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Camping is an integral part of summer for many American Baptist youth across the country and in our Region. Front Range Camping is one part of a great ABCRM camping program that includes Grand Mesa Camp and Camp Wyoba.
The theme for 2011 was “StayStrong.” We are all aware of the challenges that face our youth. Everywhere they turn, they are tempted to surrender to the pull of the world. We wanted to encourage them to “stay strong” in their faith and lives. This was a challenge to both the campers and the staff. Like all of ABCRM camps, FRC campers studied God’s word, sung until their voices were whispers, enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation, and developed lifelong friendships. Many campers reported a first time commitment to follow Jesus; others renewed their relationship with Christ.
Each summer, FRC does “camp in a box.” We load up our supplies in the trailer and drive to Quaker Ridge Camp near Woodland Park, CO. We are blessed by the great staff and facilities at Quaker Ridge. The campers get to ride horses, go to the shooting range, climb the Giant’s Ladder, experience the challenge of the high and low ropes courses, zip down the zip line, and many more activities.
Front Range Camping provides three “camps:” Elementary, Middle School, and High School all the same week. This year we had 131 campers!
We also had our largest staff ever. We had over fifty volunteers. Maida Lindblad and Jackie Clark served as our Elementary camp coordinators, and Pastor Charlie Clark (Aurora Hills) served as the Elementary Camp Pastor. Zak Clark, youth pastor at Aurora Hills served as the High School camp pastor and led the high school praise team. Rev. Bill Wolfe (Highland Park, Colorado Springs) returned as the Middle School pastor. Pam Mollenkamp (Highland Park) and Andy Lundblad (Greeley) served as Middle School coordinators. Casey Blanchette (Highland Park) served as High School Coordinator. Rev. Bill Johnson (Ecumenical, Pueblo West), Dulce Garcia (FBC, Colorado Springs), and Rev. Bill Prather (ABC Fort Collins) also were loaned to Front Range Camping by their churches. Bill and Sylvia Hale returned as “Camp Directors.” We also added the Camp Team from Ottawa University. This group of four college students spends the summer traveling from camp to camp serving youth and Christ. Several of our former campers are now serving on staff. Way to go staff, you are the best.
The Front Range Camping program will return to Quaker Ridge in 2012, July 15-21.
Michael W. Oldham
Camp Director, Front Range Camping
2010 Front Range Camping Report
2009 Front Range Camping Report
2008 Front Range Camping Report
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