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Attending one week of summer camp at Phantom Ranch Bible Camp is a life-changing experience for many. Check out some photos (right) to see some of the campers who have been blessed with an opportunity to attend camp. Those smiles are priceless!
While we will never grasp the full impact that this scholarship has on Chicago inner-city youth, we are grateful when we catch of glimpse of how God is using the money that we raise. We hope and pray that you find these special messages very encouraging -- we certainly do. Thank you for making testimonies such as these possible. |
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Olen Johnsen, Executive Director at Phantom Ranch Bible Camp wrote in 2016:
Last year, we had reported that [Camper] had put his faith in Christ during Superteen Week 2015. It was the line, "[Camper] you always do that". [Camper] replying, "Yes I did that to get [Pastor] Moodie off my back, this time I mean it".
Well a year has gone by and [Camper] was awarded "Boys Honor Camper". He was leader among the boys in his cabin, he prayed for them, he spoke up in Bible study, he was friendly, made new friends, learned his verses both in his cabin group, and among the rest of the campers. He demonstrated real Christian leadership.
Honor camper is awarded to one male and one female camper who shows the most growth, maturity and the other things I mentioned above. When Dan called him up, he remained seated, not thinking it could possibly be his name that was called. Dan told him again to come up, he did, and as he took the award he was quiet and a tear rolled down. Afterward he told Dan Mayer, Program Director, that he did not do all that stuff to get the award. Dan said, "I know, that is why you got the award". Dan then said something along the lines of you should apply to work here next summer.
When I talked to him a bit later [Camper] said, "Dan just offered me a job here next summer" Which I was pleased about, and that was before I learned he won Honor Camper.
The final special thing is that [Camper] told his counselor that he really wanted to get a job so he could do something with his life and not end up like his older brother (drug dealer). [Camper's] younger brother was up at Roughriders last week, and he also said he wants to keep his eye on him, and make sure he knows about Jesus etc.
[Camper] attended the last 5 years. It does not always come quickly, but faithfully God worked through us, and it is reaping eternal rewards. I know Pastor Moodie and his church is also pouring into these kids, but every year their week at camp makes a big impact in their lives. Thank you so much.
Last year, we had reported that [Camper] had put his faith in Christ during Superteen Week 2015. It was the line, "[Camper] you always do that". [Camper] replying, "Yes I did that to get [Pastor] Moodie off my back, this time I mean it".
Well a year has gone by and [Camper] was awarded "Boys Honor Camper". He was leader among the boys in his cabin, he prayed for them, he spoke up in Bible study, he was friendly, made new friends, learned his verses both in his cabin group, and among the rest of the campers. He demonstrated real Christian leadership.
Honor camper is awarded to one male and one female camper who shows the most growth, maturity and the other things I mentioned above. When Dan called him up, he remained seated, not thinking it could possibly be his name that was called. Dan told him again to come up, he did, and as he took the award he was quiet and a tear rolled down. Afterward he told Dan Mayer, Program Director, that he did not do all that stuff to get the award. Dan said, "I know, that is why you got the award". Dan then said something along the lines of you should apply to work here next summer.
When I talked to him a bit later [Camper] said, "Dan just offered me a job here next summer" Which I was pleased about, and that was before I learned he won Honor Camper.
The final special thing is that [Camper] told his counselor that he really wanted to get a job so he could do something with his life and not end up like his older brother (drug dealer). [Camper's] younger brother was up at Roughriders last week, and he also said he wants to keep his eye on him, and make sure he knows about Jesus etc.
[Camper] attended the last 5 years. It does not always come quickly, but faithfully God worked through us, and it is reaping eternal rewards. I know Pastor Moodie and his church is also pouring into these kids, but every year their week at camp makes a big impact in their lives. Thank you so much.
2013 Scholarship Campers:
I am just thankful that I could come here [Phantom Ranch]. I had s'mores, shot a paintball gun, and rode a horse -- all for the first time in my life. This was the most fun and safe 4th of July I have ever had.
*****
When I am at home, I always have to be paying attention to where I am going and who I am hanging out with, but when I am here, I can feel safe, have a good times, and hang out with anyone without worrying!
I am just thankful that I could come here [Phantom Ranch]. I had s'mores, shot a paintball gun, and rode a horse -- all for the first time in my life. This was the most fun and safe 4th of July I have ever had.
*****
When I am at home, I always have to be paying attention to where I am going and who I am hanging out with, but when I am here, I can feel safe, have a good times, and hang out with anyone without worrying!
Youth Worker
...What a gift you gave our children by providing a week's camp scholarship -- the return on that investment can never be matched by any financial institution...
...What a gift you gave our children by providing a week's camp scholarship -- the return on that investment can never be matched by any financial institution...
2012 Scholarship Camper:
...I really had a rough time at home with different things, from bullying to self issues, but what always gets me through the year is knowing I'll be going to camp in the end, which would not be possible without you. Thank you for everything...
