A Weekend to Reflect
By Rachel Shively, 4.12 Coordinator In a very fast paced culture, most people quickly move from one season of life to the next and never truly take time to reflect…
The Power of Removing Distractions
By Justin Kipe Director of Camping Ministries One of the key benefits of holding a Christian retreat at Joy El is the time spent away from the routines and distractions…
Where it started
By: Jackie Boyer, Assistant Director for Bible Adventure/CIA As Assistant Director for Bible Adventure/CIA, I’m always interested in learning how people became involved with our Bible Adventure (formerly released time)…
Safe? Will my child be safe at sleep-away camp?
By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director Every once in a while I receive a question something like this from a parent. They haven’t sent their child to camp before and…
What is the impact of bad news?
By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director Recently while reading the book “Good to Great in God’s Eyes” by Chip Ingram, I saw the significant value of a week-long Christian summer…
Learning to Lead through the 4.12 Leadership Training Program
By Stephanie Ziebarth, Barnabas Program Coordinator Kyle Swope was fascinated by leadership at a young age. “I always wanted to learn about leadership,” he says. “It was a big draw…
What Makes a Good Retreat?
By Miriam Ankerbrand, Group Events Coordinator What makes retreat “Wonderful?” For some it’s the food. For others it’s activities and yet other it’s being outdoors. Some are just glad for…
From A School Employee
By Brenda Brazee, Assistant Director of Bible Adventure/CIA The guidance counselor at one elementary school where we have a Bible Adventure program thanked Janelle, the school nurse, who is our…
Hearing God’s Voice
By Miriam Ankerbrand, Group Events Coordinator Guest group leaders tell us all the time that they can “feel God’s presence” here when they have a Retreat at Joy El. One…
What do you prefer? Screens or people?
By Aaron E. Ziebarth, Executive Director We had just been outside for a good portion of the evening watching our son’s baseball game. There is something about sitting there, feeling…