Is the adult`s expectation of a miracle different from the child’s expectation of a miracle? No, absolutely, not… Everyone has his or her own dreams and own belief in miracles. An adult expects it the same way as a child, and that makes adult a kidult. And, it is the combination that we have reproduced in the camp called “Miracle”.

As soon as the opportunity to conduct the camp had arisen, we did not even have questions who would be in the team of leaders and who from the children would participate. We have been working intensively with the youth of our church for a whole year. All the youngsters are actively involved in the organization of meetings, fellowship and friendship beyond the teen club. Every teenager has a good, frank relationship with each of the camp leaders that affected the child’s presence in the camp.

In the camp gathered 17 mentors and 36 children. The team was strong, prepared, everyone knew their role, so during the days of our stay there were no issues and conflicts. Mentors were full of different ideas to create cosiness in the room of their group (as well as with a stock of ideas for the group of the friend – knowing the simple male tastes in creating Christmas interior, girls stocked additional details for the rooms` design). Every mentor was full of diverse ideas for communication in the groups and willingness to give all the love to the children. In the team of leaders were coordinators, music teachers, designers, handymen, sound engineers, sport instructors, there was also labour power – helpers for the physical work. Team’s unity on the day of arrival helped to decorate the meeting place of the camp interestingly and beautifully, what allowed children to be there all the time and feel the comfort and the festive mood. In the morning, we felt worried – whether everyone who wanted would come, whether everything would be in the way it was planned. The next day, empty corridors were filled with the noise, the laughter of the children, the acquaintances, the preparations to cheer the team, and with the great desire the expectations to be justified.

This camp had a peculiarity: it was the first winter camp for us, especially in the Christmastime. Therefore, the entire program was written on a Christmas theme. 3 days is not much to devote yourself to the children enough, but that was not our main aim. We cared more about communication, relationship, and about regard for the basic truths given by God before the birth of Christ. On the first day, we were trying to convey the value that God is our Creator, and we are the miracle of His creation and how the sin has spoiled the plan of God the Father. The theme of the second day – the search: the pursuit of happiness, the miracles in our life, the sense of life. The last day – the miracle of the birth of Jesus the Savior.

Festive Christmas theme was present everywhere: decorations, design, costumes, the program, the atmosphere. Much time was spent in manufacturing various crafts: decorations for the Christmas tree, drawing on the plaster figures, the decoration of the Christmas stocking. From the early morning, we wanted to give children a piece of joy and wonder, so every day there were little presents in their socks for gifts. Moreover, they received a gift under the Christmas tree from the secret friend who was the one from the camp participants.

In the evening, there were different competitions, funny tasks, Christmas songs and the discussions on the topic of the day. Christmas cartoons were shown. Even the day schedule was interesting and festive.

Here is an example:
Waking up – Harness of the reindeers
Washing-up – Swimming in an ice-hole
Breakfast – Oatmeal from Santa
Handicraft – Christmas workshop
Evening communication – Share-time by the fireplace

We wanted so much to create a festive atmosphere. We wanted so much to make at least one child`s dream real. In fact, many children were from the dysfunctional families. Many of these children would not have this holiday at home and would not feel the warmth and attention. We all (even adults) love gifts, surprises, but children especially. Thus, it was so nice to see how children enjoy each gift or just a pleasant surprise that we were trying to do them every day. And at the end of the camp, already mentors and other leaders received the pleasant surprises from the children – they were awarded different medals in different categories, candies, or simply nice words.

The camp was not only the Christmas camp, but also the winter camp. Still the first day of it did not say anything about that – just slush and mud. But the whole camp was praying for the snow so that the next day… a miracle happened! …So much snow fell that all went to the hill to play snowballs, to make a snowman, to sledge. For teenagers it was a great testimony of an answer on the prayer.

On the one hand, that was fine that there was a small number of children, because mentors had the opportunity to socialize better with each child, to pay more attention, even to become friends with more children. Hence, it was a chance to become a friend of the teenager and we have seized this opportunity! At the lessons, children were very interested in learning Holy Scripture, meticulously studied the different Christian notions and asked very serious questions.

The last day, as in any camp – it was the day of the opening of the heart to Christ. Morning began unusually. All children were woken up at 5 am and taken to the decorated setting – there were stars, manger, hay and shepherds, bowed down before born Jesus. The atmosphere was, as if at the very moment of the birth of Christ. The passage from the Gospel of Luke about the birth of Jesus was read, and then was a prayer of the gratitude on the knees. The evening of this unusual day ended as a miracle – 10 youngsters opened their hearts to Jesus Christ. The whole camp sang the good words of the camp anthem:
“You have raised me from the abyss
And gave me a new heart
And I’ll sing You hallelujah
Hallelujah, hallelujah…”

It is a bliss for us that the Lord is with us, and that He touches the hearts of those close to us children.

Three days is not much, but we have become close during this short time, because next to us was the One, Who created an atmosphere of love, understanding, patience, Who using mentors taught children and touched the hearts of teenagers. Perhaps, after arrival to home, children will start to live the way they used to, but we believe that the Lord will remind them about Himself constantly.

But we will not let them forget about us. The meetings of our teen club go on. Every Sunday we are going to continue to share with these children the truths of the Christian life, we are going to sing them, to play with them and just have fun. A new direction is to create a ministry of home groups. We have convinced many times that teens remember our words face-to-face much better. A friendship – that is the tool, with which we can effectively reveal the truth to the thoughts of teenagers, spoiled by the modern world. Face-to-face contact helps youngsters to share their problems, fears and to ask for advice. Thus, we can get through to them and show the true Christ.

Besides, we are going to celebrate together different holidays, discover the true meaning of religious holidays, organize quests, bicycle races, culinary competitions and many other activities. We are sure, God will support us, because we perform His will: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matt. 28:18-20).

Youth camp “Miracle”, January 3-6, 2015, the church “Life”

Olena Penkova