Camp Ridgecrest – Page 22

He’ll Be There For You

Posted by anthologycreative

Have you ever been betrayed by a close friend or loved one? In situations like those, the betrayal cuts deeper and hurts more. Think back to that time. How did you feel? Angry? Vulnerable? Alone?

Read 2 Samuel 15:1-4,10-14. Focus on verse 13.

Who was Absalom?

What was Absalom trying to do to his father, King David?

How do you think David felt when his son’s plot came to light?

Why is it so hurtful when a friend or family member betrays you?

During times of betrayal, how can you trust and rely on God to get you through it?

What are some ways you can cling to His mighty arms through hard times?

In today’s passage, you read the story of Absalom trying to overthrow his father. Absalom’s scheme was clever and deceitful, and many people joined him in his attempt to double-cross his dad. David was probably heartbroken over his son’s decision to take such drastic action against him, yet through it all, David had a heavenly Supporter.

The same is true for you. No matter what betrayal or difficult experience you’re currently muddling through, God hasn’t left you and never will. God will always be there for you, especially in the tough times. He is a true Friend who will never betray your trust or lead you astray. Your Heavenly Father will stick with you through everything—the good, the bad, and the ugly. You can rely on His love, strength, and guidance to help you. But you have to choose to do so. Have you?

Then an informer came to David and reported, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.”
—2 Samuel 15:13

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

Sockwar: Sockout

Posted by phil

Some of you might love video games. Some of you might not. Either way, you are sure to like this Sockwar intro to the Sockout theme from 2010. Pretty creative. Enjoy it…

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, sockwar, VLOG | Leave a reply

In The Storm

Posted by anthologycreative

Read Matthew 7:24-27.

STORMS. They come in all varieties and intensities. In 2005, the world witnessed the devastation of Hurricane Katrina as it hit the Gulf Coast. Many people died, and the damage was immeasurable. This tragic event is proof that weather is unpredictable. The only certainty is that storms will come.

Life is the same way. We don’t know what tomorrow holds, but we hope for the best. Storms in life are not something any of us like to think about, but the fact is, they’re inevitable. We don’t get a free pass out of the tough times of life. We never know how intense life’s storms will be or how long they will last. It’s a harsh reality, but if you’re not in a storm of life right now, you’re headed for one.

Don’t let that freak you out! Jesus told us exactly what to do in today’s devotion passage. In these verses, He told the story of two houses: one built on rock and the other with a foundation of sand. When storms came, the house built upon the rock stood strong. The house built on the sand didn’t fare so well.

The point? You must set your foundation on the Rock—Jesus. He is your source of strength and protection through the storms of life. No matter how bad they get, He will keep you firmly planted. Know Scripture, have an active prayer life, go to church, read the Bible, and develop a strong relationship with your Savior. Don’t put your faith in the shifting sands of the world. Go to the Rock!

“The rain fell, the rivers rose, and the winds blew and pounded that house. Yet it didn’t collapse, because its foundation was on the rock.”
—Matthew 7:25

Talk About It

Posted by anthologycreative

Think about the last time you were overwhelmingly happy. What happened? On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest, what would you rate the level of your joy? How good did you feel?

Read Psalm 32:1-5, reading verse 1 aloud.

Why is David happy in this psalm?

When have you felt the joy of confessing a sin and having God forgive it?

What do these verses teach you about God’s attitude when He forgives our sin?

According to this passage, how did David feel before he confessed his sin? Why?

What happened when he admitted his sin to God?

What sin do you need to acknowledge before God so you can experience this kind of joy?

David was joyous when he wrote this psalm, not because he’d gotten everything he wanted or everything seemed to be working out for his benefit. He was joyous because he had experienced the joy of God’s forgiveness. The weight of his sin had been almost unbearable. Just consider the phrases he used when he described how he felt when he was trapped in that sin. He groaned; his strength was drained. His sin was an unbearable burden, and when he admitted it to God, God took it all away. David was happy and joyous because he was free.

You can experience that freedom, too. Just confess your sin to God and let Him lift the weight. Do you know the joy of God’s forgiveness? What sins are keeping you from experiencing it? Tell Him. It’s worth it.

How joyful is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! —Psalm 32:1

New Paint – New Look

Posted by phil

After months of hard work and patience, the renovated cabins are finally reaching completion. Last week, each cabin was given a new coat of paint and the results are incredible. It looks as though the nine newly-renovated cabins are brand new. The cabins were each painted in accordance with tribal colors in order to preserve each hill or circle’s distinct appearance. Now that painting has been completed, renovations are moving into their final phase. The crowning touches will include sanding the floors, and a few other last-minute touch ups. The cabins are looking great, but are now waiting for our campers and staff to put the new cabins to good use. Below are pictures of each of the nine newly-renovated cabins.

