Passport Choices 2009!!!

Passport Choices 2009 (aka Passways)

The second of the three summer trips for students returned home over the weekend. Three adults and seven students went to Passport Choices at Wingate University in South Carolina. This was PCC’s second year going to the camp, although chaperone David Samuel is a Passport veteran. Although the PCC group was small, they were awarded and recognized well. Two campers, Robert Moroney and Corey Beard received “Honor Camper” status at the end of the week, meaning that they were the exemplary students in each of their breakout groups. Two campers, Josh Messer and Daniel Brawley, received Camper of the Day awards. Daniel Hughes was appointed to the Student Council that presided over any disciplinary issues during the week.
The students came back excited about God and their relationships with Him. They got to use their gifts and talents and discover more deeply who they are. The camp also provides a great opportunity for hundreds of Christian students to gather from across the country and just enjoy one another’s company. Being a student and a Christ follower can be a fun, exciting, enjoyable adventure, and Passport Choices demonstrates that well!

One More Shout Out!!

It's Honor Camper Time....

On the last day of camp, PCC had their 5th Honor Camper to be named and it was.....

WILL !!!!!!!

Yeah Will! Great Job!

Our Great Passways Staff!

Oh What a Week!

What an awesome week and what awesome kids you have raised!!!

During our final night of camp, we had the opportunity to share our God experiences. Below are some of the things PCC youth took away:

"When I first started going to church, I did not sing or participate in worship because I was worried about the outward appearance and what people thought of me. But this week my whole focus has been about God. I have not cared what others thought. I just wanted to sing to God. I didn't care about outward appearances, it was just about God."

One of our older students complimented the younger crowd and was amazed at the level of passion they had for God at their age.

One student who was sick one day saw God through the care and concern shown to him by the chaperones while he was not feeling well.

One student saw God through the homeowner's daughter at the home where they did repairs. She was only 6 or 7 and she told them that they were Jesus. She asked to pray for them and she thanked God for showing up to paint her house.

One student who worked in a daycare all week had this to say:

"Those kids just needed someone and we were those someones."

All of the students talked about how awesome it was that they had grown so close as a group during the week. The truly felt that this was just the beginning of lasting friendships and more God experiences!

Thank you to all the amazing chaperones!! I just can't "keep it on the down low".....I have to say that YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

You CAN ride my little red wagon!! :O)

Needs no explanation...

These pictures need no explanation other than the fact that is was NOT a Passways Choice time...it was PCC fun time!! I think the kids had one of the BEST times of their lives. All I can say is-paintball hurts! BUT IS SURE IS FUN!!!!!!

Down on the Farm

Did anyone say farm animals? Bib-overalls? Line dancing?

One night at camp, Passways hosted a "Down on the Farm" theme party complete with a "caller" to call all the dances. We did some fancy line dancing and had a great time!

Can Camp Change a Life?

Some of the most special times at camp are during church group devotions at the end of the day. This is a sweet time of sharing, encouraging and processing what the day handed us.

Some "moments" from our time together:

"I raised my hands during worship for the first time this week"

Some kids prayed out loud for the first time

"I have seen God through the other students I have met"

"It breaks my heart to know that children cannot get an education. I want to become a teacher and go to Liberia towork at Rick's Institute"

One child when asked "what are you taking home with you?"

answered: "I saw God through the kids..that they were so happy and accepting of me. What I will take home with me is that camp can change your life."

Worship in the evening has been very participatory and multi-sensory. Last night, we were learning that there are many reasons why children around the world do not get an educations. One of the reasons is that they help supply the family income. Our camp pastor, James, is from Liberia. In his homeland, poor children sit on the side of the road breaking large rocks into small stones to sell to local contractors who use them in construction. From sun up to sun down, these children (as young as 5 or 6 years old) hammer and hammer and hammer in hopes that they can sell their rubble to put a meal on their table. To illustrate this injustice, we were guided to tables that were set up around the auditorium that were covered with large stones and hammers. We were asked to silently and prayerfully make our way to the table and to hammer a rock until we had broken off a piece. We were asked to keep that piece of stone as a reminder of the children who spent their entire day being robbed of a childhood and an education. We were told to “let the rocks cry out” the injustice in it all and to be thankful for our own educations. The sound of beating stones around the room was deafening. I fell asleep with the echoes of hammer meeting stone resonating in my head. I will not forget it.

It's Honor Camper Time

During camp, each choice time elects an “Honor Camper.” These campers are recognized for their hard work, leadership and participation for that day.

We are happy to report to you that so far we have had FOUR Honor Campers. They are: Daniel Hughes, Samara Clarke, Robert Maroney and Elijah Schiarelli. The Honor Campers are elected by Camp Council who are also made up of students. Our Camp Council Rep is Franco Marannano.

After the "Honor Campers" of the day are announced....they get a standing O-vation!!!!!! "OOOOOOOOOOOOOO"