At Youth Encounter, we love empowering young people to grow in faith, confidence, and skills. Youth Encounter is built on the values of Fun, Acceptance, Connection, and Empowerment (FACE), ensuring that every participant has a holistic and enriching experience. One of the ways we empower young people through this is on our residential camps.
We recently wrapped up our incredible Winter Wind-Out Teen Camp, where 30 participants and 15 staff members gathered for an unforgettable experience on the stunning east coast in Papamoa. The tracks we rode were a private track provided by the Edkins family just 20 minutes away, and Awakaponga, the local BOP motorcycle club track a 45-minute drive from camp, catering to both beginner and more advanced riders. Our camp provided the perfect setting for a week filled with fun dirt bike riding, relaxing in the spa, and a strong sense of community. We focused on acceptance by fostering connections and empowering our campers to live life to the fullest. Our camps are designed to help young people step out of their comfort zones, engage in exciting activities, and build lasting friendships.
A key part of our camp was learning how to develop a superposition mindset to position ourselves well in life against the hard things. Using Daniel from the Bible as our example, we explored how to stay strong and faithful in challenging times. And we love sharing how camp has significantly impacted the lives of those who attended.
Many have reported feeling more confident in their faith in God and the skills they learnt, particularly in riding dirt bikes. They have learned new techniques and applied their superposition mindset more effectively. This newfound confidence has empowered them to feel capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. As one participant said, "I’m more confident with God and riding bikes. Now I can do anything."
Camp has also played a crucial role in strengthening their relationship with God. Participants have expressed that their faith and trust in Him has deepened, and they feel more connected to God than ever before. This spiritual growth has been complemented by the strong sense of community they have experienced, emphasizing our values of Acceptance and Connection. Making new friends and connecting with others has been a highlight for many, and they have enjoyed activities like playing games, riding dirt bikes, and hanging out with friends. The support and encouragement from peers and leaders have made them feel empowered and valued. One participant noted, "Camp helped me connect with others and have a fun holiday by playing games, riding dirt bikes, and hanging out with mates."
Our evening devotional sessions have been particularly impactful. Described as uplifting and educational, these sessions have helped participants learn more about the Bible, enhancing their understanding and spiritual growth. This year, we focused on the story of Daniel, discussing the different ways he displayed a superposition mindset through his unwavering faith in God. "The talk time was good and uplifting," shared a participant, reflecting the positive impact these sessions have had. The experience has been described as consistently positive, with many expressing a deeper sense of happiness and being empowered.
Personal growth has been a recurring theme in the feedback. Participants have discovered their potential and value as individuals, with Youth Encounter bringing out the best in them, in line with our value of Empowerment. They have reported feeling happier and more confident, with a stronger sense of self-worth. The program has fostered positive relationships and a strong, faith-based community, making participants feel more connected to God and each other. One participant remarked, "Youth Encounter has brought out the better in me and made me a better person."
Overall, our camps provide a transformative experience for participants, helping them grow in faith, confidence, and community while having Fun. On average, the campers rated 4.4 out of 5 would recommend Youth Encounter camps to a friend and 100% of campers were happy with their overall experience of camp! We are grateful to witness such profound changes and look forward to more stories of growth and empowerment in the future camps to come!
We're also committed to staying connected with our participants beyond camp. Through our Connect Ride Days, we offer ongoing opportunities for them to reunite and continue their riding adventures. Additionally, we strive to help our participants get involved with their local churches or youth groups, ensuring they have a supportive community to encourage and empower them year-round. Our goal is to maintain these connections and continue to inspire our campers long after camp ends.
Join us for an adrenaline-fueled adventure at the Spring Fest Teen Camp in the Bay of Plenty from October 2nd–6th, 2024! Enjoy three full days of dirt bike riding, forge new friendships, and embrace the opportunity to live life to the fullest. Create lasting memories and be part of an amazing community as we explore hope in Jesus together. Click here to sign up for Spring Fest Teen Camp!