Area youths enjoy Wildwood Forest Adventure
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There was a Wildwood Forest Adventure the week of June 16 at Ambassadors for Christ Retreat Center in Pocahontas County.
Counselors and 43 campers were excited about the adventure God took them on as they explored the mysteries of the Wildwood Forest and discovered the amazing, untamable nature of God, an organizer said. "Around every corner, children encountered our God, who is as wild as he is good. His character went beyond their imaginations as God revealed himself in exciting, unexpected ways. They experienced a wild battle with Gideon, took a wild stand with Daniel, became part of a wild rescue with Paul and Silas, and were amazed at a wild God encounter with Elijah. They even felt God's wild love at the birth of Jesus."
In conjunction with Pocahontas Cooperative Ministries, the free camp was provided by Tommy and Mollie Watson and Gary and Linda Thomas of Florida. The camp was named in memory of the Thomas' son, Jason, who died in a car accident while serving in the military.
Food was prepared by Al and Carol Allen with the help of a work team also from Florida.
Charlotte Slagle was director of the camp. Her team of counselors were the Rev. Bob and the Rev. Betty Shields, the Rev. Gary and Louetta Gordon, Paul and Nancy Arbogast, Gary and Becky Taylor, Wanda Hrabina, Juanita Hunter, Dustin and Erika Grimes, Wayne and Judy Jackson, Kenita and Declan Gravely, Stephanie Burns, Sally and Caroline Rose, and nurse Gayle Boyette.
Kenney Slagle came each day to build the camp fire, Don Norstrom took care of any mechanical problems that came up and John Ford took time to set up a big screen television and DVD player.
Ladies from Marlinton United Methodist Church arrived around lunch time the last day of camp with pizza for everyone.
Attending the camp were Michael McGee, Jennell Cassell, Michael Sheets, Layla Shinaberry, David Jordan, Mikayla Goins, Brody Buzzard, Bridget Carroll, Will Roark, Isaac Sabbag, Alan Gibson, Brian Adkins, Alie Simon, Mark Jordan, Haley Bennett, Kyle Lester, Abbigail Wade, Sabrina Gravely, Macie Queen, Tessa Jordan, Megan Barnett, Kaitlyn Lester, Lauren Shisler, David Rose, Brittany McMillion, Trevor Sheets, Riley Queen, Austin Ervine, Tresten Taylor, Jason Cassell, Cierra Warner, Kaylynne Goins, Destiny Brown, Hailey Harper, Kimberly Lester, Kaitlyn Wilson, Katlyn Ryder, Caleb Arbogast, Shannon McClure, Thorne Willoughly, Miranda McMillion, Daniel Gaines and Andrew Gibb.
The Family Resource Network's Laura Young told campers about her work throughout the county and was presented with boxes of baby items donated for the Baby Pantry.
Roy Moose had campers mesmerized by his snakes while he told about encounters with the creatures. Many of the children got to hold or touch the snakes. It was noted the director was very quick in locating the back door.
Cully McCurdy took time out of his busy schedule to bring his bear trap which he displayed in his presentation of "living with black bear."
There was a hush in the chapel for half an hour or more while Mollie Watson created chalk drawings. Tommy Watson then talked about the meaning of her drawings. He also announced that they will be providing a free youth retreat again next year.
