Summer Camp Concludes for the Season
Summer camp has officially concluded at Camp Wawona and what a season it was! The camp was filled with an array of activities, delicious meals, rodeos, agape feasts, songs, laughter, making new friends, finding community and sensing God’s presence.
There was substantial growth from last summer to this summer. Attendance last summer was 188, and this summer attendance grew to 265. One of Camp Wawona neighbors commented, “It was so good to hear camp in session again.” There were two Junior camps available this summer as opposed to only one last summer. And family camp was a new addition to the summer lineup. We saw an overwhelming response to these additions.
The summer was filled with fun activities such as gymnastics, arts and crafts, nature, wilderness survival, sports, challenge course, swimming, archery, remote controlled cars, and horses. Yes horses! Camp Wawona hosted 15 horses on campus this summer and what a hit they were! Campers commented that horses were their favorite activity this summer. And no wonder! Camp Wawona has not had a horsemanship program since 2019. Trail rides were offered to campers throughout the summer. And with horses on campus, there came the rodeo! Rodeo night was an all-time favorite evening activity. First there was hot dogs, corn on the cob, potato salad and watermelon to fill our hungry appetites. The rodeo featured the grand entrance and the national anthem, barrel racing, pole bending and jumping. And of course, no rodeo is complete without tug of war, bandana chase and gunny sack races.
While camp is extremely fun, there is a much deeper impact that summer camp has on youth. This summer over 200 campers gave their heart to Jesus! The staff went above and beyond to be a positive spiritual influence in every camper’s life. They supported them and cheered them on to be God followers. Camp Wawona staff wanted our campers to know that no matter what they were facing, they can always trust God to see them through. As a result of intentionality and God’s Spirit working, there were 20 campers who were baptized at camp! One of those who were baptized said, “I wanted to be baptized at Camp Wawona because it’s the place where I saw Jesus the most!” Another camper said, “Jesus came into my life at Camp Wawona. My life was a 9/10 but now, It’s a 15/10!”
God blessed so abundantly that Delinda Hamilton (Summer Camp Director) and Brian Simmons (Year-Round Camp Director) wanted to share what He was doing with their neighbors. So, this summer, Camp Wawona hosted a “Community Day” in which the community was invited to come and experience horseback rides, the giant swing, the swimming pool and homemade pizza made by Alberto Alvarado. About 45 community members enjoyed the day, including 4 National Park Rangers.
The President of the Property Owners Association attended with his wife and said, “I have not been on this campus in 65 years.” The Wawona schoolteacher and her family also attended the event. They expressed their gratitude and are looking forward to using the camp for school functions.
God did something very special and powerful this summer. We are blessed to have this sacred space. We strive to continue to use it to glorify Him. If you know of a camper who would be blessed by summer camp, be sure to sign up and join us for Summer Camp 2027!
Written by Delinda Hamilton, Youth, Young Adult & Summer Camp Director
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