OPC/PCA Youth Camp

One thing that I really enjoy about being in the Siouxlands Presbyter of the PCA is our annual youth camp. We hold the camp at Camp Judson near Keystone, SD together with the Presbytery of the Dakotas of the OPC. If you are anywhere within a reasonable driving distance of Western South Dakota, you should consider sending your children there (4th grade-12th grade completed). Here are a few reasons.

First, it is a great time for intensive learning and studying the Bible. It is a Bible camp. We begin every morning with two different Bible classes. I taught two different groups of 9th and 10th graders.



I taught on the law of God. I began by explaining the definition of a law. Then, we looked at the law in relation to angels, pre-fall Adam, fallen man, Moses, and Jesus. We saw that the moral law is the equivalent of the Ten Commandments and of permanent and abiding authority, even though it cannot save, justify, or sanctify. After our classes, we hold a chapel. A different pastor preaches every day. We conclude the day with worship and preaching around the campfire. Then, the campers return to their cabins for devotions with their counselor.

2. It is a lot of fun. There is a good balance between fun activities and learning. On Tuesday, several students and adults hiked up Harney Peak. On Thursday, we went to Mt. Rushmore. Throughout the day, there were opportunities to play various indoor games, play basketball, and swim.

3. It is a great opportunity to build friendships across the Presbytery. This is true for adults and for students. I was surprised in talking to one girl at the camp that she had come from Sioux Falls to the Black Hills and had visited one of the girls in my Church. I had no idea they were keeping in contact. For pastors, it's a good time to get to know one another in a different setting other than Presbytery, as well as other adults in the Presbytery. Below is a picture of Pastor Randy Klynsma of Bridgewater, SD (OPC) with me and his daughter Maggie.