Friday, Jul. 25, 2008

New church holds its first summer camp

Children gathered for overnight stay

Los Baños' Bethany Church of God in Christ held its Youth Summer Camp the weekend of July 13 at Coffey Ranch located on the rolling hills of Hollister.

Elvira Grimes, a camp volunteer, said 42 children braved the extreme temperature to attend the camp.

The children were treated to various activities including a safari ride through the hills, horseback riding, arts and craft, swimming, basketball, fishing (the children caught many fish), volleyball, bible stories, delicious meals, and fishing.

The church's pastor, Gerald E. Harris, shared a story of how a summer camp changed his life. The camp director Lynn Reed was overjoyed with the success and spiritual blessing received by all who attended.

Bethany gave each child a tote which included a Bible and youth camp T-shirt. Each Bible was personally signed by Pastor Harris. Eleven awards for best arts and craft and the awards ranged from tents, to electronic basketball, football and baseball games were also handed out.

"We had a wonderful time and look forward to doing it again in the upcoming months. This time in addition to all the above recreational activities we will include a hay ride," Grimes said.

-- Minerva Perez