Posted in News | Tagged Cabin Restoration, Camp Ridgecrest, New Cabins, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Sin Isn’t A Mess You Can Clean Up On Your Own

Posted by anthologycreative

Clean sheets. Clean clothes. A clean room. What do those three things have in common?

Clean sheets are comforting and refreshing after a long day. Clean clothes feel good, especially if you’ve been dirty and sweaty. A clean room is just peaceful. So what about a clean heart? What does that feel like? What does it even mean? And why is it important?

Read Psalm 51:10-13. Memorize verse 10.

What does David ask God to do?

What is a “clean heart” and a “steadfast spirit”?

Would you describe yourself as having either? Why or why not?

Why is it important that David came to God and sought His forgiveness?

Do you need God to create a clean heart in you? Why or why not?

David had come to the point where he knew he couldn’t live with his sin anymore. He couldn’t control it; it was overwhelming his life. And he realized that he couldn’t clean up his sin-wrecked life or his heart on his own. So he came to God, asking Him to forgive and renew him.

We spend a lot of time trying to forget, hide, or overlook our sin. When we do recognize it, some of us like to try to clean the mess up ourselves. The problem is, we can’t. Only God can renew us; only He can create clean hearts that are focused on Him and His work. Stop trying to clean up the mess sin has made of your life. Give it all to God; He wants to make you new. And He’s the only One who can.

God, create a clean heart for me and renew a steadfast spirit within me. —Psalm 51:10

Retro Friday: House on the Middle Green

Posted by phil

One of the first private homes in Ridgecrest, NC was located on the middle green at Camp Ridgecrest for Boys. The name of the house was Hon-O-Lulu Cottage, and sat where our New Infirmary currently sits. After the house was removed long ago, there was a horse riding ring, then there was a trampoline, and finally, the outdoor Arap Chapel was located there for many years. It was a few years ago that the New Infirmary was added. If you have any specific memories about any of the things that were located on this spot, then please share below! Does anyone know any details about the house in this picture? If you have similar pictures, please share them with us!

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest, Hon-a-lulu Cottacge, Lake Ridgecrest, Middle Green, Retro Friday, Ridgecrest Alumni, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Camp Ridgecrest: A Few Blobs from 2010

Posted by phil

One of the most visual icons of Camp Ridgecrest is the Blob, sitting out on Lake Ridgecrest. A few years ago, we added a second Blob, right next to the first Blob. Everyone loves this camp activity on a warm summer day. Here are a few of the best blobs that we caught on video from last summer…

Posted in News | Tagged Blob, Camp Ridgecrest, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Sin is Heavy

Posted by anthologycreative

Think about the last time you felt like you had a weight on your shoulders. Maybe you were worried about something or someone. Maybe you knew somewhere deep inside that the way you were living was wrong. Whatever the reason, how did it feel when that weight was finally lifted? Good or bad? Why?

Read Psalm 51:1-4, concentrating on verse 2.

What was the weight on David’s shoulders?

When have you felt the weight of sin in your life?

In verse 2, David asked God to cleanse him from his sin. Why is that important?

Why can’t we get rid of our sin on our own?

What sin in your life are you trying to manage rather than confess?

What steps will you take today to let go of that sin and let God lift your burden?

David was weighed down by the burden of his sin. Try as he might, David had discovered he couldn’t manage his sin. He couldn’t control it; he couldn’t get rid of it; he couldn’t fix the broken relationship with God. Broken, he came to God and confessed his sin.

When we do that, God doesn’t just restore His relationship with us; He also forgives us and lifts the burden of our sin, freeing us from it. Sin traps us and weighs us down, but we don’t have to stay that way. Confess your sin today and let God lift the weight of it off your shoulders.

Wash away my guilt and cleanse me from my sin. —Psalm 51:2

Retro Friday: Before The Lake Lodge

Posted by phil

Years before the Lake Lodge existed, Camp was already going strong. Some of our great traditions were already in place, and great numbers of boy’s lives were being changed. One of the greatest differences was that the “camp center” wasn’t up by the Lake and the Lake Lodge with 4 square courts. A lot of the action around Camp Ridgecrest was located almost where the horse stables are today.

Notice in the picture below that the boys gathered at attention outside a building we don’t have anymore. In the 2nd picture, we see campers and staff eating in an unfamiliar building. This structure was called Fidelis Lodge. Looking back at the old aerial photo, you can see it near the tennis courts (below and to the left). I’m not sure when this building stopped housing meals and when Spilman Lodge became the Dining Hall for camp. If you know any of these details, share them with us. What else happened in Fidelis Lodge? In the mean time, check out these older pics. What else do you see that is different about camp in these photos?