It is with a great sense of gratitude to God that we offer this report on the EMW outdoor camp held 24-31 August 2002. It has been my privilege to be involved with this camp since its inception nine years ago at Tywyn.
Since then we have had two moves, first to Talybont and later to the present site at Dyffryn Ardudwy between Barmouth and Harlech. The site is owned by the Midlands Boys Brigade and has a good kitchen and dining area, a hall for services, a toilet and shower block and a field for our tents. This year we were at bursting point – a testimony to the growing appeal of the camp.
Campers came from various backgrounds and different parts of England and Wales, including a good representation from South Wales and a sizeable contingent from the Wrexham area.
We had campers from as far afield as Darlington and Plymouth, while one lived near enough to cycle!
We were blessed with an excellent set of officers who worked tirelessly throughout the week organising games, quizzes, various outdoor activities and, most important, leading the tent Bible studies.
These dealt with the daunting subject of ‘the soul’s journey to heaven’, commencing with conversion, what happens when we die, and finally the resurrection, judgement and heaven – needful themes for young and old!
The proximity of the sea provided opportunity for afternoon beach games. The weather was glorious. One day we travelled to a forest near Trawsfynydd where numerous problem-solving activities were set for the children – an opportunity to use brain as well as brawn.
Gulley-bashing, which involved a wet and chilly climb up a fast-flowing river and the customary concluding plunge in to the deepest part, still claims the number one spot with many campers – not an activity for the faint-hearted!
The preaching services centred on the way the Lord Jesus Christ dealt with individuals. We began with blind Bartimaeus, before looking at the demoniac, Mary the sister of Martha, the leper, and lastly the thief on the cross.
There was a sense of the presence of God as grace was given to proclaim the gospel simply and authoritatively to the campers. We believe some lives were changed and many were challenged.
Let us pray that these influences will have eternal, life-giving consequences.
