In September 2025, junior high and high school students from across the Northwest made their way to Antelope, Oregon, for Bible Camp. Both long weekends centered around the theme “Made for More.” Eph. 2:10 tells us that, “we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Youth attending Bible Camp found themselves surrounded by fun, face-to-face connections and, most importantly, powerful spiritual growth. Due to the event’s location, it’s a unique opportunity to separate from mobile devices and rediscover meaningful relationships with others and with God. One way of doing this was through dozens of peer-led life groups.
“Life groups happened each night after the meetings and they were huge!” shared Jana Lee, Oregon Conference church ministries director. “Student leaders were identified by our schools and two were recommended to lead each life group. They would do a time of application and some hands-on experiences, as well as discussions together.” In designing each group, leaders attempted to connect students from a variety of areas and schools to encourage new friendships, more openness and more authenticity.
Feedback from the students has been incredibly positive. “This was my favorite event of the year,” shared Remy Lundquist, student participant. “The speaker was awesome, and our school loved the worship band. There were so many activities that let you connect with students from different schools. I left feeling closer to God and with more friends.”
Other students shared sentiments such as, “I was able to express myself in ways I never have before,” “It felt easier to worship at Bible Camp,” “Normal friend group barriers were broken down,” and “Before I came to Bible Camp I wasn’t big on God, but after being there, I feel like I am.”
Perhaps the most powerful sign of Bible Camp’s impact is in the growing prominence of young returning leaders. Danny Ramos, who returned as worship staff for the second time, grew up going to Washington Family Ranch for Hispanic ministries youth retreats and with his school for Bible Camp.
“I want to say I’ve been here 10 times, if not more,” said Ramos. “When I started working with Jason Calvert, it was just evident that he wanted this to be something that would create a catalyst for students and something that they would look back on and say, ‘That was a moment where my life changed with Jesus.’ I see how it impacted the school body around me when I went, and that adds so much to being part of connecting students with Christ here now … It’s a place where I think I can just be really honest and vulnerable, where I’m free to worship God and express my praise. I think Bible Camp gives us a foreshadowing of what heaven and the new earth will look like.”
Damian Chandler, pastor, brings Jesus to the forefront each day.
Middle- and high-schoolers enjoy praise music, devotionals, life groups and a prayer wall, all designed to connect them with Jesus.
Bible Camp activities include swimming, go-karts, a climbing gym, volleyball, basketball, zip line, giant swing and much more!
Hundreds of teens travel to Antelope, Oregon, for a time of spiritual and personal connection.
