Ridgecrest Summer Camps

Sock War: Mad Max Edition

Posted by phil

Saturdays are a favorite day at Camp because Saturdays mean Sockwar. No matter who you ask, Sockwar is a highlight of Camp. Each one is unique because each one has a different theme! Check out this throwback to Summer 2015 Sockwar: Mad Max Edition…

Posted in Boys, News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, sockwar, Summer 2015 | Leave a reply

Canteen Time

Posted by phil

Everybody knows one of the best parts of the day at Camp Ridgecrest begins after rest hour. Check out some of these canteen memories from Summer 2018. What is your go-to canteen order? Comment below..

Posted in Boys, News | Tagged Camp Ridgecrest for Boys, Canteen, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, summer 2018 | Leave a reply

The Power to Speak

Posted by Karah

PAUSE

Think of one of the names of God (Shepherd, King, Rock of Our Salvation) and dwell on what that means to you.

Now, read Isaiah 35:5-6. The prophet Isaiah told of Jesus’ healings in the Old Testament. Throughout the Book of Isaiah, physical illness was often a metaphor for a spiritual issue. The complete healing indicated in theses passages parallels new life in Christ.

“Just as they were going out, a demon-possessed man who was unable to speak was brought to Him. When the demon had been driven out, the man spoke. And the crowds were amazed, saying, ‘Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!’ But the Pharisees said, ‘He drives out demons by the ruler of the demons!'”—Matthew 9:32-34

Read Matthew 9:32-24 and complete the following.

• Circle each variation of the word “speak” or “say.” Underline the word “demon” each time it appears.

• Look back at the Scripture in Isaiah. Why is it important that the man spoke? Explain.

• The Pharisees thought Jesus’ authority came from the ruler of demons (v. 34). Read Luke 11:17-19. What was wrong with their theory? Explain.

RESPOND

The Pharisees sought every excuse to believe that Jesus was not from God. He had turned their world upside down by interpreting the Scriptures with authority and performing great signs. Instead of seeking God, they sought to prove they were right.

• When God turns your world upside down, do you struggle to trust Him? Do you have faith that no matter the circumstances He has your best interests in mind? Why or why not? Journal your thoughts.

• List two ways you can trust God’s ultimate authority in your life.

• For further study about God’s purpose and plans for you, read Romans 8.

BEHIND THE STORY

In John 1:1, Jesus was called the Word. He created the universe by speaking, and in many gospel accounts, He drove out demons with a rebuke. In today’s passage, Jesus restored a man’s ability to speak by casting out the oppressive evil spirit that kept him in silent. Jesus’ authority over all creation allows Him to banish evil and fully restore human beings to the image of God.

THE POINT

Because He is God, Jesus has sole authority over evil.

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

Strange Requests & Full Nets

Posted by Karah

PAUSE

Think about a time when you encountered Jesus and were truly changed. Pray for God to open your heart to hear and respond to His calling.

“’Don’t be afraid,’ Jesus told Simon. ‘From now on you will be catching people!’ Then they brought the boats to land, left everything, and followed Him.’ —Luke 5: 10b-11

Read Luke 5:1-11 in your Bible. Ask yourself:

• Highlight the word “Master” in verse 5. What is the significance of Peter recognizing Jesus as Master before the miracle occurred?

• Peter was a fisherman by trade and Jesus was a carpenter. Why do you think Peter took Jesus’ advice on where to cast the nets? Explain.

Jesus asked Peter to do something that seemed illogical. Peter obeyed even though he might not have understood Jesus’ command. The result? They caught so many fish the boat began to sink. Jesus often asks us to do things that do not necessarily make sense, but His commands always line up with God’s plan. We can trust and obey, knowing His ways are best.

• When have you seen an example of this in your life? Explain.

• What was the result of Jesus providing the fish (v. 10-11)?

RESPOND

A common theme in many of Jesus’ miracles was that He exceeded expectations. At the wedding at Cana, the wine was described as the best of the event. When He fed the 5,000, they collected twelve baskets of leftovers. In today’s miracle, the disciples caught so many fish that hauling in the nets almost sunk the boat.

