Daily Challenge: Hollywood Ron!

OK friends! Maybe you’ve been following along with the daily challenges on social media, or maybe you’re new to this (watch previous challenges here: Quarantine Challenge Compilation). Either way, it’s time to join the action! Today’s challenge is unlike all the others before. Here’s what we want you to do. Take the photo below (of Ron’s magnificent face) and photoshop it onto a movie poster or scene from your favorite movie! Then take your edited photo and post it on social media. Be sure to tag us so we can share it with the rest of the Camp Family! Bonus points if you can change the title of the movie to make it Ron-themed.

Scroll down to the bottom to see some examples! If you’re not tech-savvy and don’t know anything about photoshop, simply save the face below to your computer and then use a free online photo editor, like canva.com or picmonkey.com and get to work!

Posted in Boys, Uncategorized | Tagged contest, Daily Challenge, Face, Hollywood, Movie, Photoshop, quarantine challenge, Ron | Leave a reply

The Resurrection and the Life

Pause

Check out “Because He Lives (Amen)” by Matt Maher (Saints and Sinners, 2015). Think about the things Jesus has done for you. Praise God for His gift of salvation.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in Me, even if he dies, will live. Everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?’” —John 11:25-26

Read John 11:17-27. Consider the following questions:

• Read verses 22 and 24. Highlight the phrase I know. What do these words indicate about Martha’s faith? Do you think she trusted Jesus? Why or why not?

• Martha believed and had faith in Jesus, but she did not understand the scope of His power. Even though Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days, Jesus had the power to give Him life physically as well as spiritually. Why is this concept so important?

Jesus asserted His power over death, stating that He was the source of resurrection power and eternal life. Only He has the power to give us real, meaningful, and abundant life.

Respond

Have you accepted Jesus’ invitation to spend eternity with Him? Thank Him for His gift of salvation. If you haven’t trusted Jesus as Savior, talk to a parent, friend, or your camp counselor about what it means to follow Jesus.

Jesus sees the bigger picture (v. 4). Have you experienced a time when God seemed to delay a response, but later revealed His “big picture” to you? Journal what stands out to you most about that time.

If you know people who are grieving, pray for them. Ask God to help you show His love to those who are hurting.

Behind the Story

In John 11:1-16, Lazarus became sick. Martha and Mary informed Jesus of His friend’s sickness, but
Jesus didn’t go to them immediately. Before Jesus began His journey to Bethany, Lazarus died. Even though Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, He knew that Lazarus’ death would glorify God (v. 4) and encourage people to believe in Him.

The Point

Jesus is sovereign over death and He is the source of eternal life. Only He gives our lives true meaning
and purpose.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Reprinted from EC magazine. @ 2016 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

A Model Prayer

Pause

Spend five minutes sitting before God in silence. Focus on all the ways that God has blessed your life and thank Him for those blessings.

Imagine what it would be like if you were invited to speak to a great king or important authority figure. Would you know what to say? Would you know the proper protocol? Wouldn’t you be glad if someone, who knew the king well, could coach you in what to say? Record a few thoughts in your journal.

Jesus did exactly that when He modeled for believers how to talk to God. As you read Matthew 6:9-15 in your Bible, focus on what this prayer teaches you about who God is and the kind of relationship He wants to have with you.

“Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”—Matthew 6:9-10

Examine Jesus’ prayer and consider what it teaches about God’s character. Under the headings below, jot down which parts of the prayer teach you about those topics. Then, journal a few reasons you know those statements are true.

He is trustworthy.

He provides for me.

He wants me to be honest.

I must submit to Him.

Respond

In your journal, write out a prayer using Jesus’ model:

-Acknowledge God for who He is, expressing your trust in and submission to Him.

-Pray about your needs and requests. This isn’t a time to tell God what to do, but to ask Him to work in your life and trust Him to do so.

-Repent and confess any sin.

-End by once again praising God and resting in His authority and goodness.

-For further study of prayer, read Jesus’ prayer for believers in John 17.

