Senior Camp Live

The Irish RP Senior Camp for young people 16+ ran on an online format the 5th-10th July. 82 young people attended all or parts of it including Calvin Quigley from Airdrie RPC; Eilidh Campbell, Grant MacLennan, Heather MacLeod, and Sarah Turnbull from Glasgow RPC; and Rachel Nelson from North Edinburgh RPC was a Camp leader.

Rev. Philip McCollum gave a talk on Monday night on Staying Connected as Christians. On Wednesday night the boys heard a talk from Rev. Andrew Lytle, and the girls listened to a talk by Nancy Guthrie on ‘Loneliness’. On Friday night Rev. David Whitla and Rev. Mark Loughridge did a Q&A Session with the young people. In addition to this there were activities like skill games, crafts, a murder mystery, and a camp concert.

Here are some of the highlights of Camp from some of those who went from the RPCS.

Eilidh – “Singing together is always a highlight at camp for me. Since circumstances with COVID-19 made singing Psalms together in Armagh Royal a distant memory we were asked to record ourselves singing Psalm 16, which was the theme Psalm for the week. The recordings were put together to make one, and it was a lovely reminder that though we were not together in person we can still come together in fellowship and worship with the beautiful words of comfort the Lord has given us in the Psalms.

Another really cool part of camp this year was that we were able to connect with fellow Christians from around the world… I really enjoyed the talk we were able to have with Nancy Guthrie. In it she covered the topic of loneliness which I know has affected many people during this time of lockdown, and so it was a very applicable reminder to us that as Christians we are never alone, Christ is forever our refuge and friend (Philippians 4:13).

Gathering round a screen really isn’t the same as being together in person but the leaders put in such an effort to make Senior Camp 2020 a success and did an amazing job at pulling it off, a big well done and thank you to them all!!”

Grant – “I enjoyed the Q&A session especially because the speakers gave useful information to young Christians. I also really enjoyed the quiz because you got separated into smaller groups and got to know people better. I enjoyed getting to know the people more, especially after the events were finished and we could stay online to talk to each other.”

Heather – “I really enjoyed Nancy’s Q&A session! She has a real passion for theology and seeks to promote this in others too! It’s great that she promotes a passion for theology since this is sometimes neglected in women’s teaching. She answered each question directly and explained to all present that we are not in control of other’s spirituality but should urge ourselves on to be more focused on God and studying His Word.”

Calvin – Unfortunately I didn’t make it to as much of Camp Live as I would have liked to, I know the talks and activities would have been great… but work got in between us. I did however make it along to the camp concert, a highlight for many of us each year, and with such a selection on show that evening it certainly did not disappoint. However brief my appearance was at camp this year it was great to see familiar faces and have the chance for a quick catch up with friends. I look forward to booking the week off next year so I don’t miss out again!

Sarah – “The biggest highlight in the Senior Camp 2020 week for me was the live talk by Nancy Guthrie with the girls. Nancy is a knowledgeable and genuine woman and also the author of many books. The focus in her talk was on experiencing God in our loneliness. What stood out to me was how Nancy spoke of God’s love for His people in dwelling with us. God dwelt in the midst of the camp of the Israelites and guided them in the wilderness. God dwelt among His people when He came down in the flesh, and finally God sent the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. Leviticus 26:12: “And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be my people.”

Rachel – “I was skeptical at first as to whether or not anybody would tune in to Senior Camp Live this summer – after all, it’s not the same as seeing everyone in person and the big attractions of messy games, midnight walks, and of course the Friday night party weren’t going to be possible! However, although it was indeed different than usual, camp this year was enormously blessed by God and leaders and committee were so encouraged by the response.

For me, the highlights were:
-Seeing how many young people tuned in each night and engaged with activities and with each other. Camp isn’t camp without the campers and seeing so many sign up and enthusiastically join in was really encouraging. -Discussion time with speakers: although I sadly wasn’t able to hear all the speakers, it was so encouraging and challenging to benefit from discussion after the talks, and I’m so thankful for the effort these guest speakers put in to taking the time to engage with the campers
-The senior camp concert is always a highlight, and although we had to do things slightly more creatively it still went down a treat and the performers all outdid themselves, it was a lot of fun to watch!

Praising God for a week of blessing and for the promises of Psalm 16 which were applied to us and also sung together all week. “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭16:11″