As part of OUTLOOK’s recent photo/essay contest, Mid-America youth (ages 10-16) were asked to describe how a past camp experience impacted their lives. Participants were also asked to submit up to three photos to accompany their essays. The grand prize: a free week at any Mid-America Union-sponsored camp. The first, second and third place winners were also published in the May 2014 issue of OUTLOOK.

The winners, honorable mentions and other entries are featured below. Click the “next” or “previous” buttons to navigate between entries. 

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Sierra Allison

image3Last year was the first time going to camp without my parents being around. I had brought my cousin, and my brother came and brought a friend, too. We had all gone to Tween Camp. I enjoyed being around people that have accepted Christ, but I felt like a missionary because I was teaching my cousin about Jesus (she had never been to church or actually had fun learning about Jesus). I hope that we both can go to Teen Camp this next year.

During the week I met new friends. We all exchanged phone numbers, and I keep in contact with some of them to this day. By asking What’s new? or How’s life? the conversation could last a day or more. Hopefully we will see each other at camp this next year.

I enjoy learning and trying new things. I had gone knee boarding for the first time, and I enjoyed it very much. I was a little scared at first, but I couldn’t believe I got up. It was a blast! Another thing that was new for me was the food (my family still eats some meat but not a lot). Every single meal at camp was amazing! Even though it was fake meat it was really good.

I hope this next year at camp I get to try new things, bring friends, and learn more things. I was glad I went to camp. I had no fear being away from my parents because I knew God was there to protect me. I’m hoping to meet new friends this next year at camp, and I would like to enjoy camp even more!