By Kevin Glassford
I don't typically wake up early, but on the first morning of Sports Camp, my eyes opened to a window showing no sign of a sun yet. However, no groan of exhaustion overtook me. Each morning, I woke up with a joy-filled heart, excited for a day filled with the laughter of elated children, the coming together of cheerful volunteers, the greetings of old friends uniting from each of our campuses, silly games and fun competitions, all intermitted by times of rest where our focus was drawn to dwell with and learn about our Father above.
Before the kids arrived, the volunteers and staff met over breakfast to review everything for the day. This meeting prepared us for the day's logistics and, most importantly, prepared our hearts to focus on what this time was truly about — representing the gospel to the over five hundred children who would soon be at camp.
As the kids arrived, they'd sit with their team and get to know their leaders. Suddenly, a countdown began, tension increased, and the kids grew restless for what they knew was drawing near. Ten! Nine! Eight! Seven! Six! Five! Four! Three! Two! One! The music kicked in, and the room erupted with the cheering and screaming of hundreds of children (a noise that even rivaled the booming music and flashing lights!) The other refs and I began to blow our whistles, running about the worship center, throwing out prizes, jumping, and clapping. As the music fades, Kyle and Christine walk cooly onto the stage. "What's up, Sports Camp?!" they shouted to the responding sea of kids.
This is how each morning began, followed by a day jam-packed with games, skits, and sports. However, what actuallymade Sports Camp so special is what happened between these events. Each day at halftime, there was intentional time to dive into God's Word. The entire camp returned inside to cool down and listen to a teaching. Kyle led this time and taught that God is the ultimate play-caller and that His plans never fail. It was a sweet time where, after every teaching, the kids and their team leaders broke into what we call 'huddle groups.' During this time, the leaders would pray, answer questions, and have more intimate conversations about the scriptures being taught. No doubt, there was some difficulty reigning in restless kids eager to return to playtime. Still, I saw the groups engaged in meaningful conversations and building beautiful relationships that the kids will remember forever — ones that hopefully planted seeds of faith within them.
So many kids who came through our doors were from homes that didn't know God; many had never even set foot in a church building. Sports Camp is a gracious gift from God that allows us to give these children and their families an opportunity to hear, see, and respond to the good news of Jesus Christ!
57% of this year's kids were from outside Summit, and 28% were not part of a Gospel-centered church.
As a rally ref, I had the opportunity to witness all of this from a unique perspective. I saw the hard work and endless hours of the staff and volunteers behind the scenes. I got to be a part of leading the kids throughout the camp and feel the incredible joy in the air, but most especially, I cherished seeing love blossom among the staff, volunteers, children, and even the parents dropping off and picking up. It is one of my favorite times of the year because of how I see our church come together as one family on mission.
This year's theme was "Playbook," based on Psalm 33:11: "But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations." Not only did the kids learn this, but we, as volunteers (including this rally ref), were reminded of this sweet truth — God's plan has been carried out for our good. Praise God for his wonderful Playbook!
Until next year,
