whatever it takes.

Ask yourself: are you willing to do whatever it takes to see people come to Christ?

Read 1 Corinthians 9:19-23. Think about verse 19.

What did Paul mean when he said he made himself a slave to everyone?

What’s difficult about that idea?

How do verses 20-22 apply to your life today? How have you become like others in order to show them Christ’s love?

When have you NOT followed these instructions? What happened?

How do Paul’s instructions relate to how Jesus lived His life? Explain.

Is there anything you should NOT do or say in order to share Christ with others? Why or why not?

This was a difficult passage for me when I was in high school. I was taught that I was to be different from others to demonstrate God’s work in my life. Yet these verses seemed to say I should act like others.

Yes, relationships with unbelievers are necessary in order to share God’s love, but not at the expense of living a life that’s pleasing to God.

So how do we balance? Jesus showed us how. He was in constant relationship with God. Jesus’ inner circle was a group of men who yearned to love God more. But Jesus also spent time with so-called sinners. He ate with them; He talked with them. He was their friend.

Do you have a group of believers who help encourage you and hold you accountable? Do you develop relationships with non-believers? How can you share the hope of Christ with someone this week?

Posted in Devotions | Tagged 1 Corinthians 9, Camp Crestridge, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

Retro Friday: An Aerial View

We have an areal photo of Crestridge that was taken in April of 1956.  During the first summer, we did not have all that we do now.  As you saw last week, the Dining Hall was being built.  There was no gym.  They didn’t have all the cabins we have now.  There was no Bear Trap, Store, or even Riflery Range.  Take a look at this picture and find all the things that have changed through the years (if you click on the picture, it will get bigger):

If you start at the bottom of the picture, the gate is past the Lodge instead of before it.  There is no Kitchen Boys’ House, Horseback Cabin, Small Riding Ring, Landsports Hut, Store, Chapel, Crafts Building, Zipline, Slide, Blob, Gym, Cherokee Cabins, and the list goes on.  The one cabin you see on Cherokee Hill started out as Arvine Bell’s house.  We’ll talk more about that cabin in a later post.  Something else that is interesting is the amount of “dead” space behind the lake towards the green.  All the tall trees we have were not grown yet.  You could see the mountains behind the lake.

We had the opportunity to take some aerial photos of camp in 2008 just before the new cabins and Bear Trap were added.  These pictures didn’t turn out as good because there were still too many leaves on the trees, but you can see how much camp has grown since the beginning.

We sure do have a lot to be thankful for!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Aerial Photo, Aerial View, Camp Crestridge, changes, Crestridge, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

BUT IT’S MY RIGHT! WRONG.

We are big on rights in this country, as we should be. Even at Camp Crestridge we feel like it is our right to do certain things or have certain opportunities. However, there is something that supersedes rights in the kingdom of God—moving the gospel forward.

Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-12. Concentrate on verse 12.

What was Paul upset about in this passage?

Why is it important to provide for ministers and missionaries?

How can you help those in the ministry this week? This doesn’t necessarily have to be monetary assistance!

How could the message of Christ have been hindered by Paul demanding the people provide for him?
What’s more important, having material possessions or spreading the message of Christ? Explain. How do you show this in your life?
What rights do you need to give up in order to share Christ’s love with others?

Unless you work at a church or are a missionary, this passage may be one you routinely skim over. Maybe you think, What does pay for ministers have to do with me? This passage reflects a bigger truth, though. Paul was describing a God-given right that he had. According to God, he was entitled to provision from the people to whom he was ministering. That should sound familiar to you. As Americans, we defend, protest, and write our legislators, all in the effort to claim what is ours! But Paul refused to use this right. He chose to go without so that the message of Christ could be proclaimed. Wow. What a shift in perspective! How could you go without something you deserve this week in order to honor God? Are you willing to make that sacrifice?

Posted in Devotions | Tagged 1 Corinthians 9, Camp Crestridge, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

Retro Friday Begins

The first summer at Camp Crestridge was 1955 which means we’ve celebrated 57 summers!  That is a lot of history, pictures, stories, etc.  We’d like to show you what camp was like “back then”.  Every Friday, we are going to post a blog that will highlight different parts about camp through the years.

