Water slides, rock climbing, archery—when Pensacola Christian College students think of the word ministry, these activities don’t readily jump to mind. But for those working in Youth Outreach Ministry (YOM) summer camps, these activities are all very much a part of it. YOM camps offer PCC students a unique opportunity that allows them to share the gospel with children from across the country while engaging in fun, action-packed activities. Sports Center Day Camp, Discover Day Camp, Camp o’ the Pines, Teen Extreme, and NEXT Summer Camps are all summer camps that YOM offers.
Introducing the YOM Summer Camps
Sports Center Day Camp, held on the campus of PCC, offers children ages 6–12 (and 5-year-olds that have completed K5) access to the Sports Center. Campers can ice skate, bowl, play mini golf, cool off in the water park, and more! They also get supervised pool time in the Swim Center to escape the summer heat.
Discover Day Camp takes place on the campus of Pensacola Christian Academy and presents children who have completed first through sixth grade with creative, innovative ways to learn new things. Campers are introduced to STEM skills through several fun, hands-on activities. The skills and lessons taught are presented by qualified teachers and are appropriate to campers’ grade level.
Camp o’ the Pines, an overnight camp for campers ages 8–12, provides campers with a wide variety of inside and outside activities including arts and crafts, board games, archery, zip lining, and more! Campers can have fun in a safe, godly environment that challenges them physically and spiritually.
Teen Extreme, also on the campus of PCC, welcomes campers ages 12–18 for a time of fun, fellowship, and spiritual growth. Campers have access to the Sports Center, dining halls, the Field House, and West Campus. Rock climbing, inline skating, sailing, and team competitions are just some of the things campers can participate in.
NEXT Summer Camps feature 1–2 weeklong camps for those interested in different academic subjects, the visual and performing arts, or sports. Because each camp is led by PCC faculty, campers can be sure they are learning from individuals with years of professional experience. Campers are also given recreation time to use the Sports Center, Field House, and Swim Center.
“Watching campers get saved, then hearing and seeing their excitement as they tell their friends—that’s what makes it all worth it.”
Despite the different activities and age groups each YOM camp targets, the camps have the same goal: sharing the gospel with each camper. Director of YOM summer camps Ryan Troutman explained the heartbeat of camp leaders and support staff: “The number one goal of any of the Youth Outreach Ministry camps is that campers will come to a saving knowledge of Christ. Everything that we do at camp, we do to point campers to Christ. Watching campers get saved, then hearing and seeing their excitement as they tell their friends—that’s what makes it all worth it.”
Testimonials from YOM Staff
Once a camper at Teen Extreme herself, student Elizabeth Chung (Sr., FL) has had the privilege to work at Teen Extreme for several years. “After coming here as a camper and having some life-changing moments, I wanted to work at Teen Extreme!” Elizabeth explained, “I came back [as a student staff member] because I loved how I was stretched and grew in my relationship with the Lord.” While experiencing growth in her own life, she is able to see campers experience spiritual growth in their lives as well.
“I was in awe seeing the Lord move in such a mighty way in just a few short days of camp.”
Bryan Paul, a graduate assistant working toward his Master of Business Administration degree, has worked at Teen Extreme for two years. “My first year of camp ministry completely changed my outlook on ministry. I was in awe seeing the Lord move in such a mighty way in just a few short days of camp,” he shared.
“My experience this summer has been so rewarding,” Bryan continued. “I have been able to not only grow in my walk with the Lord but also grow in servant leadership, learn how to disciple others, and witness the power of the Lord working in the lives of young people as their Living Hope.”
Mechanical engineering student Maksim Zakharov (Sr., CA) enjoys working with the campers at Sports Center Day Camp. “I love spending time with the kids,” he said. “Even though I have more of a top-down position as an overall game coordinator, it is important to develop rapport with each camper one-on-one because that gives me a better understanding of their interests as a whole.”
For college students interested in ministry, YOM summer camps are an amazing opportunity. “Working at camp is something that any student can benefit from,” Ryan Troutman encouraged. “Students will develop leadership skills, improve communication, learn problem-solving skills, and help reach others for Christ.”