Church guide

That's a wrap on Week Two! We'll see y'all for Week Three before you know it! #ShineBright2019

Does CLS stand for Camp Lake Stephens, or Cool Little Salon? Honestly, we're not sure anymore.

Yes, we know chess is a two-player game - and we don't care.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet our Leaders-In-Training! They're rising 10th and 11th graders who are at camp for three weeks, learning the ins and outs of camp - along the path to possibly being on staff in the not-too-distant future! These rockstars are at the halfway point of their session. They've helped lead activities with elementary family groups, transform parts of camp that need some love and care, and have generally been a joy to be around. Let's give them a round of applause! 👏

Music and chairs: name a more iconic duo. We'll wait.

All our photos from Week One are now up on our Facebook page! #ShineBright2019

Just like that, Week One is in the books! Who's coming for Week Two? 👍

There are two ways to get used to the cold water: the easy way, and the FUN way. 😆

It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring. He went to bed, and...decided to do some high ropes because he couldn't sleep! Adventure Camp has safely arrived at South Cumberland State Park in Tennessee. We wish them a safe, fun trip as they blaze the trails!

When you aren't afraid to be yourself, others take notice!

Not all heroes wear capes - but we do when we run across the athletic field. You should try it sometime!

O. My. Gosh. Camp is HERE!

#MeetTheStaff

We're ready. Are you? #ShineBright2019

#MeetTheStaff

Now that staff training is over, the REAL fun can begin! #ShineBright2019 Thanks to Agape North for printing our stellar summer staff shirts!

#MeetTheStaff

We're ready. Are you? #ShineBright2019

When it comes to outdoor education, we don't just talk the talk, we walk the walk - literally! Here's a recap of our spring break backpacking trip to DeSoto State Park in Alabama!

Current 11th and 12th graders, this is for you! The Bridge is a new student-led program this summer that's designed to connect you with college campus ministries like the Wesley Foundation. You'll get to meet Wesley Foundation leaders from around the state, and hear stories from students like Neisha and Dillon of how campus ministry encouraged, shaped, and changed them after high school. Visit camplakestephens.com/the-bridge-retreat/ to register and get more info!

You don't even have to leave our main office to see the impact that our spiritual leadership development has had over the years! Chap Fenwick, our Program Director, got his start right here on the campgrounds, and he'll gladly tell you about it! #FirmFoundations * Keep an eye out for the full interview!

Our LIT (Leader-In-Training) program is one of the ways that we work to develop spiritual leadership at camp. At three weeks long, it's a more extensive leadership, relationship, and confidence-building experience than our other specialty camps. We could go on about it, but we'd rather let you hear from a former LIT! #FirmFoundations

Parents, teachers, and church leaders — please consider an #OutdoorEducation experience for your class or group! • • “We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In my children’s memories, the adventures we’ve had together in nature will always exist.” Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods • • “Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish of the sea inform you. Which of these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” Job 12:7-10 #FirmFoundations

Registration opens at midnight tonight! #ShineBright2019 • • 🎥 @evanofmanyfaces

It might not be December quite yet, but let's be honest, you're already listening to Christmas music. So, can we all agree that it's close enough to December that we can go ahead and introduce our 2nd Foundation of United Methodist Camp & Retreat Ministry? Glad you agree! So here it is: As a camp ministry, we are called to "Partner with United Methodist Churches, Agencies, and Community Organizations". Back in October, several of our camp staff had the opportunity to join Greg Hazelrig, youth from Bakers Chapel UMC, and other volunteers as they went to feed, clothe, and build relationships with the homeless community of Memphis. They take part in this spiritual act of worship every Tuesday (yes, EVERY Tuesday!). Each week, they faithfully set out to provide the most basic of necessities to God's children who are in need of nourishment, warmth, and love. These people on the streets are not strangers to Greg and the other volunteers - their names and stories are known, and they are valued. How amazing is that? We are excited to continue partnering with Greg and his congregations during our Confirmation Retreat, which is taking place February 1-3. Confirmands and their adult leaders will be given the opportunity to pack hygiene kits, which will be distributed at a later time to these people in need. Our goal is to pack 1,000 kits, and we are encouraging groups in attendance to raise money for the cause. If you or your church is interested in supporting this ministry and helping us raise these funds, please feel free to contact us. Shout out to Greg, his youth, and volunteers for setting such an example for us all! #FirmFoundations #Community

Why support Camp Lake Stephens through #GivingTuesday? Because it’s a place where both the young and the old continue to teach one another about the Kingdom of God.

Thanks @thatsologan (Logan Hudson) for speaking some truth about what Camp Lake Stephens has been and will continue to be — a place for all to come and experience the abundant and life-changing love of Christ. #GivingTuesday