EDMOND—Philadelphia Youth Camp just wrapped up. Relive the one-of-a-kind experience with 144 campers representing 29 states, five countries and one spiritual family. Archery, basketball, Bible, canoeing, cycling, campus improvement, dance, entertainment night, flag football, leadership, softball, soccer, song leading, speech, swimming, track, volleyball, water polo, summer heat, goofy chants, dorm songs, cheering, overcoming, joking, laughing, smiling—it’s all here!

These posts updated daily, with the most recent news and photos appearing at the top.

Day 20 : All Stars: Flag Football

Day 20 : All Stars: Men’s Water Polo

EDMOND—The campers dove into a matchup against the workers in the water polo all-star game on July 28. Camper Gianni Welsh and water polo instructor Kyle Cocomise contributed crucial goals to the camper cause, dazzling the crowd with pinpoint darts from distance. The campers held a 7-6 lead until the workers found an equalizer with seconds left in regulation, knotting the score at 7 and forcing a shoot out. In the shoot out, Cocomise and worker goalie Abraham Blondeau denied nearly every shot attempt. But one goal found the back of the net: a shot by camper Brett Roberts. When worker Johnathan Mansour’s effort smacked off the crossbar in the fifth and final round of the shoot out, the crowd erupted and camper players celebrated in the middle of the pool. The shoot-out victory marked the male campers’ first win in five all-star contests.

—Grant Turgeon

Day 20 : All Stars: Women’s Water Polo

EDMOND—Camper girls took on their worker opponents in the water polo all-star game on July 28. Camper Callie Cocomise led her team with two goals scored, and teammate Alexa Turgeon supplied tenacious defense to keep the worker attack in check. Water polo instructor Kyle Cocomise, the camper coach, stressed before and during the game the importance of out-swimming the workers, and his girls did just that. Overall, defense won the day, reminiscent of the women’s basketball game the day previous. The campers triumphed, 4-2, tallying a 3-2 aggregate victory in five women’s all-star contests over two days.

—Grant Turgeon

Day 20 : All Stars: Men’s Softball

EDMOND—Philadelphia Youth Camp worker men, veterans of the Herbert W. Armstrong College intramural softball program, played the stand-out players from the camper team during the softball all-star game on July 28. But it was the campers who struck first, in the bottom of the first inning. A defensive gem of the game was a pop-up toward camper Jed Ellis, who scrambled back, then launched himself backward into the air and caught the ball before landing on his back, securing the ball for a dramatic out. Scoring remained neck-and-neck until the latter innings, when the workers broke the game open for several runs, posting a final score of 10-3, workers.

—Kaitlin Eames

Day 20 : All Stars: Women’s Softball

EDMOND—The worker women and the camper all stars faced off on the softball diamond on July 28. 5G assistant counselor Charlene Campbell led off the first inning for the worker team, and one swing later she had hit a home run and put the workers up 1-0. The worker women never looked back, leading the whole game and stacking up run after run. The campers put several runs on the board as well, but the workers prevailed 16-7.

—Kaitlin Eames

Day 19 : Dorms Square Off in Test of Scriptural Skill

EDMOND—Following a Sunday packed with all-star sports, campers matched up their minds in the sixth annual Philadelphia Youth Camp Bible bowl.

Twelve dorms entered the John Amos Field House gymnasium contending for the 2014 title conferred on the group with the best knowledge of scripture. Quizmaster Michael Dattolo again moderated the contest.

After a series of fill-in-the-blank and rapid-response trivia about the Old and New Testaments, the field quickly narrowed down to three dorms: 2G, 1B and 6B.

2G lost a point with a wrong answer on the final question of the round, breaking the deadlock and sending 1B and 6B to the final round.

1B, led by counselor Michael Cocomise and assistant counselor Daniel Westerbaan, eventually prevailed. As the audience stood and applauded the efforts of all the dorms, 1B embraced onstage, champions once again after being declared track meet winners that morning.

—Grant Turgeon

Day 19 : All Stars: Women’s Basketball

EDMOND—After losses in soccer and volleyball, the worker women looked to get on the board with a victory in the Philadelphia Youth Camp all-star basketball match-up on July 27 in the John Amos Field House.

Unlike the freewheeling, fast-paced men’s game the night before, the women’s matchup centered on defense. Both sides crowded the paint, making dribble drives and layups nearly impossible.

Assistant basketball instructor Paris Turgeon shouldered the burden for the camper squad, scoring 13 of its 22 points.

The rest of the team, however, struggled to overcome the workers’ noticeable height advantage and defensive aggressiveness. Their defense stifled the campers’ offensive game plan, resulting in a 28-22 victory for the workers.

—Grant Turgeon

Day 19 : All Stars: Women’s Volleyball

EDMOND—The female camper all stars took on the worker team inside a raucous John Amos Field House gymnasium on July 27.

The lopsided first set saw the workers take control early in the best-of-three contest. The campers rallied back, and the score was neck and neck until they fell to the workers 25-22.

