Swimming in Lake Texoma and conquering the ropes course, below, engage young people in Journey Camp at Cross Point.

Numbers large and small communicate the significance of Journey, a new youth camp offered this summer at Cross Point.

Camp Dean D.A. Bennett said the program’s intent was to enhance the spiritual journeys of middle-school students who had completed Confirmation Classes, as well as reach students who had not made commitments to Christ.

Leaders expected about 75 campers, sixth- through eighth-graders, yet hoped for more.

Attendance far exceeded expectations.

"We had almost 150 there," said Rev. Bennett, who is pastor at OKC-St. Andrew’s.

Two questions were posed to encourage young people in next steps of discipleship. Who do you believe Jesus is? How does my belief affect my life’s habits, priorities, and choices?

Bennett described one life transformed by the experience.

A sixth-grade girl asked, "How do you give your life to Christ?" Her question, during an evening segment called "Church Chat," spurred discussion.

The next day the girl shared, "I have done that before, but felt like I did it on a deeper level last night."

"We hope all United Methodist churches in our Conference feel a connection to that moment," Bennett said. "When we all pull together to provide a place like Cross Point, then we all share in the fruit God grows in those holy places.

"You know you are meeting the objective of making disciples of Jesus Christ" when you are part of such an encounter, he explained. "We are very grateful that God used this new camp as a way to touch young lives."

www.okumc.org/camp