Ridgecrest Camps

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!

As summer is fast approaching, we are putting our final touches on the 2012 Camp Ridgecrest Clothing line. We are excited about a number of new items that we have never had before. Below you will see some pictures of t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, soft shell jackets, other outerwear, athletic shorts, wicked tees, games, hats, sunglasses, blankets and even picture frames. All camper clothing orders are made through the Parent Pack email. Non campers can make their orders on opening and closing days! See you this summer!

Psalm 139:1-6,13-18

Sanctity of Human Life Lesson; God values us, has a plan for us, is with us

Conversation Starters

How can you keep this conversation going at home? Try bouncing some of these questions around at the dinner table, as you’re driving your kids to school or an activity, or even while you’re shopping together:

For Preschoolers

• Have you ever done something that made one of your friends say they didn’t want to be your friend anymore? How did that make you feel?

• Do you know that God loves you no matter what? How does THAT make you feel?

For School-Age

• [If you have a pet] What are all the things we have to do to take care of our pet? Why do we do them?

• What are some ways God takes care of animals in nature? Do you know that people are much more important to God than animals are?

For Students

• Psalm 139:16 says, “All my days were written in Your book and planned before a single one of them began.” What does that tell you about your future? About how God cares for the unborn?

Read Galatians 5:13-15.

After the death of her mother-in-law, a woman was forced to care for her husband’s aged father. He was a feeble old man with palsy that caused him to shake. He couldn’t get food to his mouth without spilling it all over her clean tablecloth and waxed dining room floor. The mess infuriated her. Finally, she relegated her father-in-law to the kitchen where he ate alone. Despite the old man’s discomfort, she was pleased he no longer caused a mess. Her family could eat in peace.

The woman could have treated her father-in-law with kindness and compassion. Instead, she used her freedom to treat him selfishly.

Paul first wrote the Scripture you read today to the Galatians, reminding them that it was possible to misuse the freedom Christ had given them. We have not been set free from sin in order to give into our desires or to live selfishly. Instead, as Paul pointed out, the freedom we’ve been given as believers is the freedom to love others—and out of that love, to serve others.

Consider the freedom you have—freedom in how you use your time, money, and words, as well as freedom from sin. Do you see your freedom as license to do what you want? Or do you see it as an opportunity to serve others in Jesus’ name?

The truth is, you have been set free. Free to serve. Free to love. Free to make your life about more than your own selfish desires. You are free. Use your freedom well!

I know that you are getting more and more excited about Camp Ridgecrest this summer. But I have to warn you… no matter how pumped you get, you have to contain your excitement, and remember… you’re not at camp yet. This video will explain what I mean. We can’t wait to see you in a few months! It’s gonna be an amazing summer. And yes, we still have a few spots open. Bring a friend this year!

Thanks again to Trip and Tyler for this video idea!

Parents, do you have a plan for your kids’ spiritual growth? At LifeWay, we’ve developed the LifeSpan spiritual growth strategy for children, from infants to high school seniors. Regardless of your kids’ ages, you can be confident that LifeWay curricula, events, and other resources provide targeted objectives that encourage spiritual growth with a strong biblical foundation. Bret Robbe explains how you can do all of this while keeping your family worshiping and growing together.

Watch Video

We are all familiar with the image of a street preacher standing on a box screaming about eternal death and damnation for those who do not repent. It may be hard to hear that way, but those words are true.

Read Romans 6:19-23. Focus on verse 23.

What does Paul mean when he says the Romans offered parts of themselves?

What fruit do you think the Romans were ashamed of? (See v. 21.)

Why do you suppose Paul says that fruit led to death?

What does it mean to be enslaved to God?

What fruit or characteristics do you believe come from Christ’s righteousness?

Do you see any of those things in your life? Why or why not?

What are the wages of sin?

What is the gift of God?

Have you received God’s gift?

When I was growing up, I often heard verse 23 used to scare us into obeying God. It was such a heavy verse, pointing out so blatantly that all sin really brings us is death.

But as I have grown, I have learned that this verse actually expresses God’s love. Because God loves me, He has given me eternal life through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ. He has provided salvation, forgiveness, and His Holy Spirit to guide me to make daily choices that honor Him and point to eternal life. When I do make choices that lead to death (every time I sin), His Spirit convicts me so I can seek repentance. God has provided a way for me to choose life each day and for eternity. Listen to the Holy Spirit as you go about your day today. Choose life!

Wouldn’t it be easier if you were good at everything? Have you ever thought about how boring life would be if everyone was good at everything? It’s March, basketball is in the air. What if every human was equally good at basketball. This is not the way that our creator designed it…thank goodness. We are designed to be unique and special – good at some things, and not so good at other things. Use this concept and some of the questions below to talk with your kids this month. We will be praying for you here at Camp!

For Preschoolers
Let’s name all the helpers in our church. Not just teachers, but helpers in the parking lot, people who keep the building clean, and people who print the bulletins. Let’s thank God for all the helpers in our church.

For Children
Did you know that every Christian has at least one spiritual gift? What do you think a spiritual gift is?
Do you know what yours are? (If your child has made a profession of faith)

For Students
Do you think it’s more important for Christians to help other Christians inside the church, or people outside the church? Or are both equally important?
What volunteer positions in our church do you think you would be good at?