While all seniors begin the school year with a traditional trip to Oakhurst for senior retreat, some returned weeks later to provide leadership to junior high students on Sept. 18-22.

“Calvin Crest was designated to have the eighth grade bond together,” Terry Richards, junior high teacher said, “and learn about the outdoors, the Lord’s creation, and help guide spiritual decisions.”

At Calvin Crest, junior high students competed against other peers during group competitions, while learning survival skills and taking nature hikes.

“I liked being with my friends,” Jacob Balderas, ’11, said. “Survival and theology the were my favorites classes.”

Only two junior high staff members attend camp, as a result upperclassmen were given the opportunity to come. In order to be counselor, students were interviewed and completed an application.

“We started interviewing in June,” Richards said. “We ask for Christian testimony, if they had leadership experience. We looked for character, a good reputation, if they would be a good role model, because we want to bond with junior highers.”

Will Hierholzer, ’07, was the only returning counselor out of the nine student leaders.

“After last years experience, I wanted to go back,” Hierholzer said. “The kids were awesome and by going you get a break from school at a beautiful place.”

The counselors supervised free time activities, ranging from boating to the rock wall. In addition they assisted teachers during daily classes such as: rock your world, trail hiking, orienteering and survival.

“I decided to go to Calvin Crest because junior high was tough for me,” Katelyn Aydelotte, ’08, said. “Actually I hated it, but Calvin Crest was one of the good experiences and I want to be a part of the positive experience for the junior highers.”

Each night the class came together for worship, and Bible study between cabins. As tradition the last night included skits put on by the students.

“There was a lot of drama, but it was fun and cool to be involved in their lives and to get their perspective,” Aydelotte said. “I learned a lot in a leadership position, you have to come out of your comfort zone, by participating in everything.”

Each cabin consisted of six or seven junior high students, not including the camp leader.

“Josh Palmer was my leader,” Balderas said. “We did Bible studies every nigh, you, he was a good role model for us.”

Many counselors took advantage of free time to talk to their cabin.

“I felt God touched me,” Aydelotte said. “It was the most amazing experience in a long time, to talk to the girls, God talked through me. I felt I was meant to go up there, I realized my life is his, he is in control and he led me out there.”

For more information regarding Calvin Crest call (559) 683-4450.