Another year of Summer Camp is almost here, and I can’t wait for our camp theme: CHOOSE.

Every day, we are faced with choices—some small, and some life-changing. The decisions we make shape our future and influence who we become. Will we choose God’s way, or will we follow the world?

Some of the most important choices we make involve: Who our FRIENDS are, how we spend our TIME, how we spend our MONEY, what we WATCH or LISTEN to, what we BELIEVE in, and what we PRIORITIZE.

The purpose of this theme is NOT that we live in FEAR of making the wrong choice– The Bible reminds us in Romans 3:23 that, “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God“. We all make mistakes, and God forgives those who ask with a sincere heart. Rather, this theme is meant to encourage students that through Jesus, we have the ability to CHOOSE differently, and to pursue a PURPOSE-FILLED and SPIRIT-LED life!

Additionally, our choices don’t just affect US—they also impact the people around us. The way we TREAT others, the words we SPEAK, and the EXAMPLE we set– can help bring people CLOSER to Jesus, or even push them away. Ultimately, we want students to understand that above all else, the most important CHOICE they could ever make is to CHOOSE Jesus, and to accept him as their personal Savior. The Bible tells us in Joshua 24:15, “Choose this day whom you will serve… But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 

Camp is a time where we break-away from the busyness, craziness, and chaos that life can bring—and focus on what God is at work doing in our life. It’s an opportunity to let Him speak to us, move in us, and shape the person that we are becoming. The world is fighting for your heart, but God is calling you to something GREATER. In the end, it all comes down to this: What will you CHOOSE?

Zac Anderson  (“Big Zac”)

Zac runs Pathways Fellowship, a youth and teen center in his community in Cambridge, OH. Over the years, Zac has partnered with Open Bible Churches of the East Region. Zac shares:

“Being part of this journey is so amazing — showing the kids how much they’re loved and how much God cares about each one of us! I’ve been working with kids and teens in our community for 15 years.

I’m all about creating a place where teens can feel safe, valued, and most importantly — loved. It brings me great joy watching them grow and conquer their challenges. I’ve also been able to make a difference globally, from Trinidad, to Mexico, and to Colombia.

Life is one big adventure, and I believe in spreading the message of God’s unconditional love everywhere I go. I believe the only way to really make a difference in someone’s life is to make sure they know that you love them!”

We are SO EXCITED to have Zac with us at camp this summer! When he isn’t on the stage bringing us POWERFUL and IMPACTFUL biblical messages, you can find him on the basketball courts, schooling some middle-schoolers!

We can’t wait for camp this summer! You WON’T want to miss out!

More of Zac’s accomplishments include:

• Newly appointed Open Bible Missionary to the Puente de Amistad mission base in Tijuana, Mexico! Zac will be moving down there next year.
• Created a program to help fight suicide, build self-esteem, and get kids on the right path. This program is now used in many public schools across Ohio.
• Runs a Pizzeria and a Barber shop.
• Has spoken at regional events for Open Bible Churches, including the Central Region NEXT Generation retreat in February of 2025.

What to bring:
Here is a list of items a camper will need to bring or may wish to bring to camp this summer: Bedding, (pillow and blankets or sleeping bag), toiletries, towels, Bible, pen, swimsuit (one-piece), clothes that can get dirty or wet at game time, and spending money.

Snack Shack:
Hidden Acres will operate a Snack Shack featuring bottled water, juice, soda, chips, candy, and other snacks. Most students bring $15-$25 to spend at the Snack Shack.

What not to bring:
Phones, laptops, tablets, kindle readers, tobacco, vapes, alcohol, narcotics, pornography, weapons of any kind, fireworks, or other combustible materials. Possession any of these items after the given “grace period”  may result in immediate dismissal from camp. The Camp Director, Skyler Sanford, will make the final decision on this. No refunds.

CAMP RULES/GUIDELINES:

Mobile phone policy
Phones and other electronic devices will not be allowed to be used at camp. If they come with the camper, the device will be taken from them, placed in a protected area, and returned prior to departure from camp. The primary reason for this is attention. Our hope and goal is to encourage our students to take their focus off the electronic world and pay attention to God and the friends around them. If a parent is concerned about connectivity with their student, please speak with your youth director or pastor.

Dress code
Everyone must wear shoes when walking on the grounds. Certain exceptions may apply for walking to/from the Lake.

Guys – Shirts must be worn at all times, except in the pool, at the lake, or if you are a ‘skin’ for basketball. Your shorts need to stay up around your waist. For swimming, guys must wear swim trunks that stay up, no speedos.

Ladies – Your shirt and pants should touch. Your shorts or skirts should be at least mid-thigh. For swimming, ladies must wear modest one-piece suits. If you have a two-piece, a dark-colored t-shirt must be worn over it.

Staying in dorms at night
Most of the girls’ dorms will have bathrooms and showers inside the same facility with them. Boys will need to leave their cabin and walk a short distance to the bathhouse. At night, girls may not leave their dorm buildings under any circumstances (except to use the bathroom, if outside the dorm). Boys may leave their cabins for the purpose of going to the bathroom but not leave the cabin/bathhouse area. Any student found, for any reason, outside of these confines will immediately forfeit the remainder of his or her camp experience. No warnings. No refunds.

Social skills
Fighting, intimidating, or verbally abusing any camper or staff, is not permitted and may result in the camper losing their privilege of finishing camp. Public displays of affection are not allowed during camp. The Camp Director, Skyler Sanford, will make the final decision on disciplinary action that involves a student being sent home from camp.

Use the brain God gave you
When you make decisions during camp week, use common sense and treat other people the way you would want to be treated. Also, show respect for the campground, and the Central Region Team that is helping to run the camp that week.