Each year it is great to see girls striving to know their Savior more and more. Belle is one way in which we challenge the girls a little more in their walk with Christ. The girls tapped out during 1A 2011 were: Harper Dewine, Ruthie Wofford, Anniston Liscomb, Katie Dillard, Amy Davis, Molly Smith, Ragan Jones, Kate Causey, Sydney Pashley, Haylee Shirley, and Hannah Miller. Kate, Sydney, Haylee, and Hannah all achieved the rank of Belle this session.
Talking with your kids isn’t always the easiest thing. Especially the older they get. That’s one reason we at Ridgecrest Summer Camps love these Conversation Starters. This month, as you do your best to hang out and talk with your kids, talk to them about talking about Jesus. But before you do, think about why it might be hard for them, in their situation, to talk about Him.
For Preschoolers
Who do you know that tells people about Jesus? Who tells you about Jesus?
Who can you tell about Jesus?
For Children
Do your friends at school ever talk about God? What do they say about Him?
Do you ever talk to your friends about what you believe? Why or why not?
For Students
Talk to your teenager about their friends. Ask, “Who would be on your list of people you would like to meet Jesus?”
Do you think people learn better if they are told something or if they are shown something? How do you apply this to “telling” people about Jesus?
What does an apple tree produce? Apples. That’s why we call it an apple tree. Will an apple tree ever suddenly begin to grow coconuts? Of course not. That’s just not its nature.
People are born with a sin nature. However, unlike the apple tree, people can actually change their nature. When we experience the transforming love of Christ, repent of our sinfulness, and trust Jesus for salvation, we’re actually given a new nature. And, because of that, we produce a different kind of fruit.
Read Galatians 5:22-26. Pay special attention to verses 22-23.
Based on these verses, how do you recognize a person whose life is controlled by the Holy Spirit?
Does this passage mean that you should try as hard as you can to be loving, joyful, peaceful, and so forth? Why or why not?
What is the difference between trying hard to produce the fruit and living by the Holy Spirit so that He produces the fruit in you? Explain.
When you take an honest look at your life, what kind of fruit do you see? What would your parents say? Your best friends? Your cabin mates?
When does your life tend to produce the most Holy Spirit fruit?
When does your life tend to lack the fruit of the Spirit?
Some people are angry all the time. Other people are never happy. People can be impatient, unkind, faithless, and self-indulgent. None of that is what the Holy Spirit produces in our lives. When your life is controlled by the Holy Spirit, you will see His fruit ebbing out of you. It may start with a little joy. Soon you will find yourself growing in patience, goodness, and genuine love. The key is to live by the Spirit. The question is, are you?
I love jokes. Here’s one for you. What did the two seas say to each other? (Pause). Nothing – they just waved! The campers and staff from 2A have their on jokes to share….One more – this might be my favorite. What do you call the cheese that isn’t yours? You have to watch the video to find out! (Even if you already know the joke, it’s still funny!)
What does an apple tree produce? Apples. That’s why we call it an apple tree. Will an apple tree ever suddenly begin to grow coconuts? Of course not. That’s just not its nature.
People are born with a sin nature. However, unlike the apple tree, people can actually change their nature. When we experience the transforming love of Christ, repent of our sinfulness, and trust Jesus for salvation, we’re actually given a new nature. And, because of that, we produce a different kind of fruit.
Read Galatians 5:22-26. Pay special attention to verses 22-23.
Based on these verses, how do you recognize a person whose life is controlled by the Holy Spirit?
Does this passage mean that you should try as hard as you can to be loving, joyful, peaceful, and so forth? Why or why not?
What is the difference between trying hard to produce the fruit and living by the Holy Spirit so that He produces the fruit in you? Explain.
When you take an honest look at your life, what kind of fruit do you see? What would your parents say? Your best friends? Your cabin mates?
When does your life tend to produce the most Holy Spirit fruit?
When does your life tend to lack the fruit of the Spirit?
Some people are angry all the time. Other people are never happy. People can be impatient, unkind, faithless, and self-indulgent. None of that is what the Holy Spirit produces in our lives. When your life is controlled by the Holy Spirit, you will see His fruit ebbing out of you. It may start with a little joy. Soon you will find yourself growing in patience, goodness, and genuine love. The key is to live by the Spirit. The question is, are you?
Below is a scanned version of the original fundraising letter written by Ridgecrest Manager Robert Guy. Some fascinating things are mentioned, some of which I have commented on below. Enjoy, and feel free to leave your own comments!
Kita-Suma was named by a Japanese Ambassador, it means North View, and was an exclamation of awe and wonder at seeing the thirty peaks of 6000 feet high looking north from Kita-Suma.
The Honolulu Cottage was the first house built after Ridgecrest was founded. The new Camp Ridgecrest Infirmary now sits where this was built.
Echo Rock is near the top of Kita-Suma. Three distinct echo calls will respond to your voice. This is still true! Try it this summer! Echo Rock we believe is the first overlook, about three quarters of the way to the top.
Yates Ave was named for a pioneer Baptist leader.
On the Crest of the Blue Ridge, hence, We name “Ridgecrest.”
