Ambassador Youth Camp

The time is almost here! Ambassador Youth Camp is only weeks away. The anticipation builds as you count down the days. Are you ready? How much effort are you investing in your attendance? Moreover, why does it matter?

Ambassador Youth Camp is not some “Christian” camp where you will learn that “Jesus loves me, this I know, because the Bible tells me so.” This is the camp of the true, living God. It is where you will learn just what His way of life is—and experience it firsthand. You will learn how to resist the temptations to follow the crowd, the pull of negative peer pressure, and the need to be “accepted” in the world. You will build relationships with others from around the globe who are just like you, who battle in the same war as you. You will conquer trepidation and fear, and learn to develop righteous, godly confidence. But most important, you will learn what your future is—leadership in the kingdom of God—if you decide to lay hold of it.

American Founding Father Benjamin Franklin once said, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” In other words, lack of proper preparation will decrease the amount of profit you can gain from an opportunity.

So how can you ensure that you will get the most out of Ambassador Youth Camp 2014?

Prepare yourself physically. A variety of exciting and intense activities await you—miles of canoeing, hiking and hours of sports. By taking the time to exercise and build your physical strength, you will increase your stamina and ability to enjoy the physical challenges ahead. Do not be that person on the second mile of a hike who complains about how sore his or her muscles are. Set aside a few minutes every day to go for a walk or a jog, or perhaps do some push-ups and sit-ups. Review the “Get Fit!” article in the camp preparation brochure you received in February. You do not need to have a seamless exercise routine. Even a little effort is better than none at all. Find something that interests you and will help you become active.

Do you have all the items you will need during your two-week stay in the woods? Do not let your parents do it all for you—take control of your own planning and preparation. Think through everything you will be doing and what you might need for each occasion. Refer back to the list of items to pack in the confirmation email from Headquarters. You do not want to sit on the side and watch your friends enjoy the cool pool water on a hot summer day because you forgot to pack your swimsuit!

Prepare yourself mentally. Sometimes when we are looking forward to an event, we can form an ideal picture in our heads of how perfect everything will be, only to be disappointed when things do not go our way. Understand: there will be mistakes. If you miss five serves in volleyball, are you going to let it get you down? Will you allow social nervousness to prevent you from getting to know everyone at camp? Begin now to work up the courage to step out of your comfort zone. Determine to do your best in everything at camp. If you have to do 20 push-ups because your bunkmate forgot his water bottle, will you be upset over it? You may be in circumstances that you did nothing to cause, but you decide how you will react—what your attitude will be through it all. Set your will to go beyond what you think you are capable of.

In his article “Why Ambassador Youth!” referring to the pattern established by Mr. Herbert W. Armstrong for Ambassador College, Mr. David C. Pack said, “High standards were set so that high standards could be attained.”

Prepare yourself spiritually. Throughout your time at camp, you will have access to understanding that no one else in the world is being taught! Messages through Bible studies, daily lectures, and regular instruction from staff are specifically tailored for youth in God’s Church. Will you take advantage of this knowledge? Will you take diligent notes to help you remember all that you are learning? Will you stay close to God through prayer—talking with Him—and Bible study—listening to what He has to tell you?

Because of the busy camp schedule, it can be a challenge to make personal time with God. Create a routine for yourself now that will help you stay diligent during these intense two weeks. If you miss a day, determine to do better the next.

Ambassador Youth Camp is an opportunity like no other. Think of the fun you will have in all the activities, the relationships you will establish with teenagers and staff from around the world, and the understanding you will gain from instruction prepared just for you.

How are you preparing for this opportunity of a lifetime? Get started today and ensure that you will get the most from your experience at Ambassador Youth Camp 2014.