One-Week Christian Summer Youth Bible Camp

“Rain”

Philippians 4:4, “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!” (NKJV)

Today was supposed to be lake day. The whole camp had bags packed for Chilhowee, towels and swimsuits ready. Then the rain rolled in and washed the whole plan out.

Here is what happened next, and it might be my favorite thing all week. Instead of moping about it, the camp pivoted. Somebody rented out twelve lanes at the local bowling alley, and Camp Areté descended … Read more

“Lights”

Philippians 2:15, “… among whom you shine as lights in the world.” (NKJV)

Wednesday was the day the tribes really brought it. Bible Olympics in the morning, the Round Robin in the afternoon, and every tribe left something on the field.

The football was intense from the first whistle, with the Fellowship of the Phillies dominating on the gridiron. The Humblebees answered by taking the volleyball championship. The United Stakes of Areté won the cheer competition outright. And Joy … Read more

“Stepping Stones”

Philippians 1:21, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (NASB)

The big reveal came this morning. The four tribes built their names, colors, cheers, and shirts, and your kids did not hold back.

Tribe 1 is the Humblebees, in black and yellow, built around the theme of humility. A humility pun and a bee pun on one shirt. We are fully on board.

Tribe 2 is the United Stakes of Areté, … Read more

“Packing”

Philippians 1:6, “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (NASB)

The big vans rolled in from Connecticut, Texas, and everywhere in between. By late afternoon, Camp Areté 2026 was officially loud again.

Bags hit the dining hall. Phones and medications got checked in, camp shirts went out, and kids hauled their luggage down to the cabins to claim a bunk. Opening worship, the director’s welcome, and just like that, … Read more

Back by popular demand, here are the camper and staff group photos taken at this summer’s Camp Areté.

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… Read more

“Community”

Colossians 4:12, “Epaphras, who is one of your number, a bondslave of Jesus Christ, sends you his greetings, always laboring earnestly for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.” NASB 1995

Much has been said about the friendly rivalry we try to facilitate here at Camp Areté, but really it is in the service of building community. It is our hope that the desire to outperform … Read more

“Going”

Colossians 3:1–2, “Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.” NASB 1995

For a brief few hours, Camp Areté was quiet. The tribes were observing a truce, so as participate in a great pilgrimage. Up the great mountain trail they ascended in a caravan that stretched … Read more

“Effort”

Colossians 2:14, “having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” NASB 1995

Throughout the week the teams have been clashing. On Monday their weapons were paintbrushes and conductors’ batons, as they competed in a fevered frenzy of inspired artistry to design uniforms and anthems befitting their unique culture and high ideals. Yesterday, their … Read more