So Much Joy! Shepherd of the Valley Sports Camp

A Perfect Fit

This was the second year Shepherd of the Valley Church in Afton, Minnesota, partnered with FCA to hold this mini-sports camp. When they were first approached about the possibility of joining together, Keri Aldridge who serves as the Director of Children’s Ministry, thought it was a perfect fit. The church was already offering a Vacation Bible School for younger kids, and many of the middle and high school students served as volunteers for VBS. But there was nothing for third-sixth graders during that week so they agreed to add FCA sports camp to fill in the gap. It was a great success last year and again this year.

Campers spent most of each morning being active. This year’s 54 campers were split into six huddles, assigned a couple middle, high school, or college huddle leaders, and spent the week together moving through stations that included active games, snack/teaching time, small groups, and a service project.

The campers played active games like Whiffle Ball, Knockout, Ultimate Football, Frisbee Golf, Gaga Ball, Dodgeball Tag, and fun variations of soccer, football, and baseball. Even with temps near 90 some days, competition levels were high, and the energy was contagious. 

Active Games

A favorite game for the campers (and the competitive huddle leaders as well) was Knockout, otherwise known as Lightning. Huddle members lined up near the free throw line, and the first two campers each had a basketball. Once the first camper threw the ball toward the basket, the other player would shoot the ball to try to make a basket first. The two would keep throwing until one made a basket, either getting the player in front out or just keeping themselves in the game. The ball was then passed to the next player and the game continued quickly. By the time there were only two players left, the entire huddle was on the side cheering on the last two. Once, the reigning champ, Logan, was up against the huddle leader, Emily. It was intense. Basket after basket was made, keeping both of them in the game. They were both out of breath and desperately trying to win. Huddle members were cheering from the sideline. Finally, Emily made the winning basket and everyone cheered. This fun game built camaraderie and sportsmanship among the huddle.

Gaga Ball was another favorite. Campers stood inside a large octagon structure and used a kickball to try to get their opponents out. They could not pick up the ball but had to hit the ball in such a way that it hit the legs of another player who then jumped out of the pit and began to cheer on other huddle members. Play had to stop momentarily while one kid asked, “Wait, if they get hit in the face, is the other guy automatically out?” Another camper answered, “Only if it leaves a mark.” It was all in jest and so much fun for the campers. 

Service Project

For the service project, campers wrote encouraging notes to area coaches. One camper wrote, “We appreciate all you do for the school. The upcoming year will be hard, but we can do it. I hope you and your family stays safe. Gabbi.” Another camper wrote, “Thanks, Coach, for teaching kids the skills they need for what they need to do every day. From, Gabe.” Then he followed with, “P.S. Sorry about my bad handwriting.” 😊 

Teaching Time – Love the Lord your God

FCA’s camp theme this year was “100%,” based on Mark 12:30, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” During the teaching time while campers refueled with some healthy snacks, Camp Director and FCA staff member shared with the campers what it meant to live surrendered lives to Jesus. After the campers finished their snacks, they met with their huddles in small group to discuss what they had learned. This was a time to go deeper and give campers a chance to really think about their relationships with God.

Bible Distribution

At the end of camp on Thursday, campers gathered together in their huddles and were presented with their own FCA Bibles. While about three-fifths of the kids who attended Sports Camp are affiliated to Shepherd of the Valley and therefore have some knowledge of God, two-fifths do not call Shepherd their home church. Many of these kids did not have their own Bible at home but now had in their hands the very words of God. As an added bonus, each huddle leader had signed the inside cover with a personal message for the campers. Each Bible had several messages inside like this one: “I’ve had such a great week at sports camp with you, Molly! God loves you so much, and I know that he has incredible plans for your life! Keep being awesome. Grace.”

These mini sports camps offer amazing opportunities for kids to have fun and hear the truth about who Jesus is and how much God loves them. The camps would not happen without the generosity of so many people: those who support FCA financially and through prayer, huddle leaders, interns, churches like Shepherd of the Valley, parents who bring their kids, and of course the courageous kids who come to sports camp to have a blast and grow closer to Jesus. We look forward to next summer when we can hold more camps. Until then, we will relish the memories of what God did in the lives of young people this summer.