by Niki Gourley

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This summer at Camp Piankatank was one to remember! We welcomed 540 campers through our gates for a summer filled with faith, friendship, adventure, and fun. We were especially grateful to provide partial and full scholarships for approximately 50 campers, helping make a week at camp possible for some who otherwise may not have had the opportunity to attend. Scholarships are made possible through BGAV funding and individual gifts.

Our theme this summer was “Wild Things,” reminding campers that following Jesus is an adventure and that God is always doing something new in our lives. Our theme verse, 2 Corinthians 5:17, encouraged campers to embrace the truth that anyone who is in Christ is a new creation.

Each week, camp pastors joined us to teach and share God’s Word, while our staff-led worship band led campers in worship. Through these experiences, campers had opportunities to ask questions, explore their faith, and discover what it means to follow Christ.

This year, we also strengthened our longtime partnership with the Baptist Student Union in Seoul, South Korea. Three college-age summer missionaries from South Korea served alongside us, and 25 South Korean campers joined us for our final session of summer camp. We are grateful for this partnership and hope it will continue for many years to come.

Camp Piankatank offered a variety of experiences throughout the summer, including Day Camp, Overnight Camp, Camp Together—our special parent-and-child camp—and Minnow Camp, a two-night camp designed especially for children ages 6-10.

From first-time campers to returning friends, it was a joy to see God at work throughout the summer. We are thankful for every camper, family, staff member, pastor, volunteer, and supporter who helped make this summer possible.

Niki Gourley is associate director for retreats and food services at BGAV’s Camp Piankatank.

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