Today’s focus is the beginning of the Dining Hall.  Did you know that when camp began in 1955, the Dining Hall wasn’t even built yet?  The campers and staff had to put their dresses on and walk to the Ridgecrest Conference Center to eat every meal.  And remember, the roads weren’t paved yet.  They had to walk on the dirt roads.  How would you like to do that now?

As you can see, these pictures are of the Dining Hall being built after camp began.  Sometimes it is hard to imagine what camp was like before all the buildings were here.  We are thankful for the way God has provided for us and grown camp through the years!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Camp Crestridge for Girls, Crestridge, Crestridge dining hall, dining hall, Eating, Food, Meals, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply

Liberty and justice for all?

Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Take note of verse 11.

We were all once enslaved to sin, but thankfully we don’t have to stay that way! A change can be made through the power of Christ. This is the good news we are to share with others.

Read 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Take note of verse 11.

How do you stand up to the list given in verses 9-10? With what
do you struggle?

What does it mean to be “washed,” “sanctified,” and “justified”?
How does it make you feel to
know that as a Christ follower you are no longer guilty before God?
Do you believe that all sins are equal? Why or why not?

Do you think someone can continue to struggle with a sin and yet be a believer? For example, can an alcoholic or homosexual ever be a Christ follower?

What about someone who is selfish or who talks negatively? Why or why not?

Often, verses 9-10 serve as a “Do Not Enter” sign posted on church doors. So-called believers point to homosexuals or drug addicts and say “There’s no room for you here until you get your life straight.” They withhold the life-changing message of Christ from those they deem unworthy. Yet how many Christ followers are guilty of continued disobedience in other areas like greed or gossip? There is no double standard with Christ. Everyone is guilty before God, and anyone who accepts His gift of love and mercy will become justified in His sight. Only Jesus can take away your sin and free you from its burden. Jesus can change lives. Be careful not to withhold His gracious gift from others.

Posted in Devotions | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Cmap Ridgecrest, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

Remembering the Past

As you may know, our beloved Store was recently taken down in order to build a bigger, better Store.  Most of us aren’t aware of what the Store once was.  After digging through old pictures, I found one that reveals its history.

The Store used to be the Staff Lounge back in the day.  This picture was taken in the 1960’s.  It used to be an open room with furniture, books, and the signature pay phone.  According to Anja Cleveland, if a staffer wanted to make a phone call, they had to wait in line and everyone would end up hearing their conversation.   Campers were rarely allowed inside.  As a camper, Rhonda Smith went in only once and that was to give her counselor a perm!

At that time, the clothing was sold in a small building behind the Dining Hall called “The Beehive”.  The small building was where the Crafts building is now.

After the Staff Lounge was moved, it turned into the Store; a place where we currently give out candy and drinks and sell camp clothing.  The Store had a more official name which was “Crestridge Cupboard”.

Before we tore down the Store, we wanted to take out anything salvageable.  This was the last picture taken of the Store.

That building held a lot of memories!  We were sad to see it go, but just wait until you see what is taking its place!  Check back soon to see pictures of the progress.

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Beehive, Camp, Camp Crestridge, Camp Crestridge for Girls, Christian Camping, Crestridge, Cupboard, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Staff Lounge, Store | Leave a reply

The Cost.

Read 2 Peter 2:9-14.

Murders. Robberies. Hit-and-run accidents. Have you ever watched the news and been astonished by the things people do with little thought about the consequences ?

But that I-can-do-what-I-want attitude extends to more than heinous crimes; it’s a part of our everyday lives and daily decisions. We think we can say whatever we want, make morally questionable decisions, and choose to live in opposition to God’s standard with little or no consequences.

There’s a problem with that logic. If you are a Christian, then you have submitted your rights to Christ; He has control of your life. There is a standard by which you have been called to live and choosing to live in opposition to it has consequences.

Scripture clearly outlines those consequences, as seen in today’s harshly worded passage. Paul’s words were aimed at false teachers who thought they could do, say, and teach whatever they wanted. Yet Paul said the consequences of their disobedience would destroy them.

