Yearly Archives: 2019

Have you been outside today?

By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director

Psalm 19:1 For the director of music. A psalm of David. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.”

Psalm 19 explains just how much we see when we are outside. We see God’s glory declared. This is a significant part of the camp experience. Children are able to get outdoors and see God revealed. I often hear that they can really feel…

Closeness between a father and daughter may make the difference for her long-term faith

Growing With by Kara Powell and Steven Argue released March 5. Starting off on Amazon as #1 in the youth ministry category and #3 in the Christian living family category, the book is already being resoundingly received as an excellent resource. I have been happily reading through it, gleaning practical application for both my Joy El role and my own family.

Was It Worth It? Looking Back on the Impact of the 4.12 Leadership Training Program

My husband Aaron and I recently had the opportunity to spend about 24 hours on a Bible college campus. While there, I connected with a handful of students who had been in the 4.12 Leadership Training Program at one point. Two of them specifically told me I could share their encouraging comments with others, so I have shared their comments below.

Grateful for Volunteers

By Jackie Boyer, Assistant Director of Bible Adventure/CIA   As one of the newest full time employees at Joy El, a Christian camp in Pennsylvania, there are many things to…

Connecting with Home Schooled Students

By Courtney Martin, Program Director Last week at Joy El, a Christian camps  in PA, 92 Home Schooled students attended the Home School retreat. It’s exciting to be able to…

Making Disciples

By Rachel Shively, 4.12 Coordinator   In Matthew 28:19, Jesus tells His disciples to “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, of…

Why we do what we do

Students exhibit a variety of learning styles and we want to reach each one with the Gospel, so our Bible Adventure teachers use different approaches to present Biblical truths.  Bible…

A Community of Life-Change

By Courtney Martin, Program Director   Recently at Joy El, a Christian camp and Retreat Center in PA, we invited our 2018 Summer Staff back to fellowship together and celebrate…

Worldwide Impact

By Nate Marshall, Director of 4.12 Leadership Training Program   “You do not go for behavioral modification. You go to the foundation first,” Ron Pegram, a seasoned ministry leader who…

Shining God’s Light

By Jan Diaz, Director of Bible Adventure/CIA Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for…