The 'Pathway' to God

By Amanda Williams
I want to sincerely thank each of you for your prayers, encouragement and financial support that made it possible for us to attend Camp Pathway at Camp Canyon this summer. Because of your generosity, three of our children were able to experience an incredible week of growing closer to Jesus.

This year's theme was "Armor Up!" from Ephesians 6:10-14, where we learned about putting on the full armor of God so we can stand firm against the enemy. Throughout the week, each session focused on a different piece of the armor, helping the kids understand how God's truth and strength equip us every day.

Our schedule was packed from morning until night – there was hardly a moment to rest! We enjoyed worship, music, hiking, crafts, recreation, swimming, gaga ball, scavenger hunts, games and prayer. We also had the opportunity to serve others by packing 90 school supply kits for children in Africa.

One of my favorite parts of camp was our twice-daily small groups. Campers were divided by grade level, searched the Scriptures together, read God's Word, prayed, and spent time in TAG Time (Time Alone with God) journaling and reflecting on what He was teaching them. I had the privilege of leading the fourth-grade small group, and I loved seeing their curiosity about God and the thoughtful questions they asked. One lesson they especially remembered was how every piece of God's armor is important and how we need the whole armor to stand strong.

One moment I'll never forget happened was within the first hour of arriving at camp. As worship began, our Willow View kids ran straight to the front to lead worship. No one asked them to – they simply did it. Soon they were inviting new friends to join them, and by the last day, boys and girls from all over camp were together at the front. It was such a beautiful picture.

God continued to work in amazing ways throughout the week. During the second service this past Sunday, Gideon shared that the most important thing he learned at camp was that his greatest battle is in his mind against Satan's lies. Hearing a child recognize the importance of putting on God's armor every day is exactly why camp matters. Praise God for the seeds He is planting!

This was Camp Pathway's second year, and we were blessed to welcome even more campers than last summer. I was honored to take three wonderful campers, and I could not have been more proud of the way they worshiped, served, and grew in their faith throughout the week.

I am also excited to share that I have been invited back next year in a greater leadership role. I am truly humbled by the opportunity and pray that God allows us to take even more children from Willow View to experience Camp Pathway.

Next year's camp will be held the last week of July and is open to students entering 3rd through 6th grades. I hope you'll begin praying now about the children God wants to reach through this ministry.

Thank you again for investing in our children. Your prayers, generosity, and love made an eternal difference. We are so grateful to be part of a church that believes in raising up the next generation to know, love, and follow Jesus.

With gratitude,
Amanda Williams
Director of Children's Ministry