In a picturesque place in July, in the forest next to the Volga, children spent time in communication, games, and Bible studies, all of which helped them to learn important principles. They learned to make decisions, how to make the right choices, and reflected on the places that faith in God, friendship, and cooperation occupy in their lives.
The main game of the event was a large storyline-strategic game developed by a group of sports instructors.
“This year we implemented a project where we wanted to immerse the children in the atmosphere of adventure as much as possible,” says Daniil Egorov, group leader. “Characters from the camp legend were not only on stage but also played along with everyone. We got really into the story, which looked at a different ruler every day. We moved to the distant empire of Halo, in which everyone was faced with different situations and difficult choices.”
All participants were divided into different cities with their own ideology. In the empire, everyone could do what they wanted: conduct diplomacy with other cities, earn resources, look for treasures, or build their own businesses.
“With this method,” Egorov adds, “I wanted to further emphasize the camp’s theme, as well as Bible lessons, so that they could not only consider important topics but also apply them in practice."
Every day participants could watch theatrical performances with examples from the lives of great people. The production of the events focused on the 1986 tragedy at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, which participants thought was especially interesting and touching. The heroes of the production had to decide whether to sacrifice their lives and health to save others. The youth watching the actors were worried and empathized with them.
During the outdoor service, the young people participated in “circles” focused on sports, theatre, creative design, and a children's choir. Every day the children went through Bible classes with mentors and listened to sermons delivered by Pastor Mikhail Varenov. Mikhail also conducted “Pastor's Hour” for teenagers, during which he responded to personal questions from the youth about life and relationships.
The event was attended by children from different cities of the Volga-Vyatka region, as well as from Pushchino, Kolomna, Kostroma. Thirty percent of the participants were attending such a service for the first time.
There were a lot of good reviews in the parent chat of the event.
“My son now takes the Bible at home and reads it! Previously it was impossible to force him, but now there are so many questions about Egypt, Israel, Moses,” one of the mothers writes.
“My child is happy; he really wants to go back next year.”
“Thanks to all the organizers, mentors, and assistants. My child liked everything, and had a lot of emotions and impressions.”
"On the way home my daughter did not stop talking at all. She was excited to share her impressions."
Not only children but also mentors had positive experiences. Anna Kholkina, one of the mentors, says: "You have no idea how this week changed my thinking and returned me to a better life!"
This article was originally published on the Euro-Asia Division’s news site.