As technology and digital devices become deeper embedded in the lives of most Americans, a group of Adventists between Umpqua Valley and the Oregon Coast has been working to provide a unique, offline experience that reconnects kids with nature, each other and Jesus.
Church members of Bandon, Coquille and Coos Bay Adventist Churches have led what is now called Remote Adventure Camp for almost two decades.
Joy Ross, camp director, first found herself volunteering with RAC when her former pastor approached her to teach a class there.
“One day he came to me and said, ‘I want you to teach the cake decorating class!’ Every year after that, I helped. Then, one night in a board meeting, my pastor said, ‘I want to nominate Joy to be the new director of RAC,’" shared Ross. "I really enjoy doing this. I think it’s a wonderful project and it’s something I can get behind because it’s an outreach that’s so needed today.”
“I’ve seen changes in kids' lives,” Ross shared. “Some of them are from far away and I may never even see them again, but we’re doing whatever we can to show them that we love them. It really makes a difference in their lives."
"A lot of these kids are used to having cell phones in their hands, games that they play all the time and TVs they watch, so for them to choose to come here for a week without any of those things and without sugar and treats, that says something to me," Ross continued. "They want to be here. And if they want to be here, there’s a reason. I want to provide the best reason for them to be here — to show them the love of God.”
RAC is held near the end of each summer for one week and serves many families who may not have access or exposure to larger camp settings. If you or someone you know would like to get involved in 2025, contact Ross at joyshammot@gmail.com or through the camp's Facebook page at facebook.com/RemoteAdventureCamp.
Campers enjoy a snack under the trees on a warm afternoon.
Creative projects throughout the week teach campers skills for other areas of life.
Young people of all ages come together for one week a summer for this unusual camp.
