A Camp of Unity

I have had the privilege to direct camps in South Africa for the past four years, and in 2024, the special additional opportunity to serve as director of Ambassador Youth Camp in the United States.

It was a real joy to spend so much time with such wonderful teenagers. I know I said it a few times during AYC, but I am going to say it again: Campers, you are really easy to work with! Your parents deserve a big round of applause for raising such fine children.

Teens, we understand that you face a barrage of bad influences in today’s world. You often live far distances from each other, with several hours of travel between you and the nearest like-minded friends. Some of you endure poverty, family issues and a lack of opportunity to participate in sports or other wholesome team activities. Holding to God’s Way as a young person is not easy.

God gives us AYC as an oasis from the challenges we face in our daily lives. These special two weeks allowed us to practice Psalm 133:1: “How good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”

Few things in life are more inspiring and fulfilling than watching teens in God’s Church spend time together. AYC provides an environment for you to escape the pressures and temptations of the world and enjoy activities that promote harmony and friendship. The program blends fun and games with unique elements that make it unlike any other camp on Earth.

What makes AYC unforgettable is not just the laughter and joy but the deeper connections that come from walking the same path.

The prophet Amos asked, “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (3:3). The obvious answer is no! However, this verse also reveals that if people agree, they can walk together. We all did this at camp.

Unity was a key element of what made our camps this year in South Africa and the U.S. so successful. There was more interaction, closer bonds and a deeper sense of togetherness among all campers and staff.

The two weeks of AYC are a great foundation for maintaining this unity among friends throughout the year that follows.

God’s Way of Life

A major way AYC promotes unity is that we teach God’s way of life. Applying godly principles produces harmony and peace, unlike the world’s way, which leads to strife, confusion and division. The ministry took time throughout camp to explain God’s truths, including the beautiful blessings they will bring to our lives now and in the future.

The apostle Paul explained in I Corinthians that obeying God is how people can be “perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1:10). This can apply to the Church as a whole but also to connections between individuals.

Whether it be education, having fun, overcoming fears, health, hobbies, friends, sports, teamwork or many other topics, the Bible gives us the guidance we need to stay unified—with God, Jesus Christ and one another. In fact, Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17:11 for us to be “one, as We [the Father and Christ] are.” That is a very high standard of unity!

The teaching given at camp and the opportunities to apply those lessons demonstrated that God’s Way works. With this as a clear and collective goal, we become bound closer together, stimulating camaraderie and unity.

Think of all the activities offered at AYC: Learning to read notes during music classes, walking with cheetahs, practicing volleyball hits, learning how to recover after getting tipped over in a kayak, finding rhythm during dance classes, overcoming fear of heights on the high ropes course, snorkeling over coral reefs, becoming more familiar with remarkable bird and animal species in Africa, participating in various teambuilding activities, learning the art of effective public speaking during communication classes and strapping in for an open-door helicopter flight. The list could go on.

While these elements are memorable and exciting, they alone cannot bring lasting happiness, true success or enduring purpose. Only by embracing God’s truths can we reach and maintain true harmony.

Many Lessons

The AYC schedule provided countless opportunities to learn more about God’s perspective on our lives.

For example, teambuilding activities taught us patience (Jms. 1:3; Rom. 8:25), listening skills (Jms. 1:19), how to help others (Rom. 15:2; I Cor. 12:26), and how to put the team first (Phil. 2:3).

Another example was simply observing something small in God’s Creation like ants. Taking the time to stop and observe them inspires us to learn valuable traits God instilled in these mighty insects.

For instance, ants will not eat their stored food until winter arrives, when no food can be found outside of their nests. They show us that hard work leads to benefits like having funds in a savings account (Prov. 14:23), and they demonstrate temperance (Gal. 5:23) by patiently waiting to dip into their reserves until absolutely needed (Prov. 6:6-8; 30:25).

Ants can inspire us to be temperate in things such as faithfully saving second tithe for the Feast of Tabernacles and saving up for things we want or need that are more expensive. We can learn lessons of faith and obedience from observing tiny ants. No wonder God said they are “exceeding wise” (Prov. 30:24). God’s Word is sprinkled with similar lessons that we can observe from His Creation.

Of course, we did not stop with these smaller lessons. Christian living classes for teens focused on applying broader biblical truths or understanding of God’s character. Many godly traits—such as humility, a strong work ethic, caring for others, following instructions, proving the Bible, willpower and handling setbacks—can be practiced even before baptism, as God’s Spirit is working with you.

Growing up in the truth spares you from unlearning years of false teachings and sinful habits, a challenge many adults who were called into the truth later in life had to face. It is a tremendous blessing to develop God’s character while you are young.

Remember: The more we learn about God’s Way, the more unified we will be with each other and with Him.

The Big Picture

AYC lays a foundation for teens to one day become vested in the gospel armor of salvation (Eph. 6:10-17) and fully fledged ambassadors of Christ (II Cor. 5:20).

Campers, everything you learned at AYC can help you become better teenagers at home, excel in school, be strong team members in sports and grow into friendly, hardworking, unselfish, responsible, reliable and disciplined individuals. These timeless godly traits will make you more likeable and respected in all interactions, while laying a strong foundation for your future careers and family roles.

Since the end of AYC, we have heard reports that many teens who attended this year are corresponding regularly via WhatsApp, FaceTime and other means. This is wonderful. We encourage you to continue to communicate and stay in touch with each other. Keep it up!

Campers, as you look at all the photos in this magazine, be encouraged by what you learned at AYC as you reflect on these memories. Future campers, get excited about what you will get to experience soon!

Parents, as you also enjoy this special issue, reflect on how you can continue to assist your children in applying these lessons so that they can one day qualify for eternal life. Preparing God’s teens to achieve their ultimate potential is truly the purpose of Ambassador Youth Camp.

It is obvious that you parents have made a tremendous contribution to the unity, friendships and togetherness we observed. Parenting in this difficult age takes huge commitment and sacrifice. But it is truly paying off.

Of course, many more brethren who are not campers or parents are also enjoying this special issue. We would like to thank you for all of your support toward God’s camp—whether through fundraising, helping a local teen in your congregation get ready for AYC, or your prayers. It is all very much appreciated by our Creator. Every activity, lesson and memory captured in these pages was made possible because of your dedication to God’s Work and helping to shape the next generation.

We hope to see unity and friendship grow even more among God’s youth in the future. AYC will return in 2025 to be another annual boost to help teens follow God’s paths while living in this dark world. Providing this environment with incredible experiences while incorporating God’s timeless truths will continue to instill unity and togetherness among all the campers.

Enjoy this vivid look back at AYC 2024, and get excited for all that awaits you at AYC 2025!