The outlook seemed bleak as campers took the floor for the second set down 1-0. But they showed tenacity, jumping out to an early lead. The worker women came on strong, however, and after lengthy volleys and intense back-and-forth action, the two teams were knotted at 25-25. Finally the campers broke the tie, bouncing back to snag a win and force a third set.

As cheering fans looked on, the workers again were in the driver’s seat early. The never-say-die campers caught up steadliy, however. The crowd watched closely fought volleys and quick, alert plays on both sides of the net. Sixteen-year-old Jinnie, who plays on her high school team in Nevada, helped spark her squad’s comeback, and the camper girls won the third set—and the match—in thrilling fashion with a score of 25-21.

—Grant Turgeon and Kaitlin Eames

Day 19 : All Stars: Men’s Soccer

EDMOND—The male workers took on their camper counterparts on July 27 for the Philadelphia Youth Camp men’s soccer all-star soccer game. The close match followed a tight women’s game in which the campers seized the victory in a shoot out.

The male campers came out swinging early, with a pair of serious scoring chances. Camper Gianni Welsh was narrowly thwarted twice in the opening minutes.

Turning the tables on the campers’ aggressive play, the workers struck back suddenly in the fifth minute. Kyle Tremblay found the back of the net to cap a worker rush.

In the second half, worker Samuel Livingston had an exquisite breakaway and a successful strike against camper goalie Lane, increasing the worker lead to 2-nil.

The second goal seemed to wake up the camper team, who responded with increased urgency in their attack.

After a foul in the goal box, camper Harvey buried his penalty kick in the lower left corner beyond the outstretched arms of worker goalie Abraham Blondeau.

The last minutes were an all-out scramble as campers tried desperately to equalize. Overall, the campers tallied more scoring chances, but the closest they came in the final minutes was a collection of goalpost-thumping shots. The workers held on until the final whistle with a score of 2-1.

—Grant Turgeon

Day 19 : All Stars: Women’s Soccer

EDMOND—The most outstanding female soccer athletes faced off in the women’s all-star game between the campers and the workers on July 27 on the Herbert W. Armstrong College pitch.

The workers started off strong, keeping the ball on the camper half of the field and controlling roughly 75 percent of possession. This resulted in about five chances on goal, but the workers were unable to capitalize. Camper goalie Tyrsa “the Wall of” Gregory proved to by up to each challenge.

Midway through the first half, the campers took the lead on the counterattack. Alyssa Tunales capped a scramble in the goal box with an easy tap-in to the far corner of the net.

In the second half, worker striker Rachel Culpepper scored the equalizer in one of the workers 10 or so shots on goal with a nifty shot through Gregory’s legs, sending the tight game to a nerve-wracking shoot out.

Following an hour of masterful goalkeeping during regulation, Gregory took the upper hand in the shoot out as well, allowing just one of four worker shooters to convert their opportunities. Only Victoria Terrell broke through, with a perfectly placed smash into the top left corner.

Emma, Jessica and Cami each struck home clutch goals for the campers in the shoot out, resulting in a camper victory (1-1) (3-1).

—Grant Turgeon

Day 18: All-Stars: Men’s Basketball

EDMOND—The atmosphere was electric under the Saturday night lights of the John Amos Field House as Philadelphia Youth Camp all-star weekend kicked off with a marquee matchup between the male campers and workers.

One of the highlights among the highlights of all stars, the contest was a step up from regular games during the session played by dorms wearing T-shirts and with fanfare limited to the cheering of the basketball instructors and the dorms themselves.

But tonight, the stands were packed with hundreds of campers, staff, parents and other visitors. The players suited up in Herbert W. Armstrong College jerseys. The scorer’s table was staffed with a scoreboard operator, bookkeeper, stat recorder and commentator. Uniformed referees Eric Burns, the assistant camp director and Mark Hyde, a local church elder, waited on the sidelines with the game ball. They were all there to see the campers who had exhibited stand-out skills and attitudes during the session.

Commentator Christopher Eames announced the starting lineups to voluminous cheers that filled the room, particularly for the campers as they took the floor to try to break a several-year-long streak of worker victories made possible by the workers’ advantages in age, HWAC intramural experience and, oftentimes, height.

The camper team, led by basketball instructors Joshua Sloan and Charles Wittsell took the floor for the tip off. The whistle blew, the ball floated into the air, and the game was on.

Worker Justin Yocum secured the ball and the workers scored some early points. But the campers struck back, using a read-and-react offense to expose holes in the worker defense and pass the ball to players who could take high-percentage shots. In the first half, the workers pulled away with an increasing lead, nearly doubling the camper score early in the game. The campers rallied back, limiting the deficit to roughly 10 points throughout the rest of the half. Camper Gianni, from Edmond, led his team in scoring.

In the second half, the campers kept the margin manageable. Both teams then tried to break the game open with three-point attempts, with mixed results.

Scoring stayed lower than in previous sessions, due to solid defense on both sides of the floor. Despite falling behind, the campers proved able to match the workers shot-for-shot for much of the game.