As a believer, you may sometimes choose to live in opposition to God’s standard. That doesn’t mean you lose your salvation, but it also doesn’t mean that God erases the consequences of your sin. When you sin, there are always consequences—sometimes devastating ones.

God has called you to more than that. Count the cost of your choices today and choose obedience. Once Christ has freed you from sin, why would you want to go back to it?

Posted in Devotions | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2011 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission., Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

He Didn’t Wait

I’ll wait until ________ . Fill in that blank. I’ll wait until I’m good enough. I’ll wait until I get things a little more under control. I’ll wait until I’m old enough, better looking, or know exactly what I’m doing.

What’s the problem with that line of thinking?

Read Romans 5:6-8. Pay close attention to verse 8.

What do these verses teach you about the timing of Jesus’ arrival here on earth? Why is that important?

In these verses, which words describe us?

Why didn’t Jesus wait until we were good enough before He came?

How does Christ’s sacrifice prove God’s love for us?

Have you experienced that love? Explain.

Romans 5:6-8 reminds us that God’s grace is never overdue. His timing is perfect! It’s a mystery, isn’t it, to think that Jesus would die for such sinful, messed up people? But Paul says that’s the reason we are to rejoice in the gospel.

The fact is, Jesus didn’t wait until people had it together to come and rescue us. He didn’t wait until we were good enough, had cleaned ourselves up enough, or even realized that we needed rescuing. He came to us when we were at our worst, before we even knew we needed a Savior. He died for us while we were still dead in our sin so that He could raise us to life with Him! He offered His love and forgiveness without condition. And He still offers that love, forgiveness, and hope today. Have you experienced it?

But God proves His own love for us in that while we were still sinners Christ died for us! —Romans 5:8

Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

God is Intimately Involved

Think about a moment when you were humbled. Maybe you were standing in the midst of some of God’s most beautiful creation and realized His greatness. Perhaps you realized the limits of your abilities in a humbling and slightly embarrassing display witnessed by half the school. How did you feel? What did you learn—about yourself and humility?

Read Philippians 2:5-11, focusing on verses 7-8.

What do these verses teach you about Christ’s character?

Verse 8 says Jesus “humbled Himself.” How?

Why was Jesus’ earthly life a humbling experience for Him?

In your own words, define the word “servant.” Why is that a fitting description of Jesus? Explain.

How did Jesus serve others by living among us and sacrificing Himself?

When is it most difficult for you to be humble or to serve someone else?

What did Jesus receive because of His obedience to humble Himself?

The Bible teaches that Jesus was with God the Father in the beginning and that throughout eternity, He has been equal with His Father (John 1:1-3; Phil. 2:6). In today’s Scripture passage, we begin to understand that Jesus humbled Himself by taking on flesh and becoming like us. Then He went to the cross and died a sinner’s death so that we could be redeemed. Thank God today that Jesus was not content to remain in heaven but became a servant for you. The God you worship isn’t a God who stands far off from you. He’s intimately involved with your life because of Jesus.

Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even to death on a cross. —Philippians 2:7-8

Reprinted from ec magazine. © 2010 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Used by permission.

Posted in Devotions, Girls | Tagged Camp Crestridge, Camp Ridgecrest, ec Magazine, LifeWay Christian Resources, Ridgecrest Summer Camps, Weekly Devotions | Leave a reply

What Camp is like without the Campers

Have you ever thought about what camp is like after the summer?  Have you ever wondered what we do when you’re not here?  It’s a hard transition when you leave camp and there’s only a few of us here.  I’m sure you probably go through a “camp” withdrawal after you leave.  We go through a “camper” withdrawal as well.  Just know that we are here thinking and praying for you.  Anytime you want to stop by or send us a message to let us know how you’re doing, we’d appreciate it!  Well, hopefully this will give you an idea of what camp is like without the campers…

What Camp Is Like Without Campers from Ridgecrest Summer Camps on Vimeo.

I hope you heard at the end of the video that we are getting a brand new Store/Museum this year!!!  Construction will be starting soon so be sure to check back for updates!

Posted in Girls, News | Tagged Camp, Camp Crestridge, Camp Crestridge for Girls, Camp without the Campers, Crestridge, Ridgecrest Summer Camps | Leave a reply