FCA holds sports camps

Diana Roth, area representative for Fellowship of Christian Athletes, was thrilled to hear the response from a parent whose child was attending the New Holland Power Camp when Roth asked if her child was enjoying the experience. "I asked a parent today if her child had fun," said Roth. "And she said, 'Yes.' She said her child's only complaint was that this is the last day. I like to hear that."

The New Holland camp, which was held from June 19 through 22, is one of three held in the county this summer. The Lancaster camp, which attracted about 50 students from Manheim Township, Conestoga Valley, and Lampeter-Strasburg school districts, was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church from June 12 through 15. The Manheim camp was held at Manheim Brethren in Christ Church from July 10 through July 13.

Each camp begins at 9 a.m. each day and runs until 3:30 p.m., with lunch provided. Each day has a different dress-up theme, including a Hawaiian shirt day and a crazy day. The overall theme of this year's camps is "Greater," based on John 3:30. Each day begins with worship featuring the worship band from the host church and a speaker, usually a local pastor, who speaks on the camp theme. "The worship team and speaker set the tone for the day," said Roth. The campers enjoy some Dance Dance Revolution time before heading outside for up to 90 minutes of skill work in their chosen sport.

Roth said that the volunteer coaches who work with the children are often high school coaches, and many serve for multiple weeks. At New Holland, students could choose to participate in basketball, football, field hockey, soccer, or lacrosse. Because the New Holland camp attracted nearly 150 students, half ate lunch while the other half met with their huddle leaders for Bible study. Both high school and middle school students serve as junior huddle leaders.

"A huddle is five to seven students and a leader," said Roth. "Huddle leaders are with campers leading, guiding, encouraging, all through camp." Fifteen coaches and 51 huddle leaders took part in the New Holland camp. Following lunch, a testimony is given by a high school student or college intern. Afterward, campers practice and have more huddle time before taking part in a group competition, snack, and closing assembly.

"It is a faith-based camp," noted Roth. "The whole reason we do camp is to share the Gospel." With that goal in mind, boy campers compete against girl campers to raise funds to hold similar camps in the Philippines and Myanmar. "Our goal is to raise $7,000 from all (three Lancaster County) camps combined," said Roth.