Summer is quickly approaching and that means it’s time for Camp Pike! Enthusiastic youth from Coppell and the surrounding area travel with the First United Methodist Church each July for the most amazing week of their lives. The Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, located in Pike National Forest at the base of Colorado’s Pikes Peak Mountain, is the beautiful destination where the youth, counselors and chaperones begin their adventure each year.
This week long event is known as Camp Pike and is an annual Christian hiking and outdoor camp for youth in grades 6th through 10th. It is a lay led ministry of the church and over the past 23 years, Camp Pike has provided mountaintop experiences for hundreds of youth – both physically and spiritually. During this incredible week the outdoor activities include rock climbing, water sports, and daily mountain hikes. The older campers also enjoy rafting and tent camping, while arts and crafts, games, skits, talent shows and dances round out each day for everyone. All of these activities culminate into a daylong climb up America’s Mountain – the 14,110 foot Pike’s Peak.
The staff for Camp Pike plays an integral part in making the week such a great experience. When creating the week’s adventures, the majority of counselors build on their own deeply rooted journeys formed during previous summers at “Pike” as campers. Maci Nichols reflects on her time as an experienced Camp Pike counselor saying, “Camp Pike is a place that I have come to call my second home. The relationships I have made with the campers, fellow counselors and staff are ones that I will remember for a lifetime. Being in the mountains, close to God's incredible creations is something that I wish everyone could experience.” Deb Kreneck, an adult staff member says, “I love Camp Pike for many reasons. I really enjoy watching and interacting with the kids all week. It's so cool to witness this huge group of kids coming together and becoming so close to each other, to nature and to God. For me personally, Pike is a place where I find amazing peace. It's an opportunity to shut off all of the technology and forget about all of the schedules and just be.” Veteran Pike camper Frank Paolini says “I start looking forward to the next camp immediately after we get home from the week. It is a fantastic place to challenge yourself physically and mentally, while having a great time with your friends. I am amazed at the beauty God has created there and feel grateful I have been able to witness it.”
Camp Pike takes place this year from July 15th to July 23rd and is filling up quickly. It is not a requirement to be a member of the church to attend. Just bring a desire to experience the beauty of nature, the willingness to challenge your mind and body, and the love of nurturing friendships, old and new. The church’s youth website offers more information at www.camppike.com, or call the church office at 972-462-0471. Come join us for an experience that will last a lifetime!