Camp Ridgecrest For Boys is a part of the program and work of the assembly. It is located near Big Lake (yes, our lake is big). It has fifteen buildings (any guess how many building we have now?) The Camp Gymnasium (Spilman Lodge) is the largest log building in NC if not in the South. (I have been told it is still the largest upright log structure east of the Mississippi.)
There is no debt on the property. (Wow.)
Did you see what a typical breakfast consisted of? Amazing!
They had some large needs didn’t they? Now one of our largest need is Scholarship Money. It’s amazing to see what the Lord has done over the years. Would you consider continuing to give to Him work being done at Camp Ridgecrest!
Through the years, we have seen some big changes at our camps! At Crestridge, the first year, the campers and staff had to eat in the Dining Hall at our conference center. Back in the ‘50’s, they required that the girls wear dresses in the dining hall. So, before every meal, the campers and staff would have to change from their “camp clothes” to dresses, walk to the conference center for their meals, walk back, and then change back into their camp clothes for activities. I think they probably spent most all of their time doing that! Glad that the dining hall was built for the second summer!
I bet many of you didn’t know that at Camp Ridgecrest, there used to be a swimming pool down in Apache Circle. It was there in the 30’s… made from concrete block, and fed by a stream… I’m sure the water was nice and warm!
Probably one of the biggest changes that I have seen in my 35+ years at camp is the need for a summer camp experience for our young folks. Back when I first started here, in the mid 70’s, most kids still got out and played in the neighborhood, many rode their bikes to school, and “Pong” (one of the first TV video games) didn’t keep too many kids inside.
Now, with many more safety concerns, video games, iPhones, and a plethora of movie and television channel choices, it seems that young people rarely get outside. And with Facebook and chat, there is much less face-to-face social interaction. Camp can give your child the outdoor experience that they need, as well as face-to-face time with their peers. For camps like ours that don’t allow electronics or cellphones, parents are relieved, and campers find that they can live for two or more weeks without checking Facebook every five minutes or so.
So as your write that check this year for camp tuition, and wonder if you could be spending your money in a better way, just remember that you are providing your children with experiences that they can’t get anywhere else… time in the outdoors, away from “civilization” and all that entails, and the chance to spend time with friends from all over the country in a Christian community with incredible college age students as their role models. What better way could you spend your money… or they spend their time? We look forward to them being with us this summer!
Ron Springs
Director, Ridgecrest Summer Camps
Are you a fan of “The Amazing Race”? If so, you know that teams can get so lost racing around the world. A team may be driving furiously to reach the next stop only to discover that they’ve been driving in the wrong direction. The teams who win are the ones that can locate a guide—someone who knows the area and is willing to show them how to get around.
Life is like that, sometimes. You can drive as fast as you like, but if you have no guide to lead you in the right direction, you end up driving the wrong way!
Read Galatians 5:16-21. Focus on verse 16.
What does it mean to “walk by the Spirit”?
The passage contrasts walking by the Spirit and doing the works of the flesh. Which is easier for you? Explain.
Think about the list of fleshly works in verses 19-21. Which of those pull you down the most? Why?
If you’re a Christian and have the Holy Spirit living within you, why do you still struggle with works of the flesh? Explain.
What are some practical things you can do to walk by the Spirit day by day?
It is so easy to go full speed . . . and completely miss what God has called you to do. Thankfully, God has given us a guide—His Holy Spirit. You may struggle with anger. Jealousy may characterize your relationships. You may struggle with sexual sin, drunkenness, pride, or some other sinful desire. As today’s Scripture passage points out, all of that is of the flesh, part of our sin nature. But, God has given you a promise, which is also clearly outlined in today’s verses: you can overcome the flesh when you walk by His Spirit. You have been set free from sin. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in that freedom!
Do you like bananas? How about marshmallows? I don’t think I need to ask about chocolate…Put these three together and it makes for a great combination! This is one of the favorite campfire desserts – well liked by campers and staff alike! 2B Cherokee 23 was kind enough to walk us through this tutorial. Does this make you want one? Maybe you should try one at home!
Are you a fan of “The Amazing Race”? If so, you know that teams can get so lost racing around the world. A team may be driving furiously to reach the next stop only to discover that they’ve been driving in the wrong direction. The teams who win are the ones that can locate a guide—someone who knows the area and is willing to show them how to get around.
Life is like that, sometimes. You can drive as fast as you like, but if you have no guide to lead you in the right direction, you end up driving the wrong way!
Read Galatians 5:16-21. Focus on verse 16.
What does it mean to “walk by the Spirit”?
The passage contrasts walking by the Spirit and doing the works of the flesh. Which is easier for you? Explain.
Think about the list of fleshly works in verses 19-21. Which of those pull you down the most? Why?
If you’re a Christian and have the Holy Spirit living within you, why do you still struggle with works of the flesh? Explain.
What are some practical things you can do to walk by the Spirit day by day?
It is so easy to go full speed . . . and completely miss what God has called you to do. Thankfully, God has given us a guide—His Holy Spirit. You may struggle with anger. Jealousy may characterize your relationships. You may struggle with sexual sin, drunkenness, pride, or some other sinful desire. As today’s Scripture passage points out, all of that is of the flesh, part of our sin nature. But, God has given you a promise, which is also clearly outlined in today’s verses: you can overcome the flesh when you walk by His Spirit. You have been set free from sin. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in that freedom!
