CAMP CAMELOT
Mid June brought the legendary Kingdom of Camelot to The Way Out Ministries, Hawaiian Gardens for a daily dose of urban camp fun and adventure! Community children ages 4-12 participated in rousing camp songs and skits led by our Camelot band and then split into groups of squires and pages for crafts, recreation and Bible. The five day program ended each evening with dinner, and earned merit points were cashed in by the campers to purchase treats at The King’s market place. Daily themes taught Bible lessons on such topics as putting on God’s armor, fighting the “dragon” and being in the royal family of God. Artistically, kids crafted their own shields, crowns and royal scepters. A knight’s obstacle course, foam hatchet throwing, and air soft sword fighting were among the many adventures enjoyed in recreation. The children also were able to perform in a royal parent program that was followed by an award ceremony and a feast for all at the end of the week!
We had the best of volunteers, made up of all ages— Set builders, musicians, actors, food prep and service workers, craft and recreation leaders, and one great Bible teacher, Terryl, who taught four lessons a day—with the help of team captains of course! We also had the financial help of you—our partners! Thank you for giving to make Camelot possible for so many kids!
KID'S CAMP
Kid’s Camp at Thousand Pines, CA for ages 8-12 was July 24-26. Coordinator Rachel Perez reports:
Camp is always one of my favorite times of the year. There is something so special about watching kids simply be kids, laughing, singing, dancing, dressing up in their team colors, having cabin dance parties, and making memories together. Kids today grow up too fast, and camp gives them a chance to step away from the worries and stress they already carry and just enjoy being kids.
Over the years, I’ve experienced camp as a camper, junior counselor, counselor, and now as a camp organizer. While each season has given me a different perspective, the most meaningful part has always been watching the connections campers build—with their counselors, with one another, and most importantly, with God. Those connections extend far beyond the days spent at camp and have a lifelong, eternal impact.
This year, eight of our campers accepted the Lord! One young boy became very emotional after praying, and the other boys gathered around him, embraced him, and surrounded him with love.
Thank you to everyone who sponsored these kids and made this experience possible. Because of your generosity, they were able to experience camp, build meaningful relationships, make lasting memories, and encounter the love of God. Your support is making a difference far beyond camp.
Rachel
CAMP ZION
July 5-9 marked our second camp of the summer and took our junior high and high school kids to Camp Zion in Crestline CA. Pastor Ryan reports:
"At Camp as it is in Heaven." Those were the words painted across a giant hand-crafted sign that welcomed us as we arrived at camp this summer. Looking back, I can honestly say that is exactly what Camp Zion 2026 felt like. It was a week filled with God's presence, genuine fellowship, freedom from the burdens and tears that many of our students carry at home, heartfelt worship, the teaching of God's Word, and lives forever changed.
Our youth had an incredible time enjoying great food, exciting activities, and making memories that will last a lifetime. Once again, our students earned the title of Camp Champions, taking first place in the overall point competition for the second year in a row. While that was certainly exciting, the greatest victories came through two students dedicating their lives to Christ and three students publicly declaring their faith through baptism. Those moments are what camp is truly all about.
It is such a privilege to watch our youth worship, grow, and build authentic friendships centered on Christ. There is something special about being together in the mountains, away from the distractions and pressures of everyday life. Students begin to open up in ways they often never would at home. They become honest about their fears, struggles, hopes, and needs, and that honesty creates room for Christ to work deeply in their hearts. I pray with confidence that the work God began that week will continue in each of our students and leaders, just as He promises in Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Thank you for making this life-changing week possible for so many young people who otherwise would never have had the opportunity to experience camp. Your prayers, generosity, and faithful partnership are making an eternal difference.
Ryan