 The theme for this year's four Chi Rho Camps was "The Stories of Jesus." The goals for each week were: 1) To know several stories from the life of Jesus. 2) To know Jesus as an example, authority, presence and friend. 3) To experience telling stories of Jesus. 4) To experience new meaning as these stories connect with our lives. 5) To experience the presence of Jesus in the life of camp. All of these goals are aimed at helping the camper to take home with them what they learn and experience during their week at Camp.To achieve our aim we divide the week into 5 Quest Truths:
1. "Jesus is the Son of God." (Mark 1:9-11)
Who is Jesus anyway? We affirm that Jesus is the Son of God. The baptism portrays Jesus as the one from God with authority to teach and be the example.
2. "Jesus Calms the Storms of Life" (Mark 4:35-41)
Jesus came to the disciples at sea in a storm. The presence of Jesus can turn our panic into calm.
3. "Jesus Brings Healing" (Luke 18:35-43)
Jesus brought sight to the blind. This was the fulfillment of prophecy and promise for the future. Jesus is the power for wholeness in our broken lives.
4. "Jesus Shows Compassion For all People." (Luke 10:25-37; Matthew 8:1-4)
Jesus loved all people, especially those whom others excluded. The leper illustrates that we cannot exclude those whom God has loved. The Good Samaritan teaches the same truth.
5. "Jesus Calls us to Obey God." (Luke 4:1-13; Mark 14:32-36)
The temptations in the wilderness are held to be the temptations of Gethsemane to illustrate obedience to God as a rule in the life of Jesus. We are called to obey in the decisions of our lives.
These are the themes for each day in Quest Groups during the morning hours (groups of 8-12 campers in study using the study of scripture, crafts and games); in Morning Prayers by Cabin Groups each morning; and in Evening Prayers each evening as a whole camp. The week culminates in a inspirational Consecration Service on Friday evening.
Each week the camps are blessed with outstanding Christian pastors and lay persons as Assistant Directors, Counselors (cabin, table, quest group) who engage with the campers in study, prayer, recreation, etc., befriending young people in a way that has an impact on their lives for good. The program is blessed by the time, talent, treasure, and love extended so generously by these devoted volunteers.
The Chi Rho Commission is charged with the "nuts and bolts" planning for Chi Rho events especially those which take place at Camp Christian. We have been blessed with a Commission which genuinely cares about our youth and consistently makes decisions beneficial to them across the broad spectrum of the ages they represent.
Additionally, the Chi Rho Commission recognizes, encourages and supports the hard work of those who create andimplementactivities for Chi Rhoers at the local church level. If we are to realize the vision as set forth by the Christian Church in Ohio, it is imperative that we establish and maintain genuine relationships with congregations, their pastors and youth across the Ohio Region. Ultimately, if interest is generated and fortified at the local church level, then we can expect a significant response during our Chi Rho Camps.
Last November we held our first region-wide Chi Rho event at Camp Christian. There were 100 Chi Rho youth and adult leaders in attendance. We are looking forward to planning another event for November 2010 and expect an even greater turnout.
The Chi Rho Commission is pleased to welcome both new and returning Chi Rho members. We look forward to this exciting combination of gifts, skills and abilities as we anticipate a resurgence of activity at the district level across the region.
Commission members have agreed to the following commitments...
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to serve on the Commission for at least 3 years. If, of course, a situation arises which impedes this service, the Commission will understand.
We look forward to a successful year of activities for our youth and an equally fruitful camp season!
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