Camp Ida, 2008
By Bryan R Braswell
First, the size of the campground, at Ida, is most appropriate for keeping a close, keen eye on everyone. If you were to stray too far out of site, you’d have to subject your flesh to the poison of all kinds of ivies, sumac, and who knows what else might be lurking at the tree line. In other words, outside our cleared, shaded camp area, it’s a jungle, and most kids aren’t interested in wildlife at camp. So, the problem with campers wondering off, playing hide-n-seek from their authorities, isn’t going to be a problem, most typically, it would appear. Others have made this same observation about Camp Ida, and to this I would agree. Hence, at Camp Ida it’s a nice safe, secure, and sound environment, and this brings me to my next point…
Second, the camp is run by very sound, mature, solid folks. The congregation at Redwater, TX. is to be commended. They run a tight ship, so to speak, but this makes for a very sound environment for our kiddos! Also, it makes for the right kind of encouragement. Kids don’t need a pacifier, they need the truth. We were able to comprehensively provide this at camp Ida. The security in sound teaching should comfort all parents, grandparents, and church leaders relative to concerns about the welfare of our children. The topic this year was THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH, and this was distinctively and lovingly taught to all of our campers.
We had some that attended camp that were well grounded in the truth; we had some that were not. We had some that were from liberal back-grounds; we had some from no back-ground. But, you can be rest assured that our kids, all of them, were taught the truth, and this was reemphasized over and over again. We can thank the Redwater congregation for helping us provide and expedite this critical foundation.
Third, Camp Ida was well staffed, with mature, hard-working counselors, teachers, and kitchen folk. Everyone worked well together, and this is a must if camp is to be a success. There is always the concern that everyone will or will not do their job. I don’t recall any troubles, except perhaps one, and this had something to do with the girls showers/bathroom, but we’ll let this one slip and just say that the problem was quickly remedied. Both Tom and I let the girls handle it, and they did! And so, without any other hang-ups, we were all where we were supposed to be, WHEN and WHERE we were supposed to be. And as a result, we had three baptisms and two restorations.
Fourth, Camp Ida was a success, and will continue to be, because the truth was appropriately handled. This is exactly why anything and everything in life will be a success from God’s standpoint. When Paul told Timothy to handle aright the word of truth, in 2 Timothy 2:15, there is good reason for this. We had young people talking, asking questions relative to Bible matters. (We believe this will continue even after camp.) As a result of the baptisms at camp, we had campers wanting to be baptized, and yet they were not baptized. This may sound odd, but we must remember that not everyone is ready for such a serious decision. And, when this matter was discussed, our job, as Paul said, is not necessarily to baptize, per se, but to guide and help these young people in the RIGHT way. Some are not ready, and yet some are, and these matters were highly discussed at Camp Ida. We did not baptize babies who were NOT ready. We simply and lovingly provided guidance for these kids, guidance of which they will never forget.
Camp Ida was a success because the truth was present and preached. Let’s remember, the truth will set our young people free, and this must be our purpose in everything we do. We look forward to next year!