When Micah Lehman and Elizabeth Hoover, youth center directors with The Factory Ministries, took 17 Pequea Valley-area students to Camp Orchard Hill for summer camp, they were hoping to see students make memories and experience life-changing moments. "What was really neat this year is that we had four students make the decision to commit their lives to Christ," said Lehman. "The point is that we want them to hear and respond to the Gospel. That's one of the highlights of not only that week but of the nearly five years I have been on staff here."

The students' accepting Christ was the culmination of a week that included speaker and rapper George Moss giving what Lehman called a "simple, clear Gospel presentation." "The whole idea was that when you are at camp, you experience things in a different way," said Lehman. "You are able to get closer with one another and closer with God."

Students in grades seven through 12 went to camp from Aug. 7 through 12 to take part in activities including kayaking, canoeing, and fishing in the camp's lake. "They have a blob," said Lehman, who described the device as a long air cushion. "A kid sits on one end, and someone jumps on the other end, and it launches the one sitting into the air (and into the lake)," Lehman explained. Orchard Hill, located in Dallas, Pa., also offers a zipline, a giant swing, a pool, rock climbing, pedal carts, a skatepark, sports fields, and hiking.

To help students focus on the theme for the week, which was "Letters From Camp," Hoover and Lehman required students to turn in their phones. "We are looking at that unique week away from distractions," said Lehman, who added that students were asked to write letters to their future selves. They were asked to include how they felt at that time, what they hoped to get out of camp, and some encouragement. "Hopefully, they can read these letters in the future and see where (changes) started," said Lehman.

Because that week of camp is designated for students from youth centers, the cost is heavily discounted, and students' families are asked to contribute a small amount if they can, but Lehman emphasized that payment should not be a determining factor for a student to attend. Instead of asking families to pay, The Factory works to raise the approximately $300 needed for a student to attend. "We fundraise for almost all of it through social media asks and emails to (donors)," said Lehman. Student sponsorships are welcomed.

The Factory Youth Center is part of The Factory Ministries, located at 3293 Lincoln Highway East, Paradise. More information about the youth center may be found at http://www.thefactoryministries.com. Readers who have specific questions may email micah@thefactoryministries.com.