The children of the Desert Southwest Conference of The United Methodist Church love going to Mingus Mountain Camp in Prescott Valley, AZ. They love the fresh air, the great activities, and the faith encounters. At one Paradise Valley church, the knowledge of an exciting addition to their beloved camp built so much excitement that youth and adults were willing to take action and put their money where their mouth is.
The 4th to 6th grade children of FaithQuakes, a youth ministry program at Paradise Valley United Methodist Church in Paradise Valley, AZ, recently held a cookie walk to help raise funds to build a challenge course at Mingus and raised $1,440! But the fundraising didn’t end there. Several members of PVUMC volunteer at Mingus on a regular basis. They were aware that prior to the installation, Mingus Mountain Camp must raise $71,000 by Christmas 2014. Because of the youth’s efforts and the knowledge of the enormous financial task, two church members and one of the church’s fellowship groups were so inspired that they challenged each other to go above and beyond, increasing the total donation amount to almost $3,000. To date, $7,000 has been raised.
The children are looking forward to seeing the challenge course first hand after its proposed installation in the spring of 2015. The course would include a 40-foot rock climbing tower, zip lines, and other adventures high in the trees of the Prescott forest. It would also include a low ropes course.
Recent research has established the positive impact of challenge courses on groups and individuals. Results have included improved self-esteem, better communication, increased problem solving abilities, and closer friendships.
Mike Crevelt, Mingus Mountain Camp Director says, “A challenge course is the Swiss Army knife of camp, and will be a great tool for campers’ spiritual, mental, and physical development.”
However, there’s no need to wait until the project’s completion to enjoy a camp experience packed with great fun, delicious food, and amazing friends. You can do that at Winter Camp at either Mingus Mountain or Potosi Pines Camps. Youth in grades 7 through 12 are invited to come to “Game On” camp at Mingus Mountain or the “Break Up With Stress” camp at Potosi Pines, both taking place January 17-19, 2015.
Here’s what some campers have shared about their experience at camp:
- “Because of camp, I was able to have a fun-filled week and better my relationship with Christ.”
- “Because of camp, I made new friends and learned about the bible .”
- “Because of camp, I learned that I should believe in myself no matter what life throws at me.”
Editor’s notes:
- Registration information for the 2015 Desert Southwest Conference Winter Camps can be found at www.dsccamps.org/2015-winter-camps
- Information about the proposed challenge course can be found at www.mingusmountaincamp.org/challenge-course-coming-soon
- A PDF document with information about sponsoring a part of the new Challenge Course can be downloaded by clicking here.