Welcoming Participants and Morning Rally
In a place known for green hills and an abundance of sheep, there’s an enchanted land known as Emerald Crossing (AKA Highland Baptist Church), where enthusiastic participants of AbleTo Serve (ATS) spent a week of Bible Camp. Centering around Psalm 23, the theme focused on the analogy of Jesus as the shepherd and we the sheep. Throughout the week, it was emphasized how much God loves and guides us on the path of righteousness.
Beginning June 15, staff and volunteers lined the passageway leading to the sanctuary. Joyous praise music resounded as each person was greeted with cheers, welcome signs, and waving pool noodles. Happy faces, high fives, and hugs were in abundance as participants made their way inside. Every morning, we began with the opening rally to set a positive and upbeat tone for the rest of the day. Participants led worship songs and skits were performed by some of the ATS Staff. To end the rally each day, a devotion was led by pastors from surrounding churches.
Activities and Adventures:
The two tracks filling the morning were Bible Study and recreation. Bible Study gave participants the opportunity to reflect and hear about how much Jesus loves us. They discussed how our Good Shepherd gives us the power to overcome tough circumstances in life. In one of the Bible study groups, the visual presentation depicted the cycle of how Jesus brought us salvation. When the picture of the cross was uncovered, participant Grace declared: “Yay, there’s the cross!”.
Recreation was a fun time to let some energy out and work on team building skills, while lunch allowed participants to spend time with old and new friends. Afternoon activities included trying new snacks, creating fun crafts, and dancing to some of our favorite songs.
During Irish Chats/Music, our program instructor, Caitlyn, told us about her visit to Ireland and even played songs on the penny whistle. “She did beautiful!” Participant Lil D responded, noting that learning about the penny whistle was a favorite part of Bible Camp this week.
Wednesday Carnival
Traditionally, the last hour on Wednesday becomes a carnival. With plenty of shady seating areas, there were several booths of activities including temporary tattoos and basketball hoops. A well-visited area served refreshing snow cones. But the most popular attraction was the dunk tank. Our Program Instructors, Caitlin and Chris, plus our Executive Director, Carlton McDaniel Jr, were doused in water at the press of a target shaped pedal. The crowd went wild with cheers and applause while trying to aim for the target to dunk them. Everyone had fun fellowshipping together and playing lots of fun games!
Operation Christmas Child Missions Project
Before Bible Camp, as well as during the week of, items were brought in to stuff into special boxes for Operation Christmas Child. On the last day of Bible Camp, participants packed boxes with items such as writing utensils, hygiene items, and toys for children around the world. As each group completed their packing, the boxes were prayed over by participants. The participants will later write personalized notes to go in each box. Over 69 boxes were packed, and our goal is to continue packing in the following weeks to get to 100 boxes.
Closing Rally
Bible Camp concluded by announcing the winning name for the large jar of Skittles. Participants had to guess how many Skittles were packed into a large jar. ”That’s me!” Dylan exclaimed when his name was called. Leaping out of the pew, he accepted the candy. Embracing the jar of sweet treats, Dylan hastened back to his seat, a look of happiness still lingering on his face.
Bible Camp 2026 is over, but the songs, Bible lessons, the fun, the food, the personal decisions, and Psalm 23 will linger in our hearts and minds for some time to come. And because of Emerald Crossing, we will remember that the Lord is our Shepherd!
What Did We Learn?
Bible Camp was so encouraging to us this year. We asked some of our participants what they learned about Jesus from Bible Camp and how God is working on their heart. One participant, Brittany, said she learned more about Goliath. Lizzy learned about how we can seek God in tough circumstances and when we are lost. Lil D said he really enjoyed hearing about how God is our Shepherd and we are His sheep. We are so grateful for how God worked in the individual lives of our participants during 2026 Bible Camp!
Special Thanks
Devotions / Mission Project:
Highland Baptist Church – Our Amazing Host
Pastor Larry – Highland Baptist
Candace McCall- Highland Baptist
Pastor Alan – Just Jesus Community Church
Pastor Tyler- Apex Baptist Church
Pastor Carlos- Miracle Temple
Robin Pate, Christian, and the team from Operation Christmas Child
Lunch Providers:
Amplify Church
First Presbyterian Church
Mount Moriah Baptist Church
Ebenezer Methodist Church
Lord of Life Lutheran Church (Snack)
