Summer camps are a rite of passage in popular culture, especially in books and movies. While IBSA Summer Camps may clock in at just under a week, they can be life-changing experiences that have eternal consequences.
Brock Vandever, manager at Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp, shared one example. “This year I really pushed my staffers to interact and encourage the kids,” he said. “Then, I saw one of the kids come running up to my staffers and say, ‘I just got saved!’”
But the worker didn’t hear the young teen well and asked, “You got saved from what?”
The teen replied enthusiastically, “Saved from sin!”
Eight IBSA Summer Camps for students in grades 3-12 were held in June and July, four at Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp in rural Pinckneyville, and four at Streator Baptist Camp in Streator. Some were in partnership with local Baptist associations.
One moment that stood out for Vandever was during an especially tiring and stressful week. “I felt like we weren’t really where we needed to be keeping up with things,” he said. “I came outside with some trash and kids were coming outside of the chapel praying with counselors. I knew something was happening, and even though I wasn’t part of being in the room when it happens, I was a part of that. God was making things happen. It just broke my heart, and it was great!
This year, 581 students, from 93 IBSA churches, attended IBSA summer camps. Lake Sallateeska reported 44 salvations, while Streator reported 31.
Marcia Bost, a member of Chatham Baptist Church, served as a camp nurse at Streator during one week in June. “The camp experience fosters growth in kids,” Bost said. “It’s fun to see that play out.” She gave the example of seeing “older ones helping younger ones. They’re not prompted by parents telling them you should do this or that.”
Bost said she keeps coming back because she enjoys seeing how IBSA Summer Camps bring out “independence in kids” and “gets them outside their bubble.”
Daniel Johnson, was looking for a camp experience for his 13-year-old son Jacob, who is almost completely blind. They attended the same camp as Bost and are members of Raymond Baptist Church.
Johnson said his son, who has also been to Lake Sallateeka Baptist Camp, enjoyed Streator Baptist Camp and “everybody treated him with respect.”
Jacob navigated the camp with a cane or grabbed Daniel’s shoulder as a guide. With a little assistance he was able to participate in the outdoor recreational activities. “He did all the challenges and the games,” said Johnson. “He had a kill shot with archery. He did very well with axe throwing, but none stuck.”
But Jacob’s specialty was a game called Gaga Ball. “He was winning at Gaga Ball,” said Johnson.
Both camps are ADA compliant. Manager of Streator Baptist Camp, Jacob Kimbrough, runs a special camp for kids with disabilities at the end of July each year.
“My son is 75-80% blind and he was able to participate in everything,” Johnson noted. “Streator Baptist Camp had the staff to help him with everything. They were amazing.”
Marilyn Sones, served as director of the IBSA Summer Camp for grades 3-6 at Lake Sallateeska from June 24-28. The member of Heights Community in Collinsville said the camp was filled with “God moments.” There was a girl who lived in foster care who wasn’t sure she would fit in. “We reminded her Jesus is the ultimate parent for her. She blossomed throughout the week,” Sones said.
There was the child whose last-minute arrangements worked out for her to be there. And the three counselors who led crafts and huddled for prayer between sessions found camp meant as much to them as to the kids.
“I was seeing God work every single day in the lives of the kids and counselors,” Sones said.
“It was good. All my workers said they will be coming back next year.”