Camp MiVoden, an Adventist camp with more than 500 acres nestled on the eastern shore of Hayden Lake in Idaho, is a place filled with happy memories and blessings for campers and staff members alike. Joshua Penhallurick, former camper now serving as a MiVoden staff member, reflects on and shares how God continues to shower blessings at MiVoden.
This last summer marked my fifth year working at Camp MiVoden. I first went to MiVoden when I was 8 years old. I was hooked. I kept coming back each summer until I was able to work there as a staff member. I started in maintenance, then kitchen, an activities counselor and this last summer was my second year as boys’ director.
This summer was one of the most memorable summers of my life. When I arrived at camp, I had no idea what God had in store for us. At staff orientation week, everyone quickly bonded and got to know each other.
Then, with the first week of campers, there was a different atmosphere. The tight-knit connections between staff quickly spread to the campers, too. Walking around camp, I could feel the love and joy being spread. In the way people acted and treated each other, there was an overwhelming sense of God’s presence everywhere I went. It was clear to me that this summer wasn’t just about having fun at camp with friends; there was a spiritual transformation in the hearts of everyone coming to camp.
This year’s five-night play told a story of how Jesus actively pursues us, even when we’re not looking for Him. The story took place in a medieval fantasy setting, reminiscent of The Princess Bride. From the youngest adventure camper to the wisest family campers, everyone was excited about the story of Jesus.
Every week, the final night of the play included a reenactment of the crucifixion, showing just how far Jesus is willing to go to pursue us. And all week long, the counselors started and ended each day with worship, continuing to tell campers the stories of Jesus’ love.
I was amazed at the effect that MiVoden was having on people. Then teen week happened. That week, Sam Smith, pastor, shared his personal journey with Jesus and religion. He was completely open and honest. It was vulnerable, it was real and it resonated with campers and staff alike.
After his first night speaking, we had campers in tears and several who wanted to be baptized that week on Sabbath. The staff made a quick decision to offer additional early morning Bible studies, and Smith offered baptismal studies. We had around 45 campers getting up earlier in the morning to go to these studies!
As we saw this unfold, our leadership team at camp decided that we should set aside a time and space where campers could ask more personal questions that they had about God or their personal struggles. We asked Smith, and he agreed to do it with Jeff Wines, MiVoden director.
It was a leap of faith. We had no clue how many people would go or even be interested, but we knew that it would be worth it even if only a few showed up. After the program on Friday, we ended up having around 60 campers asking questions and fully engaged in conversation. All of this led to Sabbath afternoon, when we traditionally offer baptisms at camp. Teen week this year had five baptisms in a single afternoon!
God worked wonders this summer at MiVoden. We had at least one baptism every week this summer, something I have never seen before in my five years working there. But it wasn’t just the baptisms that made this summer special, it was all the seeds that were planted in the hearts of everyone that came that will continue to grow for years to come.
This summer, I found a renewed faith, a full heart, deeper friendships and a gratitude for everything God has done and continues to do at MiVoden.
Watch a camper's perspective on finding Jesus at MiVoden at news.uccsda.org/ruby1125.
There's more to Camp MiVoden than just having fun with friends.
Joshua Penhallurick (right) prays with a group of campers.
