When you first walk onto the bus to go to Michigan for your first Navigators summer camp, you can feel all of the excitement from the students around you. You believe this will be a great experience.
Navigators is a youth ministry where many students from all over the country can learn how to develop their religion and faith. This ministry is very prevalent in the Fort Thomas and Highlands community with many students participating,
This organization meets multiple times a week with different activities such as small group bible studies, club, hangouts, and whole school bible studies. Club consists of students getting together to sing songs, play games, participate in skits, and get students interested in hearing stories about the gospel. It also gives students a chance to meet new people and have new experiences. as well.
During core, students come together to hear a short 20-30 minute sermon from either an upperclassmen or one of the adult leaders. These talks tend to be more in depth than the messages given at club. Students are encouraged to ask questions and talk about things they may be struggling with in their relationship with God.
However during the summer, students are able to go to Navigators camp. While the location changes every year, each camp is owned by the organization. Highlands goes along with other surrounding Northern Kentucky Schools like Cooper and Dixie Heights.
“It is just a great experience, and it is just great to learn more about the Lord and create a relationship with him,” Ashton Willis (12) said.
For people going for the first time, it can be nerve-racking because they will not have their phone to contact families or friends who are back home.
“My first time, I was super nervous, but I got to learn so much and meet new people that are now my really good friends,” Maryrose Willis (12) said.
At this camp, there will be many activities to keep students busy during your time at the camp. This year, there will be a rock wall and a wide open area so you can bring your activities to do outdoors.
“Every day is full of so much activity, and you’re never going to run out of things to do,” Audrey Sorrentino (11) said.
The group will travel by different buses with it taking about 7 hours to get there.
“It takes about six, seven hours, depending on how many stops the buses need,” Sorrentino said.
As the week wraps up and everyone packs their bags, it’s hard to believe how much can change in just a few days. There were belly laughs, messy games, late-night talks under the stars, and moments that will stick with us for a long time.
“Camp is truly life changing- I highly recommend that anyone who can come does. You won’t regret it,” Ben Pfetzer (11) said.
