CORPUS CHRISTI -- The experience of Weber Road campers at Bandina represents what the week is like for many churches who send their young people each year. The church went during the week of July 4-10.
Each session of the camp hosts around 300 or so campers and 100 or so volunteer staff members, give or take. The facility's motto is, "Where youth meets God."
Of their session, Larry Sanchez of the church writes, "Weber Road sent 71 campers (the most of any group) and counselors to camp. Many churches of Christ were represented at our session. We thank Gene Polvado and Allen Doubrava for directing our week at camp!"
During the week, the students attended nine Bible classes on the Sermon On The Mount. A competition of Bible knowledge was held on the final day.
The top boy and girl in all five age groups won ribbons. The winners among the Weber Road young people and their age groups were Adrianne Hudgins (10 year old girls), Joseph Graham (12-13 year old boys), Darienne Davis (14-15 year old girls), and Austin Calloway (16-18 year old boys).
Worship services were held each night. Three from Weber Road had the privilege of preaching: Mark Hammitt, Preston Hammitt and Grant Jackson.
One of the greatest parts of the week was going down to the river and witnessing baptisms into Christ. Six people were baptized during this camp session with one being from Weber Road. Drew Romero was baptized on Friday by his uncle.
Said Sanchez, "We also prayed for Deidre Sims, Lauren Crowe and Victoria Zuniga who asked for prayers from their Christian family. We are proud of these young people for their tender hearts and courage."
Cheyenne Crook and Allison Calloway won college scholarships to a Christian university. All of those entering college this fall who attended this camp session will receive something for their first year of school.
Darienne Davis won the second place award in her age group for throwing horseshoes. Ping Pong Champs were Levi Stark (12 and under) and Courtney Hammitt (13 and over).
Said Sanchez, "We are also proud of Amy Jackson who was voted the Top Female Camper for the entire session. Austin Calloway was recognized as the Top All-Around Camper. This is the second year in a row that someone from Weber Road has been recognized as the All-Around Camper."
The organizers extended thanks to everyone who gave money for campers' fees and those who helped in other ways. Among them were Art Gatica, Jim Crowe, AJ James, Doug Sims, Larry Sanchez, Jr., Jay Crook, Kevin Hunt, Kevin Maiorano, David Stark and Mitch Hudgins, who drove the vans to and from camp.
A BIG thanks also went to all those who served as counselors, teachers, preachers, life guards, kitchen staff members and other workers. They included Bonnie Petty, Kevin Maiorano, Amanda Maiorano, Jay Crook, Randy Calloway, Darlene Baldwin, Brenda Villarreal, Grant Jackson, Randi Jackson, Preston Hammitt, Denise Hammitt, Mark Hammitt, Lexy Hunt, Adam Gatica, Brad Hannah, Tiffany McCrann, Stacey Stark, Larry Sanchez and Sylvia Sanchez.
Servants like these make every session happen. This camp, and others like it, create indelible memories.
When high school seniors are asked their memories at graduation, camp moments invariably factor in in a big way. The last session for this summer ends on Aug. 14.