Youth/Teen Camp 2018

God broke barriers at this year’s youth camp.

We’ve anticipated this camp since we first knew about it. We came to Croatia to build relationships with young people, and thereby grow their relationships with Jesus. These 5 days in Tuk were a major milestone in that mission. Both looking back and looking forward, we’re excited.

The camp took place in a large, red and white, cabin house in the mountains about an hour southwest of Zagreb. The weather was as beautiful as the scenery.

We had 27 campers (not counting staff), which made this the largest youth camp yet.

We arrived on Tuesday for lunch and left Saturday afternoon. I won’t list out the whole schedule for you, but in the mornings we had worship, class (taught by Savannah and myself), and group times; in the afternoons we had games and electives; and in the evenings we had a lesson, testimonies, and daily events.

(Just before morning class)

(Lunch)

(First day "get to know you")

(American s'mores)

The theme of this year's camp was "Reign Forever," a theme we borrowed from the Josiah Venture Group. They organize youth camps all summer long in many different locations.

(John and his daughter Eden from Josiah Venture in Split, Croatia)

(Andrej from Josiah Venture in Slovenia)

These two guys already have good connections with the church in Zagreb, so we look forward to seeing them again soon!

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Now for some stories.

The guy covering his face with the cards, his name is Daniel. He was my partner in a game called "cams" (otherwise known as "signs" I believe).

We were not the greatest at cams.

Maybe being the only two males in a game requiring subtlety and intuition held us at a disadvantage?

We were also roommates along with two other guys, David and Kaleb.

Daniel is open and talkative. He has a good heart, but some struggles too. David and Kaleb are both minister's kids. Camp isn't novel to them, and they keep to themselves.

I'd been praying for a long time - how do I show these guys the single most important thing in my life without sounding like just another lecture?

The Spirit gave me a lot of grace.

Every night, we were supposed to have a cabin devo. I decided that instead of preparing something, I'd ask them one question. I ask, they answer, what happens after is up to us. They accepted the deal.

(I was the only adult willing to supervise a water war. I was also the only adult that had to bring his clothes home in a plastic bag.)

I asked them questions like, "What is one of the best and one of the worst things about you?" and "What's your dream?" (shout out to Micheal Mitchell for asking me those questions)

I wasn't expecting much, but they took the question seriously. Everyone shared something. Everyone asked each other more questions.

For Daniel, who loves these camps more than any other time of the year, and for David and Kaleb who feel they've grown past all this kid stuff - we had a moment of reality together.

(Gabriel - probably one of the greatest dancers of this age.)

I don't want to write overlong, but it will suffice to say that God became more real (even if it was just a little) to more than a few teens this week.

Thank you so much to everyone praying for us and sending us encouragement.

We'll be posting more pictures and maybe even a video clip to our Facebook page, so keep an eye over there.

There's still one more camp left, August 9th-16th. Please continue praying for the kids, youth, church, and us!

#Shaffer #Kuslanova #Evangelical #Work #Missionary #Christian #Christ #Church #Ministry #Zagreb #Croatia #Camp #Youth #Teen