M&Ms are sweet at SA
By Jon Maddison
St. Paul’s Presbyterian
The Summer Assembly Conference has always been the highlight of my summer. It inevitably is the climax of summer vacation, and this year it proved to be the same. From July 30-August 1st nearly 150 of us were at DeSales University in Center Valley, near Allentown, PA to hear keynote speaker Dave Coryell speak about the Basics of our Christian faith. We worshipped, attended elective classes, had leadership training, and enjoyed recreation.
I had the added privilege of being an M&M. By being a Mentor and Motivator (M&M), I was able to view the week from a different perspective. This was my second year as an M&M. Last year I was a Junior M&M. As a Junior M&M I was paired with an older M&M to prepare me to lead the kids on my own in the future.
As M&Ms, we are more than just leaders for games; we were spiritual leaders to the youth who were mostly 7th grade and older. We led devotionals at night to reflect upon the day and the message from the speaker. The week was extremely fulfilling as an M&M, and I truly believe that the camp is a success because of this program. It helps college-aged students find out more about themselves while finding out more about God. Being an M&M is a test of patience, perseverance, and faith.
From an individual-camper perspective, the week was fulfilling as well. The speaker focused on the “Basics” of Christianity. His message was well received by all. His presentation was unique and his ability to relate the themes to the campers was excellent. In one sentence, the overall theme of the week is that we all need to understand the Basics of our faith before we can get to know God better. Another time for youth to learn is during their two electives in the morning. Topics ranged from sharing your faith to using drama to share the gospel. Students chose their own two electives. I know from experience that the electives always give you something to think about.
The M&Ms had two electives designed just for them. Our first was a reflection of our previous day as M&M’s and we shared in small groups. This helped us relate to each other, and if anyone struggled with anything, we were all there to help them through it. Our second elective was on Godly dating and relationships. This offered practical advice on relationships. Overall, Summer Assembly proved to be a learning experience and a step to knowing God better.
Summer Assembly is also known for its games and recreational activities. Each youth was in a group with 7-9 teenagers and was directed by 2-3 M&Ms. We were assigned to our groups based the experience of the M&M. We participated in organized recreation for approximately two hours each day. One night we had a night game. This always proves to be a fun time and a time to bond with your team. Your team for the games is also your devotions group at night, so the bonding time helps the youth open up more during devotions. This year’s recreation theme was “Crazy Winter Olympics.” We re-created events such as the bobsled race and the luge, in the heat of the summer. This was an interesting experience, and we all agreed these games should be played during the winter. Recreation is always a favorite event of the youth.
Summer Assembly is a time for God to work in the hearts and minds of the future of America. Through the M&M program, the evening program with its awesome worship singing and the speaker’s message, electives during the day, and recreation, everyone learns about themselves and God. If there is one event I would encourage any youth to attend, it is without a doubt the Summer Assembly Conference with PA Christian Endeavor. |
Saving Grace at SA 2006
by Lindsey McLimans
Manor Presbyterian Church
I’ve been a Summer Assembly camper for 3 years now. It truly is the highlight of my summer. 3 years ago, at the Valley Forge campus Summer Assembly I accepted Christ into my life and became a Christian. That has been the most joyful and life changing week of my whole life. Summer Assembly is just a great time to make other friends who share the joy of Jesus like you do; it offers fabulous worship every night and always has a great speaker to teach you and help you grow. Summer Assembly offered me a chance to worship God not only through music but through the electives and reading my bible for devotions; it showed me there is more to being a Christian then just the outward appearance.
One Summer Assembly just isn’t enough, each Summer Assembly offers different topics, and I found this summer’s topic of “the basics” to be especially helpful. If you’ve been a Christian for awhile it’s easy to forget the foundation of your faith. The “Basics” theme focused in on the little things that we mostly always look past without thinking twice. But even these little things are gifts from God. This past summer really brought me back to the beginning, the initial joy that I felt when God came into my life. That joy, though, is there year round. Summer Assembly is a time that reminds me of that.
Aside from the amazing worship and classes, recreation is always a fun time. A killer slip and slide this year ruined a set of clothes I had, but it all was completely worth it! Not to mention, the best part is that you don’t have adults with you all the time leading you-----its others your own age that have a passion for Christ and find joy in watching others be brought closer to Him. Summer Assembly wouldn’t be as great as it is without the M&Ms who enjoy serving God by leading others. I look forward to Summer Assembly all year and I am looking forward hopefully to being an M&M myself this coming year. Nothing beats sharing the love of Christ with others. |
