Summer at StillWater Retreat
A loving outdoor camp experience can be a part of turning any life around but especially these kids. Camp can help meet the above needs and teach the campers how to find fulfillment in a positive way without drugs and violence. But what is more important, the outdoor experience provides an excellent environment for the camper to come to a deeper understanding of who God is and what He has done for us.
Partners
The purpose of the StillWater summer camp is to provide a significant camp experience to approximately 250 boys and girls ages eight through fourteen that are now being served by other inner city ministries. Over the last 18 years the following ministries have partnered with StillWater to offer this Christ-centered outreach:
Lifeline’s Project Incentive Euell Wilson Center Christian Praise & Fellowship
Angel Tree Central City Missions Friends of Bethany
Love Church Christian Urban Ministries Broadway Christian Church
Grant Co. Chaplaincy Metro Ministries New Life Church of God
StillWater provides a unique opportunity for these organizations to expand their programs and better meet the needs of their constituents, especially during long summer months.
Programming
StillWater’s programming is Bible based and touches every area of a person’s life, emphasizing the following areas:
Spiritual
Through innovative Bible lessons throughout the day and memorable devotions around a campfire at night, the boys have the opportunity to connect with their Maker. Most of the campers make a personal commitment to seeking God while at camp.
Social
Counselors are trained to create a positive and structured environment in their teams. Life-skills are taught by example, class instruction and group discussions. Instructions in conflict resolution are applied throughout the day. Each evening at chapel, campers and staff are given a chance to express regret over any reckless word or deed that might have offended another through the day. Reconciliation with the offended party usually follows.
Recreational
Team building games, challenge courses, swimming in the camp pond, and hay rides introduce the young men to new ways to have fun. Fishing clinics conducted by local “anglers” show the boys not only how to catch the big one, but uses fishing to teach the campers how we can be tricked into biting at “bait” that will eventually trap us.
Vocational
Daily work projects are designed to teach the boys not only how to work with tools but, what is more important, help them experience the joy one feels after a job well done. Work is rewarded with tokens that can be spent on extra activities or items from the camp’s store.
Impact
A camping experience can never completely recover the loss of stability and character that comes from a negative childhood. However, guiding a child as he learns that he can conquer the fears that accompany new experiences gives him the confidence to make difficult but healthy decisions later in life. The isolation and unfamiliarity of StillWater Retreat allow a greater acceptance of the positive moral principles we teach and model. We have their attention. For some it could be the last chance for them to understand the dangers that lay ahead for them as they enter the teenage years.