Wholesome Recreation
Have you found it difficult for your children to find friends who are Christians? Have you longed for an opportunity to provide your children good, clean, wholesome fun? Would you like to see your children have a chance to be a part of activities/games in an environment where sportsmanship and fair-play prevail regardless of their experience level? Are daily Bible study, prayer, and spiritual encouragement on a daily basis important in your family? If you answered “yes” to any of these, the board of directors of Friends of Indiana Youth are pleased to make you aware of two camps that do the above — and more.
What Sets Us Apart
Since 1981, the directors and counselors of the Midwest Summer Camp (MSC) have provided fun-filled weeks guided by Christ-like values and morals for children aged 8-18. We offer two separate weeks of camp, Junior (ages 8-11) and Senior (ages 12-18), both at Shakamak State Park in Jasonville, Indiana. What makes these camps unique is that all the camp counselors, directors, cooks and other staff members are devoted members of the Lord’s church. They care about their soul, the souls of others, and the future of the children who come to be a part of their camp. They happily volunteer personal time (and for some, a week of income) to be with a camp of young people every summer.
Making a Difference
As a camper, your child will be part of a legacy that has continued since 1981. Your camper will participate as part of a team, captained by two Christians, typically a husband and wife. They will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities such as: kickball, soccer, basketball, lip synching, volleyball, canoeing, obstacle course, crafts, and many others. They will be enriched by daily Bible classes, prayers, nightly devotions in their cabins, and songs and hymns sung at mealtime and evening times around the flagpole or a bonfire. Your child will enjoy three square meals a day, home cooked by, hands down, the best cooks a camp has ever known. Yes, we even get comments like: “I wish my mom could cook like this!”.
MSC has made a difference in the lives of hundreds of children, most of whom look upon their camp memories and friendships as some of the most precious in life. Friendships developed at MSC’s camps are often life-long. As a testimony to the camp’s impact on lives, many former campers have gone on to become camp directors, counselors, and board members, hoping to contribute back to what they received as campers.
Who We Are
We exist for the young people in our area, which includes most of Indiana and nearby portions of Illinois and Kentucky. Our board members and camp staff members come from Churches of Christ in the Midwest. We are simply Christians who have a deep concern for the development and welfare of young people in every way: socially, mentally, emotionally, and physically.
- We want young people to meet others their own age from families that share a common bond in Christ;
- We want young people to be able to participate in fun activities that are wholesome and are consistent with their faith;
- We want young people to think about their faith as they plan their post-school directions. This includes Florida College, a college in Temple Terrace, FL which is directed by Christians.
We Are Not
- A “church camp” or “Bible camp.” Our camp is recreational in nature. We have Bible study each day and devotional period(s) because Christians should do these, but we do not replace the church. We are an extension of the family. Parents provide nurturing and recreation for their child, and we assist. We do not-and would not-accept money from any church. Camp fees fund everything we do;
- A place to make money. All our camp staffers are members of congregations in the Midwest. Several are elders, deacons, or evangelists. The staff receives a camp fee discount for donating their time, but no cash changes hands. With team-related props and do-dads, they spend money out-of-pocket to attend camp each year. Our staff has very low turnover, so young people get to know the staff members. Most staff folks have been here 6-15 years, and we feel like camp folks are an extended family. We’re thankful that they give up a week of their vacation to be with 200 children. We could never afford to pay them what they are worth.
I’m so thankful for all working to make better lives for our young folks.