Behind the Story

Some of the phrases in the Lord’s Prayer can be a little confusing. Let these explanations deepen your understanding.

–“Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven“ Acknowledges the sovereignty to God

–“Give us our daily bread” Asking God for what we need daily and trusting He will provide it.

–“Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors” Confessing our sins to God and forgiving those who have hurt us.

The Point

Christians will pray in a way that reflects their trust in God as the One who knows best and will fulfill their needs.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Leave a reply

Blessed are the Poor in Spirit

Pause

List the blessings in your life—from obvious ones to hardships that have turned to blessings. Ask God to open your eyes to His blessings as you study His Word today.

Read Matthew 5:3-4 in your Bible. Read verses 3-4 again carefully, then complete the list below.

“The poor in spirit are blessed, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. Those who mourn are blessed, for they will be comforted.” —Matthew 5:3-4

Blessed are _________________________________

Because ___________________________________

Blessed are _________________________________

Because ___________________________________

Known as the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:3-11 describes what it means to be a citizen in God’s kingdom. These verses describe the character of true believers.

Consider this quote from Stuart Weber:

“The beginning of repentance is the recognition of one’s spiritual bankruptcy—one’s inability to become righteous on one’s own.”

Ask yourself:

What does it mean to be spiritually bankrupt?

How does verse 3 illustrate spiritual bankruptcy?

Look at verse 4. Believers recognize their sinfulness and their inability to do anything about it. This brings them to a place of repentance. How does verse 4 demonstrate that?

Respond

Have you ever recognized your own spiritual bankruptcy? Journal about that experience. Write Jesus a thank-you for rescuing you from your spiritual poverty.

Today’s verses describe the recognition of sinfulness and repentance that leads to salvation, but as a believer, you know that you still sometimes sin. Ask God to reveal any sin in your life today so that you can confess it and enjoy restored fellowship with God.

For further study, consider doing a group Bible study on the Sermon on the Mount. Try “Sermon on the Mount” by Jen Wilkin (LifeWay Christian Resources, 2014).

Behind the Story

The Gospel of Matthew is filled with moments of instruction from Jesus to His disciples, including the Sermon on the Mount. The first part of this teaching (vv. 3-11) is commonly called the Beatitudes and focuses on characteristics of true Christ-followers. Although each of these characteristics seem to be able to stand alone, they are meant to be understood together. The Beatitudes build on each other, like individual bricks to make a wall. Jesus began the Beatitudes by focusing on the hearts of Christ-followers, followed by describing characteristics of their relationship with God and with others.

The Point

Because kingdom citizens realize they can’t save themselves, they mourn and repent of their sin.

Posted in Boys, Devotions, Uncategorized | Tagged Leave a reply

Meet Your Tribal Leaders for 2014!

Hey guys! You may have already stumbled upon this awesome insight into the summer, but we wanted to make sure you knew the guys who will be leading our tribes this summer. We are very excited about these men stepping into these roles. They will be making some crazy games, helping those around them grow closer to Christ, and so much more. Check them out, our Tribal Leaders for 2014!

Apache- Evan Cummins

“What’s up Camp Ridgecrest!  This is Chief Ruminative Rockhopper here, coming to you all the way from Richmond, Kentucky.  My real name is Evan, and I cannot wait to see you at camp for my third summer in the great big and mighty Apache tribe!  I’m a senior at Eastern Kentucky University, and it’s going to be awesome learning more about Jesus with you all while we have the time of our lives at camp.  Get ready- the Battle for the Death Star is coming!”

Shawnee- Brandon Davis

“What’s up camp family! Intense Timberwolf here for a second summer as the Shawnee TL. This will be my 13th summer at camp, and it’s going to be a good one! I am most excited about watching these young boys grow into godly men, and experience Jesus through a wild and crazy camp experience!”

