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

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“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

“Monumental”

Colossians 1:18, “He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.” NASB 1995

Glinting off of the dizzying peaks, the sun illuminated the towering monuments to the ingenuity and craft of their creators. Surely as nations rose and fell, these monoliths would remind future peoples of their forerunners, and they would despair that such skill … Read more

“Difference”

Colossians 1:4–5, “since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints; because of the hope laid up for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the gospel” NASB 1995

Four tribes competed head-to-head today in the construction of names, chants, and t-shirts. The uniqueness was on display as the students brainstormed, designed, dyed, sang and rapped competitively in a four-way battle. … Read more

“Game Face”

3:59 P.M. Benton TN, everyone is in their seats, ready to go. Enthusiastic rejoicing breaks out as Pastor Brad leads everyone in worship of our Lord God. Camp Areté is off to a powerful and prepared start.

Colossians 1:28, “We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.” NASB 1995

Every camper comes to Camp Areté for their own reasons—some for the … Read more