MONTHLY ARCHIVES: March 2012

Retro Friday: “Historical Ridgecrest” letter from Robert Guy

Posted by phil

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!


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Racing In The Wrong Direction

Posted by anthologycreative

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!


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2012 Summer Clothing Preview

Posted by phil

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!

    

 


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Free For What

Posted by anthologycreative

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!


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Things You Can’t Do When You Are Not At Camp

Posted by phil

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!


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Choose Life

Posted by anthologycreative

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!


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What’s Your Motivation

Posted by anthologycreative

Have you ever thought something like this: “I can tell this little white lie now. I will ask Jesus to forgive me later”? If you have, did you notice it was easier to lie the next time? Did you start to notice a pattern? Whenever you were in a pinch, you probably found it easier and easier to shoot off another lie.

Read Romans 6:15-18. Look at verse 17.

Do you see Christ just as the Person to ask for forgiveness for a sin you continually choose to repeat? Why or why not?

What do these verses teach you about that kind of attitude?

Why is forgiveness a gift you shouldn’t take for granted?

How does your life show God’s grace is precious? Explain.

Today’s reading says the Romans “obeyed from the heart.” Does that mean that the Romans were afraid of Christ or that they loved Him? Explain.

What’s the reason for your obedience to God? Explain.

The word “pattern” in verse 17 refers to the teaching the Romans received. A pattern is predictable and recurring. If you live by the pattern taught in Scripture, your life will be predictable and consistent. You know you love Christ, and you know how He is calling you to live—and you obey from the heart. That means that the reason you’re obedient to God isn’t because you think you have to, that being “good” will earn you His favor, or that the way to live the Christian life is to follow a bunch of rules. It means that you obey Christ’s commands out of love, recognizing who He is and what He has done for you. When you understand the cost Christ paid to set you free from sin and the depth of His love for you, you simply can’t pursue a life characterized by sin.


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Best Blobs from 2011

Posted by phil

As the weather begins to warm up, my mind starts drifting to one thing…. THE BLOB! As I prepare myself for another amazing Blob Season here at Camp Ridgecrest, I have to reflect back on some of the best Blobs caught on video from last summer. Enjoy this as you begin dreaming of Summer 2012!


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Leap Day 2012

Posted by Karah

Do know what Leap Day is?  Do you know why it was created? These questions will be answered if you watch this video!  You’ll also see how we celebrate Leap Day here at Ridgecrest Summer Camps!  We hope you enjoyed Leap Day!


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