FCA draws 127 girls for weekend

By Sam Waller

The Big Country Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Weekend of Champions girls camp drew 127 campers from eighth grade through high school for last weekend’s gathering at Eastland’s Solid Rock Encampment.

FCA organizer Paul Johnston of Albany said the group, which included 14 from Albany and four from Moran, represented 28 FCA chapters.

“We had kids from as far east as Van, which is four hours east of here,” Johnston said. “We had seven from Benjamin, which was was the farthest north.”

Johnston said the highlight of the weekend was seing how effective the program’s message was.

“Out of 127 kids, we had 15 accept Jesus and 25 more make rededications,” he said. “It was an absolutely amazing weekend watching the ladies who were speaking and the kids worshipping and listening.”

Groups heard speakers deliver messages tailored to teen girls.

“Betsy Spraberry of Albany was our lead speaker,” Johnston said, “and we had five other ladies, each with a topic such as what it means to be a Christian young lady, where your identity lies in Christ, forgiveness – not just learning to forgive others but learning to forgive yourself, and how unique you can be, how different, and at the same time be a body of Christ. It worked perfectly.”

Johnston said campers were divided by age into groups of about 10 for the various activities.

“The neat thing was we weren’t heavy in any one area,” he said. “About a third of the kids were eighth graders, a third were freshmen and sophomores, and a third were juniors and seniors.”

Johnston said the weekend was made possible for several girls through the generosity of local contributors.

“I’m truly grateful to all the Albany area people who contributed funds to get these kids to camp,” he said. “I try to structure it so no kid ever has to worry about not having the money to go.”

Big Country FCA will hold a boys camp Feb. 18-20 at Solid Rock. Johnston said the program will have a similar format.

“The boys’ Weekend of Champions will be a little different,” he said. “There’ll be some games and activities that could be a little more competitive.”

Johnston said he de-emphasizes the athletic aspect for the girls program.

“I’ve taken the word ‘ball’ and tossed it out the door,” he said. “I don’t want anything to do with basketball or volleyball or softball. I want it all centered on Jesus.”

While sports play a larger role for the boys, Johnston said the core of the programs is the same.