Faith-based Piland Youth Camp held in Thornfield; theme was ‘I am Unashamed’
Photo by Katelyn Allen On the last evening of Piland's senior camp, Luke Brantingham, who preached the evening services, baptized four campers in a stock tank set up outside the chapel.
Piland Youth Camp counselors, campers and advisors gathered together for a photo Wednesday, July 9, after services on the last night of senior camp. There were 35 campers, two salvations, and four baptisms during the camp held July 6-9. Luke Brantingham was the preacher for nightly services, and the days were filled with crafts, games, skits, good food and fun. The camp was under the direction of Linda Hannaford and Laura Burrows.
Since the 1950s, local children and teens have been making memories, having fun and learning about Jesus during their time at Piland Youth Camp in the Thornfield area.
The theme for this summer’s camp was “I am Unashamed” based on Romans 1:16. Linda Hannaford was the camp director, and Laura Burrow was the assistant director for senior camp (grades 7-12) held July 6-9 and for junior camp (grades 3-6) held July 13-16. Samantha Mayberry was the director for the one-day kiddie camp held July 12.
“When Laura and I talked about this year and a theme, we talked about the young people being prepared for what is in their future as Christians,” Hannaford said. “They may face some very hard decisions on how bold they will need to be. They will need to be prepared and Unashamed!”
Hannaford said that Christian singer Matthew West’s song “Unashamed” was the perfect theme song for the camp and that lessons for the first day of camp were drawn from the book of Daniel with the final two days of camp based on Christ’s crucifixion and His return.
“We want them to be prepared for what will come,” she added. “We also wanted to incorporate the Armor of God, so we had ‘Armor Up’ sessions on each piece. I wanted them to know and have the chance to choose life.”
Luke Brantingham was the preacher for evening services for the senior camp, which had a total of 35 campers with two salvations and four baptisms. Bruce DeWeese was the preacher for evening services for the junior camp with three re-dedications, eight salvations and nine baptisms.
Piland Camp has a two dormitories where the campers and counselors sleep, a large auditorium/chapel with a full basement where classes and craft activities are held, and a cafeteria/kitchen building.
A dedicated group of volunteers and churches keep things running, but donations are always needed. Campers do not pay to attend. All food, materials for crafts, lessons and other activities are paid for by the General Baptist churches of the Missouri Association as well as camp staff’s private donations. To help, make checks payable to Piland Youth Camp and mail to treasurer Treva Warrick, P.O. Box 372 Gainesville, MO 65655.
“Giving your time is also very much appreciated, Hannaford said. “A camp work day is scheduled each year before camp. This year, the trustees met earlier and made some adjustments to allow more sleeping area for the girls. It looks so wonderful! But there is so much more that needs to be done,” she added.
To find out how you can help by giving of your time or resources, contact Hannaford, 417-543-3359, Anita Donley, 417-989-9955 or any other member of the Trustees of the Camp.“It was a blessed two weeks, with so many beautiful and special memories to take away,” Hannaford said.
“I am very passionate about this place, these kids and the love God has for them. To get away with nothing but each other and Christ is monumental to growth, and the way the kids praise Him is a glimpse of what heaven will be like!” she said.
“I had made up my mind last year, that it would be my last. It hurt my heart to think that, but I was sure someone younger would step forward. But God…He had other plans, and His ways are not ours. I am looking forward to next year already.”