“My name is Asa de Armas, or LC Vigilant Vizsla, and I am going to be the Tribal Leader of the mighty Choctaw tribe! I grew up in Orlando, Florida, and I am currently a senior at Florida State University. This summer will be my 14th year at camp and I am excited to be working with the biggest tribe at camp. I also am looking forward to seeing God work through camp in amazing ways yet again!”

Arapaho- Harrison Collins

“My name is Harrison Collins, aka Risible Terrapin. I am pumped to be the Arapaho tribal leader! This will be my 14th summer at camp, and I am more excited than ever to be spending it with y’all at Ridgecrest! God has a lot prepared for this summer, and it is going to be one wild adventure!”

Sioux- Cam Barnhardt

“My name is Cam Barnhardt, LC Fulfilled Firefly, and this this upcoming summer will be my 13th at Ridgecrest. I study Geographic Science at James Madison University (Go Dukes!) and I cant wait to empower the mighty Sioux out on the trail this summer. The  difficulty and beauty in the woods is such an awesome example of how our Lord challenges and molds us while still providing all along the way. ”

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Leave a reply

Retro Friday: “My Son Goes to Camp”

“My Son Goes to Camp” by Ethel Romig Fuller. Written in a 1954 Camp Ridgecrest brochure.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Retro Friday, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Choctaw Egypt & Apache Cabin Update

Here is a look at the footers for the Egypt. Also check out the new Apache cabin and it’s sweet view!

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Apache, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Choctaw, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Choctaw Egypt

The renovation of the Choctaw Egypt is under way. In the first stage of construction,stripping it all out, you can already tell that its going to look great! We are excited about the final product, and we know you are as well. We will keep you all posted on how the bath house is coming along.

Posted in Boys, Uncategorized | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Choctaw, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Retro Friday: Daily Schedule

Most campers and staff could probably give a summary of the day to day schedule at Camp Ridgecrest. New and exciting things are always happening at camp, but Ridgecrest is known for a few of its staple daily activities. Meal times, morning watch, and skills are just an example of some of the things that have a set time at camp each day. With the exception of trips and camp outs, the schedule remains the same year to year.

Have you ever wondered if the daily schedule has always been the same? A 1943 brochure for Camp Ridgecrest for Boys includes a typical daily schedule for that time period. Skills were held in the morning and the afternoon, first aid and life saving classes were offered, and there was even a nighttime cabin inspection! Do you see any similarities between this and the current daily schedule? Do any of you remember when the daily schedule looked more like this one? Comment below and tell us about it!

Posted in Boys, Uncategorized | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest Alumni and Friends, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Retro Friday | Leave a reply

Pay It Forward

Read 2 Samuel 9:1-3.

A PROMISE IS A PROMISE. When David searched for the family of Saul and Jonathan, his goal wasn’t to hurt them, but rather to care for them. David and Jonathan had been dear friends, and Jonathan had even saved David’s life by telling him he was in danger—even though Jonathan’s father, King Saul, was the one who wanted David dead. During that time, Jonathan asked David to express love for his family, regardless of what happened in the future. (See 1 Sam. 20:13-17.)

Fast forward to 2 Samuel 9:1. David made a special effort to find the family of Saul and Jonathan so he could make good on Jonathan’s request and show kindness to his family. Even though Saul and Jonathan had died (1 Sam. 31:2-6), David remembered the kindness Jonathan had shown to him and was determined to pay it forward to Jonathan’s family. It would have been easy for David to conveniently forget his promise and overlook a chance to be kind to someone, but he didn’t.

What about you? Think about times when others have expressed kindness to you, not for a reward but because they cared about you. Consider situations when your parents or other family members have made an effort to do something special for you.

Kindness is a powerful way to express love to your family, friends at Camp Crestridge, or even a stranger. You can make someone’s day through an act of kindness. And sometimes, being kind to someone is a choice.

Make that choice today.

David asked, “Is there anyone remaining from Saul’s family I can show kindness to because of Jonathan?” —2 Samuel 9:1

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged 2 Samuel 9, Adapted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources, Camp Crestridge, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply