate on the words.

In addition to the music, the LPBC had an open counter at HeBrews providing free milkshakes, soft drinks ice cream, snacks and more for the parents and caregivers. The church also gave them popcorn buckets with gift cards to local fast food restaurants, candy, water, and, of course, popcorn, along with mini flashlights, batteries, a devotional book, and other treats. A local Food Lion helped provide some of the goodies. First Baptist Church of Waldorf provided Chick-fil-A gift cards and contributed to funding, and the BCM/D provided additional funding. LPBC Church Member Kelly Krenek took care of stuffing the popcorn buckets and put a handwritten note in each one. ªShe just heard us talking about this and just stepped up to the plate to help,” Chris said.

While the parents were relaxing, a group of buddies took the campers through the rotations of outdoor activities, crafts and games. Sherry Wright , who attended with her son, Robert, said the time at HeBrews was soothing, and Lindsey said she was blessed by the respite, knowing the intentional thought that went into the session.

Regarding the camp experience, Tess’s mother, Barbara, said, “I didn’t know how much I needed this, I didn’t know how tired I was.” Nobody else would know Barbara was tired, though. She exuded joy, smiling widely as she poured herself into worship and singing out. Later, she took to the floor during the dance party and encouraged other parents to join in, saying, “Come on, parents, you remember this song!”

Several moms echoed Barbara’s sentiments about needing the rest and said they appreciated the relaxed pace of the camp. Margot Painter, who helped organize the camp, said that the structure is intentional. In most other camps, there is limited time between activities, as campers rush between meals,

Pastor Tommy Rowe tells campers that though rain may come, God is like an umbrella, covering us, caring for us. (Photo by Sharon Mager)

games, sports, and other events. At EBC, the pace is slower, allowing for gradual transitions that help alleviate anxiety and reduce the need for rushed movement.

You are Part of God’s Plan
Tommy Rowe, the pastor of The Gathering Place Church in Bowie, has served as the camp pastor since its inception. His son, Brian, who is affected by autism, led worship. Brian pulls up the songs and shows videos, leading the group with the drums. There are multiple percussion instruments throughout the room, and the campers and parents used them during the worship service. At times, Brian would turn the video off and lead songs a cappella, using the drums only for background. Most campers were fully engaged in worship, bowing their heads, singing loudly, raising their hands, and some excitedly jumping, while others danced a bit.

In his messages, Tommy emphasized to campers, “God has a plan and purpose for your life.” Using Jeremiah 29, he shared about the Babylonian invasion and the captivity of the Israelites, noting that even though it was a difficult time, God still had a purpose and plan for the nation’s future, just as He does for us. “It could be sickness, it could be divorce, there are all kinds of things we go through. It could be just dealing with the disabilities that we have. But God has made you the way you are and has given you what you have. It wasn’t an accident. He has a purpose and plan for all of us. And He wants you to just trust Him and realize that He is going to be our umbrella. He’s going to encamp himself around you. He wants you to know, He’s not done, He has a plan and a future for you.”  Tommy gave each camper a small umbrella as a reminder that even though there are times of rain in our lives, God is with us and is covering us.

Robin said she appreciated the messages during chapel. She said, “No matter what we’re going through, God’s going to make it wonderful.”

Marshall shows a collection of logos to BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle. (Photo by Katie Matthews)

Lexington Park Baptist church member Mike Jenner, who attended with his son, Jack, shared how God touched him at camp. He testified,“…seeing up close and personal that His plan is perfect and scripture come true right before my eyes.”

Supporting One Another
The talent show at the end is always a highlight. Parents were proud, taking photos and videos and cheering loudly. Even some of the youth who seemed shy got up to dance and sing. One young man named Seth loves roller coasters and shared his enthusiasm for them, naming multiple coasters.

Katie said, “The talent show allows campers to shine where they might not have an opportunity elsewhere. Where else can they stand in front of friends, sing a song, or talk about something they’re passionate about, like roller coasters, and have people cheer and applaud for them, and take pictures? ”

Margot Painter said she is always pleased and amazed to see how much the campers support one another. Even outside, when someone is afraid of the zip line, which all acknowledge can be intimidating, they rally around and encourage the frightened camper. Whether they choose to zip down or not, the others are supportive and encouraging. Katie echoed her sentiments that the campers and their families all looked out for each other. She said, “There’s a true sense that everyone does belong at camp. It felt like a family this weekend.”

The Great Commission Includes Ministering to People Affected by Disability
BCM/D Executive Director Tom Stolle brought his son Jimmy, who is affected by autism and intellectual disabilities, to the camp on Saturday. Stolle said, “Camp is always wonderful. I am thankful for what Katie, Margot, and others do to put this together, and for those who visit to show support.

Stolle said, “I think one of the paramount responsibilities of the church is to do that. We’re to share Jesus. We want to see lost people get saved and the church needs to see that saved people get discipled. That isn’t suspended because an individual has developmental or intellectual disabilities. Sometimes, we may think, ‘Well, how do they know?’ Or how is God going to break through?

“I’ve often said, ‘God speaks, ‘Jimmy.’ I believe that. And I believe God speaks the language of every individual, whether they are disabled or neurotypical, verbal or non-verbal. No developmental or intellectual disability is too big for God. So yeah, I’m excited about what the camp has become. I’m excited that it’s a part of the fabric of what we do at the BCM/D.. I’m excited that we have a relentless commitment to partner with our churches to share the gospel with individuals with all kinds of disabilities.”#

Visit our website to learn more about BCM/D’s Disability Ministry

Sharon Mager serves as BCM/D communications specialist/news editor