By Ben Larson, program director, Bear Creek Camp

Enjoy a great camp cookout under the big top and an opportunity to explore the amazing resources available at Bear Creek Camp!

This year’s assembly features A Taste of Bear Creek Camp, an evening of food and camp festivities on Friday evening, May 19.

Feast on pork barbeque, baked chicken, fresh grilled hamburgers or veggie burgers, and all the trimmings. We’re betting you will find plenty of great food, but if you want to really get in touch with that kid inside you, listen to this camper: “I ate some new foods at camp which I thought were pretty good.”

Even if you can’t figure out what GORP stands for or how Bug Juice got its name, you can still enjoy these tasty camp treats or roast a hotdog over the fire and pretend you are with this group of campers: “We cooked hotdogs in the fire. It was cool!”

What would camp be without S’mores? We’ll have all the fixings, so roast a marshmallow and eat up! Just remember what this camper learned last summer: “Don’t put your marshmallow in the flames, you might burn yourself.” And, at camp, there is always peanut butter and jelly as a back-up.

While you’re here you can explore all Bear Creek Camp has to offer on a wagon ride or walking tour of the camp. Okay, may you won’t be able to see all 3,000 acres or hike all 20 miles of trails, but we’ll get you to some of the hottest spots at camp, like the ropes course, the lake, and the retreat center, or take you on a short hike along a meandering trout stream.

For those with an adventurous spirit, go to the ropes course and take the Leap of Faith or fly through the air on the Giant Swing, as this camper did: “I did the Giant Swing. It was scary saying ‘3, 2, 1…’ and then letting go, but it was a lot of fun.”

Whether you’re leaping, flying, or even watching, you might hear yourself sounding a lot like this camper: “The Giant Swing was so awesome…”

If you’re not up for a walk, or just need some time to relax, you can explore the nature center or enjoy the beauty of God’s creation and some great conversation with friends.

Every camp experience should include a bonfire and worship so we’ll gather around the fire in camp fashion for a great time of singing, worship, and communion. With campers, counselors, and friends, we’ll have a great evening and we hope that you will be there for A Taste of Bear Creek Camp.