• Do you trust in God’s Word? His promises? Talk honestly with God and confess any mistrust you may feel. Ask Him to help you trust completely in Him and to obey Him without hesitation.

• Think of a time when you obeyed God and He blessed you in abundance. Jot down some key things you learned from that experience.

• What expectations do you have for what Christ might want to do in your life? Do you have faith that He might exceed those expectations? Journal your thoughts.

BEHIND THE STORY

The title “Master” as used by Luke in verse 5, was only used by Jesus’ disciples. Those outside of His following called Him teacher. Peter’s use of the title “Master” emphasized Jesus’ power. At the end of this encounter Peter fell before Jesus. His position as well as His statement, “Go away from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord” (v. 8), indicated genuine humility and recognition of his own
unworthiness in to be in Jesus’ presence.¹

THE POINT

Jesus’ words and actions demonstrate who He is. We can trust Him to guide us in the right direction.

¹Robert H. Stein, New American Commentary – Volume 24: Luke, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1996), WORDsearchCROSS e-book, p. 169.

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

Like a Child

Posted by Karah

PAUSE

Think back on your childhood. Try to remember How people took care of you and provided for you. Ask God to help you see how He provides for you also.

“When Jesus saw it, He was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to Me. Don’t stop them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I assure you: Whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’” —Mark 10:14-15

Read Mark 10:13-16 in your Bible.

Childlike frailty and dependence can be seen as a burden or weakness. Jesus saw this group of children as worthy recipients of His time, as well as a perfect illustration for the disciples. They still hadn’t grasped that the only way to share in His blessings would be to confess total weakness and dependence upon Him.

• How would you compare your faith in Christ to the dependence of a child?

• What would it take for you to have childlike faith, remaining completely dependent on Him?

• Why is it important that Christians realize that redemption isn’t dependent upon them keeping rules or being good, instead they must totally rely on Jesus?

RESPOND

• Do you remember when you first realized your need for Jesus? Journal about your experience.

• In your journal, list a few areas of your life you struggle to give over to Jesus. Pray and ask God to show you how to live completely dependent upon Him.

• For further study on dependence on God read Proverbs 3:5; Jeremiah 17:7-8; and Philippians 4:19.

BEHIND THE STORY

In Jesus’ time, parents often took their children to see the Rabbi so he could lay his hands on the children and bless them. However, children were often seen as insignificant, so it is possible
that the disciples were trying to protect Jesus’ time when they turned the children away.

THE POINT

We must come to Christ like children, knowing we are utterly dependent upon Him for salvation.

Retro Friday – LC Tapouts 1984

Posted by phil

Check out this picture taken just 1 minute before the beginning of the Little Chief test in 1984. Do you recognize anyone? One still works for Ridgecrest Summer Camps. One works for Ridgecrest Conference Center. While the third is a very involved Camp parent and alumnus. List your guesses in the comments below…

Posted in News | Tagged Camp Alumni, Camp Ridgecrest, Ridgecrest Conference Center, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Ron Springs | Leave a reply

Carnival 4th Session 2017

Posted by phil

Once again, an amazing night with our entire family in one place. Tons of fun had by all at Camp Ridgecrest and Camp Crestridge….

Posted in Boys, News | Tagged Camp Activities, Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, carnival, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Gold Rush Session 2

Posted by phil

There’s GOLD in these here hills…. Watch what it’s like for 475 folks to chase down every last bit of Gold they can for their team and secure as many bases as possible. You gain points by the amount of Gold you find, the number of bases you control, and by number of member of the other team you tag with your sock! It’s a Blast and it’s called Gold Rush!

Posted in Boys, News | Tagged Camp Activities, Camp Ridgecrest, Christian Summer Camp, Gold Rush, ivites, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Carnival Session 2

Posted by phil

There is nothing like having 1000 of your closest camp friends along with an entire Carnival set up right in your back yard. Carnival was a blast for everyone at Camp Ridgecrest and Camp Crestridge this 2 weeks! Check out the view from above….