...I really had a rough time at home with different things, from bullying to self issues, but what always gets me through the year is knowing I'll be going to camp in the end, which would not be possible without you. Thank you for everything...
2012 Scholarship Camper:
What I learned from this experience is that God uses us everyday to speak to everyone, and when we try to spread the word of God he opens everyone's ears...
I'm honestly so thankful I am able to go to camp, I just love it so much. It has taught me many life lessons. In Chicago most people that I know have never been horseback riding or made s'mores at a camp fire and I'm happy to say that I have. I plan on working at the camp for the summer the moment I turn sixteen because when I was younger I never took my religion seriously but now that I know the word of Christ I want to teach it to the young/new campers. Thank you for everything. For helping me meet new people, get a better relationship with Christ, and thank you for just being an overall kind hearted.
What I learned from this experience is that God uses us everyday to speak to everyone, and when we try to spread the word of God he opens everyone's ears...
I'm honestly so thankful I am able to go to camp, I just love it so much. It has taught me many life lessons. In Chicago most people that I know have never been horseback riding or made s'mores at a camp fire and I'm happy to say that I have. I plan on working at the camp for the summer the moment I turn sixteen because when I was younger I never took my religion seriously but now that I know the word of Christ I want to teach it to the young/new campers. Thank you for everything. For helping me meet new people, get a better relationship with Christ, and thank you for just being an overall kind hearted.
Olen Johnsen, Associate Director at Phantom Ranch Bible Camp wrote in 2012:
During the worship and singing part of chapel on the last day of camp (Youngteen Week) a [Camper] was found weeping on one of the couches of the Hill Chapel lobby. When asked why he was crying by one of the counselors he said he was sad because he had to go home the next day. Comforting him did not help much and again [Camper] was asked why he was still crying, he said that he does not learn much about Jesus at home, and that his friends don't want to learn about Jesus, or even care. He said he was determined to go home and tell his friends about Jesus and to keep going to church. He also said he was already looking forward to coming back to camp next year.
[Camper] attended camp with a full scholarship from the Something from Jessie fund. He is a part of Chicago City Church. His being at camp deeply affected his life in Christ and will continue to do so.
Your work makes a big difference.
During the worship and singing part of chapel on the last day of camp (Youngteen Week) a [Camper] was found weeping on one of the couches of the Hill Chapel lobby. When asked why he was crying by one of the counselors he said he was sad because he had to go home the next day. Comforting him did not help much and again [Camper] was asked why he was still crying, he said that he does not learn much about Jesus at home, and that his friends don't want to learn about Jesus, or even care. He said he was determined to go home and tell his friends about Jesus and to keep going to church. He also said he was already looking forward to coming back to camp next year.
[Camper] attended camp with a full scholarship from the Something from Jessie fund. He is a part of Chicago City Church. His being at camp deeply affected his life in Christ and will continue to do so.
Your work makes a big difference.
We received a letter from a Chicago teacher who has been able to use this special scholarship in 2011:
…my kids and I truly wish you could see the joy they have while at camp. It has been amazing to me to see how much fun they have… but what is most amazing is the way I know their lives are being changed… These are experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives…
…my kids and I truly wish you could see the joy they have while at camp. It has been amazing to me to see how much fun they have… but what is most amazing is the way I know their lives are being changed… These are experiences that will stay with them for the rest of their lives…
Scholarship Camper:
I learned so much at camp. I learned how to read scripture. I also learned how to water ski, it was cool. When I learned how to ride a horse it was scary, but it was real fun. I learned so much at Phantom Ranch.
I learned so much at camp. I learned how to read scripture. I also learned how to water ski, it was cool. When I learned how to ride a horse it was scary, but it was real fun. I learned so much at Phantom Ranch.
Former Summer Staff Employee:
I grew up attending Phantom Ranch as a camper and I spent eight very full summers working there as well. I've seen campers of all ages appreciate what Phantom Ranch has to offer. There is no doubt in my mind, it is the students from the inner-city who have an extra special appreciation for their camp experience. From start to finish they are the most energized campers I have ever witnessed! They are also the most grateful. At the end of their week-long session, many seek out staff in every area of camp to say 'thank you' for a fantastic week -- kitchen crew, dish crew, housekeeping, lifeguards... they thank everyone.
I grew up attending Phantom Ranch as a camper and I spent eight very full summers working there as well. I've seen campers of all ages appreciate what Phantom Ranch has to offer. There is no doubt in my mind, it is the students from the inner-city who have an extra special appreciation for their camp experience. From start to finish they are the most energized campers I have ever witnessed! They are also the most grateful. At the end of their week-long session, many seek out staff in every area of camp to say 'thank you' for a fantastic week -- kitchen crew, dish crew, housekeeping, lifeguards... they thank everyone.
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