It’s called double jeopardy. We must be the only summer camp on the planet to send our campers to another summer camp to play.
A different campus life. Cohutta Springs Youth Camp is located on 800 acres, nestled in the beautiful mountains in North Georgia. Every summer, up to 1,600 youth, ages 7 to 18, call this camp home for a week or more.
Not out of the woods. During the week of June 27 – July 4th, and July 11-July 18th, one girl tested positive for COVID-19. The case was reported to all camp parents. The involved cabin was quarantined, while the cabin mates were dismissed home prematurely.
Everything feels more spacious. Here is a slideshow capturing our camper’s sensational week at some unique camp attractions such as: archery, rocketry, BMX biking, rock wall climbing, creative arts, drama, music performance, fishing, canoeing, horsemanship, mountain biking, mountain lore, paintball, photography, videography, wakeboarding, wakepark, soccer, sports, track & field, swimming, the waterslide. the water blob, the rope swings, wilderness survival, zip lining, cabin life with daily devotionals and nightly campfires.
“You are so much sunshine in every square inch.”
Walt Whitman
A glimpse into someone’s soul. To frame for the teens what matters in the world, we talked about how the Christian camp was a source of spiritual elevation. It was a bonding time that broke in on our bordered worlds. This is what came out of the mouth of babes:
Singing praises can change hearts and spirits. Camp songs sung by the fire were carried home in a voice box to the late night card table, complete with popcorn and smoothies. When foggy lyrics were forgotten, the quintet would fill in by humming and mumbling the melody.
“I was smiling all the time.”
Hugo, 12
“A lot of people there believed and took God seriously. My camp counselor said I had a great attitude and was always willing to help others. It was fun.”
Caiden, 13
“I got closer to God and realized I was made for more. I realized God really loves us. The camp was a better place for us. Whether a good or bad situation, God is still there. I was emotional.”
Biellman, 15
“I was brought to new beginnings. The play on Friday opened my eyes and I realized how great God is. It was a freer surrounding. At the camp, I felt safer and I didn’t have to watch my back or feel ashamed that people were judging me. When I was there, I didn’t need my phone because I had friends all around me who were just like us. I’m coming back early next summer.”
Deyanciss, 15
“I had an experience with God that peaked Friday night during the play. I checked the box indicating my desire to be baptized that was a compilation of everything in my life. The camp setting allowed me autonomy and responsibility surrounded by my peers.”
Keller, 15
P.S. We caught COVID from Camp Cohutta, testing (+) on rapid response antigen at CVS in Virginia on July 28th, 2021.
Urban Community Life