Stories from the Field

Hello, my name is Anastasia! I am 16 years old and in 10th grade at school. I live in Transnistria.

Last year, I went to Adventure Camp, and I've never been to a camp like this before. We rafted for five days, sometimes paddling through difficult sections of the Dniester River, which tested our endurance and teamwork. We got blisters from paddling, but it was worth it. Each camper took turns controlling the raft from the captain’s post. I was happy to be able to lead the raft several times.

The week was full of fun events and challenges. Every day of the camp was special--with adventure, games, relaxation, and a lot of swimming. Several times, we split into teams to compete in quests. I won a competition and was given the honor and title of “Godmother of the Raft” for our camp. In the sand along the riverbank, we made a slide down into the water.

After dark one night, the Adventure Camp leaders prepared an outdoor movie for us to watch along with popcorn. It was a Christian movie, and afterward, we talked about the plot and its meaning.

On other evenings, we often sang songs together by the fire, talked, and listened to the interesting stories Sergey, the Camp Director and Summit Missions International's Partner, would tell from the Bible about Jesus Christ.

At the end of the week, we dismantled the raft (which only took us four hours!), so that it could be transported to the camp location in another city. The next team put the raft back together again for their week of Adventure Camp on the river.

It is a pity that such a fun camp only lasts five days--it is too short! I consider it the best camp because we were not treated like children but as adults and were expected to be responsible. It forced us to think before we acted, especially when on the watch instead of the captain, controlling the entire raft and crew. It is then that you understand a lot depends on you. Sergey said, “The time of childhood is ending, and the difficult path of life lies ahead, but it begins with the first step. Come on, you can do it.” It is good that he was nearby; he was inspiring.

I now know that to prepare myself to live independently someday. I must study a lot, and this camp helped me learn how. Twice a day, we would read the Bible. In the morning, after breakfast, a Psalm was read to us. We then would share how it spoke to each of us. In the evening, we would hear a story from the Bible and talk around the fire about Jesus Christ, what He did or said, and what it means for our lives.

During that week, I learned that God is love, that everything was created by Him, that every person is a sinner, and that God saved us through Jesus' death for our sins. Now I know that every person must meet Him personally to receive forgiveness and eternal life--the main thing is to believe in Him.

I really want to go to Adventure Camp again this summer. At the end of the camps in 2023, Captain Sergey said that next year, he would not take anyone on a rafting trip who does not bring along an unbelieving friend. I will bring one, even two, who have never been to such a camp before so that they too, can be challenged, learn new things, and hear that God loves them.

If I had not gone to Adventure Camp, I would have missed out on a lot. I believe that through this program, I have matured, and that is so cool!

About Adventure Camps

The Adventure Camp program focuses on sharing the Gospel and discipling youth. It consists of three parts: Leadership School, Extreme Prayer Trips, and Summer Rafting Trips. Through the Leadership School, teens learn practical outdoor skills while reading and applying God’s Word to life circumstances. During the 5-day Summer Rafting Trips, teens recognize the importance of placing faith in Jesus. Sergey, the program director, has a team of 15-20 leaders that help direct the camps throughout the year. Sergey says, “Constant individual work continues with the young people God has entrusted to me.” The goal is to provide teens with opportunities for growth in maturity and spirituality throughout the year and mentor them along the way. Summit Missions International provides funding, camping and sports equipment.