Truth. Stability. Hope.

We simply did not want the fun at Grace Bible Day Camp to end! So we made Friday an extra-long day and added a picnic!

On Friday, our destination was Celebration. Our memory verse was Philippians 2:10-11: "so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." It also happened to be one of our songs, which made it really easy to memorize!

Many campers also said a bonus verse for an extra thousand points! Psalm 139:13-14 reminds us that God is our Creator: "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well."

We learned that Jesus always has been and always will be the King.

The only completely trustworthy source about heaven is the Bible! It has a lot to say about heaven. It is a real place. When we die, our souls go there immediately if we’re children of God. At some point in the future, the Bible says God promises there will be a new heaven and new earth where believers will live forever with Jesus. It’s not going to be a broken earth but a new and perfect earth! Before that time, though, Jesus will return to this earth, coming back just like he left—in the clouds. After that, there will be a resurrection of all people who have died, and everyone who is a child of God will go to live together on the new earth, which is the forever heaven. There will be no sin or death there, people will have a new and improved body, and the best thing by far will be getting to be with Jesus and worshipping him, because he’ll be there!

Jesus always has been and always will be the King of all kings, but during eternity, everyone will finally realize it. Even the people who didn’t believe Jesus was the King while they lived on earth will believe it during eternity. Sadly, they won’t get to live on the wonderful new earth because while they were living on earth, they refused to trust and obey Jesus as Lord. So they will be separated from all things good and joyful forever. If only they had believed and trusted Jesus! While we’re still here on earth and have time, it’s important to take Jesus seriously and realize he really is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

In the morning, we made sun dials and picture frames, and played soccer while wearing bubble bumpers.

We had our last chats about the Bible during counselor time. We really grew to love each other!

At the park, we got a picture of the whole camp all together! And the Time Trekkers made a human clock for extra bonus points.

Finally, we wrapped up our afternoon at the park with the traditional Friday activities: dodgeball and a slip-and-slide!

Once we returned to the church, the last points were totaled. With both teams earning over a million points, the Era Explorers came out on top!

Our parents came to hear what we had learned all week at our closing program, and then everyone headed back outside for a free family picnic!

A big thank you to all our campers, parents, and volunteers for a great week of Grace Bible Day Camp. See you next year!!