CityView Magazine - Fayetteville, NC
Issue link: http://www.epageflip.net/i/35097
judge you or look down on you because you’re coming to them with all your life’s problems.” Top | Brantley Pollack gives two thumbs up for summer camp and gains leadership skills in the Counselor-in-Training program. Additionally, many counselors and staff members continue those relationships with campers beyond the summer and are involved with a mentoring program called Project SAM. As an extension of camp, this special group travels across North Carolina to meet with high school students individually and then together as a whole throughout the school year. “It’s not just about a summer job,” said Jernigan. “It’s about that they’re investing in other students because someone invested in them. That aspect of building positive relationships is so important.” Fellowship, games and new experiences are fundamental aspects of Camp Dixie, but what counselors and staff members continue to emphasize most is the camp’s mission “to promote the Gospel of Christ through evangelism and discipleship.” Bible stories, evening chapel services, and Biblical application in life’s most challenging issues are just a few of the ways the Christ-centered staff teaches campers about the value of having a relationship with Jesus Christ. 50 | July/August • 2011 “I think that a lot of people in society today have a lot of negative impressions of Christianity,” said Jernigan, “and maybe we can be one step along the way that helps them process things to really see the Christ way and how He lived; that we could do some things to change their mindset as far as negative impressions that they’ve had.” In an attempt to give all children the chance to attend summer camp, Camp Dixie annually hosts the Tony Jernigan Golf Tournament. All proceeds from the tournament go to provide scholarships for families who are financially unable to send their children to camp. The camp also accommodates children with special needs to ensure that all campers are able to participate in games and activities. When Friday arrives and the last bag is packed, campers reminisce of their week at Camp Dixie as they browse through pictures and watch the camp DVD, filled with memories from the summer. They look forward to the upcoming year, knowing that once the beautiful, summertime weather rolls in, camp is just around the corner. CV