Nov 1, 2020
By Lauren Kinlocke
Deep South Camp Director 2020
With all the unexpected changes brought about by the onset of Covid-19, Deep South Camp (DSC) 2020 was in doubt. But where there’s a will, the Lord always opens a way—this time was no exception: the Internet, via Zoom, was the saving grace. Fully conscious that one key element to DSC success lies in having the correct mindset tightly wrapped in oozing zeal, the participants eagerly joined the platform from all over the world (north, south, and central Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Jamaica, Canada, Colorado, and North Carolina). The 2020 edition of the annual Deep South Camp was off to a blazing start on June 22, 2020.
We had to widen the age range from the regular 8-16 to an unheard of 6-19 range because of the clamoring demand; we had no regrets.
Each day’s activities were held between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The campers were eager to begin. Many were present at 9:30 a.m., despite our actual 10 a.m. start time. Suffice to say, most of the 42 campers were quite reluctant to leave at the scheduled daily departure time because they craved more.
The campers warmed lovely to the main theme “Be an Example” taken from 1 Timothy 4:12. The primary reason for youth camps is to offer an opportunity to young people to enjoy themselves while learning the Word of God. Though physical space was absent, the virtual alternative was a tremendous success with great joy. In the very words of the camp director and others: “It was beyond our wildest dreams; it was just phenomenal!”
The youths brought their usual insatiable appetite and were not afraid to put same on show for all to see. They painted (in our sip and paint activity); they willingly portrayed their talents during the talent show; they fully participated in the daily Bible lessons in true Seventh Day Baptist style; and they captured the essence of the theme in their friendly, competitive, breakout team- building activities and in the week-ending Jeopardy game.
The DSC committee had about three months to prepare; it was no surprise that a lot of work was put into planning— but it was gladly done. We needed to make sure the activities could be done virtually, as well as being user-friendly, and enjoyable by all ages. Jesus, the Master team builder, had His usual strong connection with the youths. Together with a 14-member counselor team, Virtual Deep South Camp 2020 was executed marvelously with the visibility and audibility of Being an Example. This year’s DSC director praises the Lord for His continued support and salutes every one of the team players.
The camp week ended Friday afternoon, once again on a bittersweet note, with many of the campers not ready to sign off. Some of them were present Sabbath morning at the usual camp start time. During our regular Ft. Lauderdale Sabbath at-home worship service, I answered several calls from campers asking, “Where is everybody?” With sadness and pain, I had to say, “Camp is over, dear—you will have to attend your home church service today.”
Plans are already in progress for Deep South Camp 2021, God willing, and as long as the Lord allows, we are ready to do it all over again to His honor and glory.
