Turn Around!

Have any Christian friends who are headed down the wrong path? Maybe they’re making choices that don’t lead them closer to God or caught in a pattern of sin or addiction they can’t escape. List a few names or initials that come to mind.

 Read Jeremiah 8:4-7.

The prophet’s orders were clear: confront God’s people about their sin. It was a tall order, especially since Judah’s leaders were a major part of the problem. Jeremiah would literally be risking his life if he obeyed. But he did, and not just because God wanted him to do it. Jeremiah cared for the people, too.

Think about the people whose names you listed earlier. Are any of them hardened toward repentance? Why?

How is keeping someone accountable different from condemning them?

As a Christian, do you think it’s part of your duty to hold other believers accountable or to call them back from sin? Why or why not?

If you believe it is, how does that idea make you feel? Explain.

THE POINT

You were never meant to live the Christian life alone. God wants us to live in community with other believers who love us enough to call us back from sin when we start heading down the wrong road. We’re to do so with compassion and love, not condemnation.

TAKE ACTION

Look over that list of names you created earlier. Pray for your friends. If you believe God is calling you to hold someone accountable, take time to pray for courage right now. Ask God to give you the right words to say, and then find a way to reach out to that friend.

Accountability— noun
-an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.

Condemnation— noun
-express complete disapproval of, typically in public; censure.
-find (someone) guilty of a criminal act or wrong.
-sentence (someone) to a particular punishment

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Jeremiah 8, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Happiness Is…

Think about the last time you were really happy. Why were you so happy? Write a few phrases or draw pictures that describe how you felt.

READ ISAIAH 55:12-13 in your Bible. Consider these phrases about the happiness that will come to pass for God’s people:

“You will . . . go out with joy”

“[You will be] peacefully guided”

“The mountains and hills will break into singing before you.”

“The trees of the field will clap their hands.”

THINK ABOUT IT

It might be hard to imagine an ecstatic tree clapping its hands, but God is making a point about the whole atmosphere of the world bursting with elation and unencumbered excitement. This is the kind of bliss that explodes in the hearts of those who have followed God and are experiencing His blessings. Day after day He keeps His promises to us, and one day all His promises will be fulfilled.

JOURNAL

Do you remember a time when God came through for you and it filled you with joy? How have you experienced God’s work, whether in your life or in someone else’s? If you’re going through a rough time, what do you hope that God will do? Write it all down here.

TAKE ACTION

Pray through your notes. Whether you have experienced blessing or difficulty, practice an attitude of gratitude. If you’re seeking God’s help through a difficult time, ask Him to move in powerful ways.

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Happiness, Isaiah, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest Winner

It is time to announce the winner of our 3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest! We had some very creative entries so this was definitely not an easy decision.  Our winner this year is Ainsley Franklin!  Ainsley, be on the lookout for a Camp Crestridge shirt coming your way! Thank you to all who entered!

Posted in Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Halloween, Pumpkin Carving Contest, Pumpkins, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Perspective

Read Isaiah 55:8-9 in your Bible. As you read, consider what these verses tell you about how God’s thinking process is different from your own. Think about how His thoughts are different from ours.

Perspective.God’s perspective on life and the universe is much greater than ours, which is one very important reason why He doesn’t act like we do.

JOURNAL

Evaluate your life and the things you’re dealing with right now in light of these verses. Then, record your thoughts in your journal. Ask yourself: How can I see things from God’s perspective? Can I see His purpose? How could what I’m facing today be a part of God’s plan for my future?

TAKE ACTION

The certain thing about God’s words is that they are productive. Take some time to meditate upon them or memorize them today. What steps will you take this week to make Scripture a vital part of each day of your life?

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Isaiah, Perspective, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest

There is less than a week left until Halloween!  Nothing says Fall and Halloween at camp more than carving pumpkins.  We are pleased to announce the kickoff of our 3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest!  To participate in the contest is simple, carve a pumpkin with a design that is inspired by camp.  It can be based on a building, your favorite activity, your village, or even OJ.  We simply want to see the things that remind you most of camp carved into a pumpkin!  One lucky overall winner will win a free camp t-shirt!  Once you have your pumpkin carved you can submit a picture by emailing it to raganstory@gmail.com or by posting it on our Facebook page.  All submissions are due at midnight on Wednesday, Octobert 31.

Posted in Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Halloween, Pumpkin Carving Contest, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

A Taste of Camp in the Fall

Camp is so beautiful in the summertime but we thought all of you might like to experience what camp looks like in the fall. Here are some photos of the Crestridge lake and the views at the top of some of our favorite trails.

Crestridge Lake

Ridgecrest Lake

The Reservoir

Rattlesnake Peak

Kitzuma Peak

Posted in Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest Lake, Crestridge Lake, Fall, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Starter Camp Highlights 2012

Here are some great photo highlights from our last session of the summer, Starter Camp!

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Suit Up

If you’ve ever played on a sports team, you know the importance of putting on the uniform. It helps you focus your mind on the game ahead. If you dress up for church on Sundays or have to put on business attire for work, you know that those outfits are significant, too. They reflect the propriety of the service you’re about to attend or the work you’re about to do.

 READ JEREMIAH 1:17-19.

God was telling Jeremiah to “get ready,” because he needed to stand tall and proclaim the truth in the face of adversity. Now, check out verse 17 in a couple of other translations or paraphrases:

“But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them.” —Jeremiah 1:17 (ESV)

“But you—up on your feet and get dressed for work! Stand up and say your piece. Say exactly what I tell you to say. Don’t pull your punches or I’ll pull you out of the lineup.” —Jeremiah 1:17 (The Message)

THE POINT

When Jeremiah was wearing God’s authority, he was like “a fortified city,” “an iron pillar” and “bronze walls” against his enemies. When you’re doing what God has called you to, don’t be afraid. Stand in His power and strength.

TAKE ACTION

Focus on your calling. If you know what God is asking you to do, don’t be afraid to move forward.

Do what it takes to suit up. How can you prepare yourself to do God’s work?

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Jeremiah 1, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Trusting God’s Promises

Who is the most trustworthy person you know? Why? List a few reasons.

Probably one of your answers was that a trustworthy person keeps his or her word. She does what she says she will; he keeps his commitments. The Bible tells us that God does everything that He says He’ll do. Every promise He makes gets fulfilled. A promise from God is more than a guarantee—it’s as good as if it were already done.

 READ JEREMIAH 1:11-14. Notice that God promised disaster from the north, and soon enough, Babylon came from the north and conquered Jerusalem. God always does what He says He’ll do. Ask yourself:

When and how have you seen God fulfill His promises to you?

Do you doubt God’s ability to come through for you? Why or why not?

TAKE ACTION

In what areas of your life are you not trusting God to fulfill His promises to you? Turn them over to Him in prayer today.

What specific steps will you take to actively trust God with your life and your plans this week? List two or three.

GOING DEEPER

Want to know more about the things God has promised to those who love and seek Him? Read the following verses:

Isaiah 40:29-31
Jeremiah 29:11
Matthew 11:28-29
John 14:27
Romans 8:37-39
Romans 6:23
Romans 10:9
Philippians 4:19

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Jeremiah 1, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Trust | Leave a reply

Highlights from 2B 2012

Here are some highlights from our last two week session of the summer.  Comment and tell us what session you came in 2012!

Posted in Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Summer Highlights | Leave a reply