This summer at Cedarwood, we saw God move in ways that were both powerful and deeply personal. For several weeks, a couple hundred hearts were opened, as campers encountered the love of Jesus in real and lasting ways, many for the very first time.

We asked a staff and a youth to share with us a glimpse of what made their time at camp so special.

Ken Sawatzky, YFC Staff Member

“I had the amazing opportunity to spend a week at camp this summer where I got to lead a unique workshop I called ‘Wonder Camp.’ We taught youth how to perform illusions and tricks while also exploring a deeper message about how the enemy uses deception to pull us away from the truth. I witnessed the campers gain confidence in their interactions and the excitement they had performing for each other. It was a joyful and encouraging space where fun and faith came together in meaningful ways.

At the end of the week several youth asked for prayer for their families. One boy shared his deep longing for his parents to know Jesus, even though they are not open to faith. There was also great reasons to celebrate as five young people gave their lives to Christ that week.

A little while after that week, one mother reached out to tell us that their whole family is now attending church again because their child insisted on it after camp.  This is the work God is doing. It is real, lasting, and life-giving and I am so grateful to be part of it.”

Kaily – 3x camper

“I look up to the people there, just the joy they have in their lives all the time and I want that to be me too… All the God talks and the worshiping was so good, it’s an amazing place.

Whenever I get back from Cedarwood, I want to change what I do, I want to read the Bible more often. I want to journal. I want to sing and praise like so much more.

I’ve grown in my faith a lot. Before, I would say I was a Christian mostly because it was my family’s belief. But when I came to Cedarwood, I really started to believe for myself that God is real — that He’s there, and He wants to help me. I’ve learned that my faith isn’t just something I get from my family, it’s my own now. Cedarwood has helped me with that tremendously.”

How you can pray for this ministry:

• Give thanks to our Father for the beauty of His creation that we get to enjoy and explore and pray for the young people that experienced Jesus at Camp this summer. May their love for Him continue to grow.

To our Ministry Partners: We had an amazing summer! This is just a glimpse of what your partnership makes possible. Every prayer, every donation, and every word of encouragement helped create camp to be a place where God transformed young hearts. Thank you for believing in this ministry and for investing in the next generation. Together, we are planting seeds of faith that will continue to grow long after summer ends.

Become a Ministry Partner Today!

Get Involved!  We are looking for additional staff and volunteers to be a part of year-round team at Cedarwood and will begin hiring for summer 2026 in the spring.