Course Content
Camp Pinecrest was held in southeast Missouri with a total of 92 teens and 66 staff.
This year new campers and staff joined those who previously attended Camp Pinecrest for another summer of spiritual growth, strengthened relationships and fun. A total of 92 teens took part along with 66 staff who served our teens amazingly.
Attending camp allows our staff to see the incredible way God is working with the campers’ lives. Their attitude, behavior, words and actions demonstrate the way God is leading and guiding them. Every year, those who own and work at Camp Pinecrest point out the campers’ excellent character and interactions. Several of the Camp Pinecrest staff commented on how the campers related with one another, the respect and politeness they showed toward others, the way they respected the camp and the joy they demonstrated during their time together. This year we also had the blessing of council member Aaron Dean and his wife, Michelle, serving on staff. They both provided great encouragement and support to everyone.
We enjoyed meeting in an outdoor amphitheater where most of our Christian living classes were held each morning. The theme, “Becoming Sons & Daughters of God,” was strongly emphasized throughout the time together and brought all the campers and staff closer together as we considered the amazing family God has placed us in.
An all-day river float trip on the Black River was new to camp this year! The trip allowed brother and sister dorms to float down the river in eight-person rafts with a nice stop to enjoy lunch on the shore. Those who were able to take the trip this year expressed that it was a hit! Plans are to include the float trip again next summer. While standup paddleboarding has been an activity in the past, this year the activity included SUPBall which the campers found challenging and a lot of fun. Other activities included archery, Bible class, dance class, riflery, rock climbing and rappelling, softball, speedaway, teambuilding and volleyball.
The dates for Camp Pinecrest 2023 are Sunday, July 2 - Sunday, July 9, and we hope everyone can make it back once again, along with those who will join us for the first time!
Michael Phelps and his wife Laura, and daughter Kelsey, attend the Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Flint Michigan congregations, where Michael serves as pastor. Michael and Laura both grew up in the Church of God. They attended Ambassador University in Big Sandy for two years (1994-96) then returned home to complete their Bachelor's Degrees. Michael enjoys serving in the local congregations as well as with the pre-teen and teen camp programs. He also enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, and running.
