Camp Adventure Weekend 2003

Over the years, hundreds of high school and college-age young people have come and taken part in AIM's Camp Adventure that takes place every March. But there are always those who are unable to make it to the 6-day experience in March. For this reason, AIM conducted the first Camp Adventure weekend in January of 1999. Since then it has served a great purpose of giving young people a taste of AIM and a spiritual challenge, while making it easier for them if they are unable to come in March. Each year, though, we see campers come for the weekend and leave determined to make it back in March, because they simply want more of the experience!

On January 16, 2003, Camp Adventure Weekend kicked off with a new theme for this year: "Run to Win." In the two days and the many activities that followed, AIM students, staff and campers alike were blessed to focus on the importance and magnitude of the "race" which we have been called as Christians to run. AIM alumni and staff taught lessons that challenged us to to Run "Anyway" (despite trials), Run "Away" (from sin) and Run "All the Way" (for all of life).

The weekend was also characterized by powerful, worshipful devotionals and by opportunities to see presentations from ex-AIMers about the various fields, cultures and ministries they experienced while in AIM. Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of the weekend were the afternoons of community service and involvement. On Friday, the AIMers led the campers in picking up litter in some poorer areas of Lubbock, while Saturday's activity was evangelistic door-knocking that covered half a square mile of the city.

In all, the weekend allowed about 25 campers and the 44 current AIM students to build bonds and encourage one another in the "race" of Christian life as we strive toward our goal in heaven (Phil. 3:13-14). Many went away feeling not only encouraged spiritually, but thinking about how God might use AIM in their future.

Rob Hindman (AIM '98)