After 12 years in the same facility, preteen Camp Buckeye moved to the 224-acre Camp Lazarus Boy Scout camp in Delaware, Ohio. It is a beautiful property that has gently rolling terrain, lots of shady areas and a large kitchen and dining hall. Despite a few logistical challenges for the 77 staff and 84 campers to learn the ins and outs of a new location, everyone worked together to achieve another great year at camp.

The camp theme, “Stand Strong,” was taught during morning Christian living classes using the well-known children’s song, “Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” as a simple reminder of the components of the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6) and how to apply them in their daily lives from their head to their toes.

The daily activities included archery, arts and crafts, amazing race, BB gun target shooting, fishing, field games, orienteering and watersports. The watersports activity included an Olympic size swimming pool, inflatable bouncy water slide and a slip-n-slide. With high humidity and daily temperatures reaching the 90s, the water activities were thoroughly enjoyed! On Tuesday evening, the campers participated in an energetic sing along, led by Micah Gunn. Micah surprised all the campers by bringing his good friend Jelly to join in the fun!

After 23 years serving at Camp Buckeye, directing for the last 13 years, Len Martin announced it was time to pass the baton. Aaron Creech will now be the director.

As in all we do, we thank God for His blessing upon the camp, the campers and the volunteer staff who selflessly served so the children could experience an environment that models God’s way of life as closely as possible.