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project. Photo by Danielle Bratton
Fall vacation Bible school brings 70 to Christ.
By David Kauffman,Captain
At this fall’s week-long Sonrise vacation Bible school (VBS) at the Sierra del Mar Division’s Pine Summit Camp in Big Bear Lake, Calif., 70 children and volunteers either made a first-time decision for Christ or recommitted their lives to him, in addition to 33 parents who responded to an invitation to accept Christ at the graduation ceremony.
“It was a wonderful week,” said Captain Erin Kauffman, camp director. “Not only were eternal needs met with kingdom decisions, but the temporal needs of parents having a safe place for their children to go while they provided for the family were alleviated. This is one of many things I love about The Salvation Army—a need is identified in the community, and with the help of God, that need is met!”
The success of this recent event validates the vision and goals of Pine Summit Camp.
When The Salvation Army Sierra del Mar Division took possession of the facility Jan. 8, 2011, the strategy was simple: provide a place for the greater Christian church to enjoy and connect with God; work on the new home of Sierra del Mar Division summer camp and corps program camps; and make significant spiritual connections within the community.
Accomplishing these goals required hard work. In the last fiscal year, more than 300 groups and churches—totaling over 30,000 people—used the facility. In addition, the division held two officers’ councils, two women’s retreats and two men’s camps there. Pine Summit also had a successful summer camping season with nearly a thousand young people from around the division alongside mega church groups such as North Phoenix Baptist Church, San Diego Rock Church, Lancaster Baptist Church, Los Angeles Church of Christ and Anaheim Nazarene Church.
Sonrise VBS Fall 2012, led by special guest Sarah Kalandarmidis, culminated with certificates of completion and an encouraging “nickname” for campers from their VBS leader. Teens age 13 and older were assigned to teams as junior volunteer assistants working under the group leaders.
The 82 attendees enjoyed group choir, dance and drama, woodworking, American Indian lore, papermaking, archery, leatherworking, and knots and beading. The “Kids Choice Awards” included a favorite lunch of pizza; favorite song, “Sing, Sing, Sing” by Chris Tomlin; and favorite free time activity of ziplining.
For more information about Pine Summit, call (909) 878-0140 or visit pinesummit.com.
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