Beyond the Campfire

Beyond the Campfire: Real Transformation in Teens

My time at camp this year was nothing short of God-led and God-filled. I’ve seen God move in powerful ways before, but one of the biggest challenges we face as leaders is what happens after camp ends. Year after year, students encounter God and return home on fire—only to slip back into old patterns within a few weeks. We often find ourselves wondering: Was it a true decision to follow Christ, or just an emotional high?

This year, we prayed against that pattern with everything we had—and God answered.

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” — 2 Corinthians 5:17

I had the opportunity to walk closely with the high school guys from Tioga throughout the week, and what I witnessed was nothing short of miraculous. We prayed together. We wrestled with grief, asked for restoration, dove into the Word, and unpacked the parable of the prodigal son—talking about what it means to be both the younger and the older brother. We repented, and we all experienced the grace of God.

These young men, many of whom have come to camp before, didn’t just make emotional decisions—they made committed ones. They aren’t slipping back into old ways of life. They’re attending church, joining youth and discipleship groups, praying regularly, and seeking opportunities to grow in their faith. Even more incredibly, many of them are feeling called to ministry.

I could tell you about the messy games and powerful worship moments (and those were awesome!), but what I’m truly praising God for is this: the unmistakable work of the Holy Spirit transforming hearts and lives. These guys are becoming new creations.

- Jonathan Cooper, Tioga Ministry Director