2025 Buckeye Border FCA Leadership Camp

July 19-23, 2025

God is amazing! We all knew that, right? But as I look back a few days ago to our FCA Leadership Camp, I keep praising God for His incredible plan! Proverbs 19:21, “You can make many plans, but the Lord’s purpose will prevail.”

We began planning for this camp, last August! My binder was complete, new plans for an amazing camp were in place, and weeks before the camp started, I felt more than ready! But the first day of camp arrived, and I had to toss out most of my plans for day one. A couple of no-shows, bad weather, and sickness changed my plans. I made many plans, but the Lord’s purpose and plans prevailed!

As the week progressed, according to God’s plan, EVERY camper made a spiritual decision! Six students gave their lives to Jesus for the first time! Sometimes this number amazes me, because campers return every year, and this is a “leadership” camp, so we expect these students to already have a relationship with! Eighty-two students recommitted their lives to! Over 30 not only recommitted their life to, but they also felt God calling them to do something specifically for Him!

We asked each student, “What was the most meaningful part of camp?” Their replies?

Seventy-one said “Chapel!” They could have said games, waterslide, lake, high ropes, climbing wall. Instead, the greatest impact was Chapel! Seventeen said, “Rededicating my life to Jesus at Sunday night Chapel.” Another 16 said that “relationships, talking with their Huddle and cabin mates!” Another 15 said the “bonfire and testimonies” were powerful. Finally, 14 said their “Huddle time” was the most meaningful! Do you see it? These kids are longing for solid, genuine RELATIONSHIPS!

Every day kids competed in games. Every day kids were challenged with activities such as climbing walls and high ropes. Every day kids were taught how to live out their faith at home and school. Every day…they were given the opportunity to worship, and they did so to the point of exhaustion.

One of our favorite camp events is the bonfire on our final night together. This year, after two hours, and well beyond curfew (12:15am), we decided it would be wise to close the evening with prayer. For over two hours campers shared their life stories filled with temptations, hurts, and challenges. From brokenness to new life, healing, and hope… many campers found peace and strength in sharing. Hugs, tears, and praises poured out that night. To God be the glory!

Now we pray, as 174 of us return home…that we WILL be different! Pray that decisions made will not only last but be immediately evident! As you pray, here is the first story to celebrate after camp!

At the first game after FCA camp, one of our campers asked her coach if she could pray for her team before the game…and she did! Here’s where it gets better! In the stands, one of the moms asked this camper’s mom, “So are you really religious?” Her response was… “Do we love Jesus, yes.” The asking mother then said, “That’s cool, I probably need more God in my life.” From there, the mom shared more…thanks to this young camper praying with her team for the first time! To GOD be ALL the glory!

Thank you for praying! Thank you for giving! Your prayers, support, and donations to camp are an investment beyond earthly value and beyond our understanding!