In Christ Alone
It is official, Camp Yona in Crawfordville, GA is now open! Camp Yona, which means bear in Cherokee, is a unique camp experience designed specifically for girls ages 7-16. The philosophy of the camp is centered around resilience and self-esteem.
The girls will experience traditional summer activities such as horseback riding, arts and crafts, archery, canoe trips and the high/low ropes course. In addition, the girls will be further challenged by enrichment activities, including self-defense/boxing, shop/mechanics, fire arms training and gourmet cooking.
According to Drew McIlreavy, founding member and executive director of Camp Yona, “We want to pattern a camp experience which gives the girls many opportunities and provide a safe environment in which they can grow and learn and have fun doing so.”
The camp was created and designed by working with experts from different fields, such as camping, counseling, faith, nutrition, physical education, survival, forestry and business. The purpose of the camp is to enrich girls’ lives through experiences that challenge them and to empower them to be strong and confident women who value themselves and who are able to handle life’s challenges.
This inaugural group of girls will have the potential to set the trends and traditions for this all-girls camp. What would you say to these girls at the opening of this new camp? What inspiring words of wisdom would you want to impart to these young women? For me, it is pretty simple. I would let them know that we are all here because Jesus is Lord.
I would also encourage them to bury in their hearts Hebrews 13:6 (Amplified):
“So we take comfort and are encouraged and confidently and boldly say, The Lord is my Helper; I will not be seized with alarm [I will not fear or dread or be terrified]. What can man do to me?”
Certainly let us build up the confidence our young girls have in their abilities and their potential for their future, but, let us also remind them that in Christ alone we find our true confidence, hope, purpose and very reason for being.
