“I can’t say that I knew God at a young age. It was a rare occasion that I would go to Church. It was mostly when I went to my Grandmother’s house on the weekends that I would tag along for Church on Sunday morning.
The words the Pastor spoke would never really break through to me. So all that I understood was the basics: Jesus died for our sins, don’t lie, don’t steal. I didn’t know the two most important things. I didn’t know God. I didn’t know why Jesus died for me.
Many years went by of a troubled childhood, but I still had next to nothing of a relationship with God. I had started going to Church regularly after I moved to a different town. Little did I know that the Church was the key to my Salvation. The pastor contacted my mother telling her that they were sending a group of kids to a camp in Owego, NY. The camp was called “El Rancho De Paz” — “The Ranch Of Peace”.
We took the offer thinking it would be a good chance to make some friends and learn a little bit. Little did we know, Summer 2008 would change my life.
I made more friends than I could count and there wasn’t an ounce of judgment, but most importantly, I had God. It was the first time I experienced the love of God, and that his word was preached in an understandable way.
Around five amazing summers passed but then something strange happened; the torch was passed. Camp changed: Our leader, the counselors, everything. But the changes were nowhere near bad. I felt connected with the counselors chosen, and the other campers, it felt like one big family.
I’ve come to camp all three summers since the change from El Rancho De Paz to MAPLERIDGE Ranch. They have been the best summers of my life. The time at El Rancho was amazing; the times at MAPLERIDGE have been even better. The way the staff has connected with campers is unbelievable. They do everything possible to make sure that you have the greatest experience possible.
I can’t imagine the time and thought put into picking out the pastors for each week of camp, but I feel the time was worth it. The pastors speak in an understandable and inspirational way. I walked out of Chapel every night with something new to think about.
The lessons I’ve learned from camp have helped me in my struggles over the years. I’ve learned to turn to God with problems and doubts, knowing that he can heal any wound dealt to me. If I had to chose any place to be on this entire Earth, I would choose MAPLERIDGE. Every penny spent has been worth it, because money can’t buy what I’ve learned and experienced. Each summer ends with sadness knowing how long I have to wait to come back, but the anticipation is worth it.
I don’t think that there’s any better place to experience God. The environment is beautiful, you get to sing some epic songs, and the staff is out of this world. There’s no place I’d rather be than MAPLERIDGE!” – MAPLERIDGE Camper Chris Caskey
Will you consider making an investment into a life of a potential camper today?