In the closing minutes, the campers struggled to close the gap. Sloan and Wittsell came off the bench to spark a chance at a rally, but the workers’ early lead proved insurmountable as worker coach Brent Nagteaal led the worker team to another victory over what had proved to be a worthy opponent. The night ended with one final cheer from the crowd for both teams.

—Philip Nice, with Christopher Eames

Day 17: 2G Shines During Soccer

2G and 5G play their last game of soccer of the Philadelphia Youth Camp session. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

EDMOND—Under a sunny and hot Oklahoma sky, 2G spent one of their final classes of the Philadelphia Youth Camp session on the soccer pitch on July 25. Their enthusiastic chatter during their final soccer game could be heard from all over the area.

Counselor Brooke Davis paced up and down the field, coaching her girls. The girls heed her shouts to cross the ball and score a goal only a few minutes in. After the goal, as the girls returned to their half of the field, instructor Panayi Tolis ran around the field, cooling the girls down with a water gun.

During the game, instructor Anthony Chibaririwe ran out onto the field to give additional instruction to campers as the game progressed.

Kitchen staff volunteer and 2G aunt Rishanna Cheek joined the game midway to provide a boost to her PYC nieces. Davis and assistant counselor Jennifer Schlote subbed in and out, taking turns coaching on-field.

“Even though we aren’t that great sports, they are still happy when they lose,” Schlote said. “Miss Davis and I really just care that they remain positive through it all and they really have.”

“We have improved a lot over camp,” said Callie, 16, during a water break. “First couple of games was rough, but as we have gotten closer as a dorm we have worked together. I love them; we are very sisterly.”

“I am very proud of how receptive they are,” Davis said.

On the field, 5G scored several goals, and 2G faced an uphill climb to try to equalize.

While she subbed out, 2G camper Audrey said, “Not a wining-or-losing attitude—staying positive and working as a team helped us a lot.”

5G played the stronger game and emerged with the victory, but both dorms huddled together as instructors Tolis and Victoria Lancaster, ran around the circle of blue and grey shirts, spraying the girls with water as Chibarirwe and instructor Joel Price singled out four girls for recognition and reward tickets, including Adrienne and Janice (2G) and Kassi and Berkeley (5G).

—Sharalee Fraser

Day 16: Entertainment Night: Morning Star

EDMOND—More than 250 campers, staff and members of the Edmond congregation gathered in Armstrong Auditorium on July 24 to watch the Philadelphia Youth Camp encore of Morning Star—The Acts of Waldo the Apostle. The performance of the featured 34 campers, seven Imperial Academy students and one Herbert W. Armstrong student. The musical tells the history of Peter Waldo, a 12th-century apostle in the Thyatira era of the Church of God.

Campers overcame technical difficulties and battled illness to take the stage, including three—1G’s Chrissie, 3G’s Eleisha and 3B’s Jesse—who stepped into leading roles that were originally performed by Armstrong students at the production’s premiere on June 22.

More than 200 pcg members streamed the performance on live.pcog.org, several of whom described the performance as “inspiring,” “impactful” and beautiful.

—Sharalee Fraser

Day 15: Etiquette Night

EDMOND—Dorms 2 and 4 gathered in the elegantly decorated dining hall on the night of July 24 for the final of three Philadelphia Youth Camp etiquette nights.

The ladies of 2G and 4G spent their final class period of the day decorated the room, setting the tables with candle-featured centerpiece to highlight the black, white and gold. The kitchen crew catered a four-course meal for campers, staff and guests.

The evening began with an introduction on proper etiquette from Mrs. Laura Turgeon before camp director Wayne Turgeon started the toasting portion of the night. Mr. Turgeon called upon one camper from each of the ten tables, along with several staff members, who toasted the camp staff, their counselors, dorms, camp administration and Pastor General Gerald Flurry.

After enjoying the entrée, Mr. Turgeon returned to the lectern to begin the topic session portion of the night. Questions ranged from naming their favorite camp meal, if any of the first-timers were homesick and what they did to overcome it, what would be the biggest change their parents would notice when they got home and what area of world events they eagerly watched.

At the end of the night, campers exchanged gifts and took photos before clearing the hall and setting up the tables for breakfast the following day.

—Sharalee Fraser

Day 15 : 5G Speaks Out

EDMOND—The ladies of 5G started Phiadelphia Youth Camp classes for the day with a big one on July 23: speech class. First period marked their final speech class of the session, which meant each camper was delivering a five-minute speech.

Nerves were high as campers sat down in the hallway outside the classroom at Barbara Flurry Memorial Hall and chattered about the class.

“Can you believe we only have three more days of regular activities ….” “Just remember to speak slowly ….” “Five minutes isn’t that long ….” “I’m just worried that I’m not going to have enough to say ….”

“Do well!” 4G camper Brianna said as her dorm passed on the way to Bible.

“I can do it. I can do it. I’ll get through it,” sang Berkeley, as the start of class drew closer.

When speech instructor Ryan Malone arrived, several girls inhaled quickly and said their nervousness had just shot up. The dorm filed in and took its seats as Mr. Malone held open the door. Papers rustled, hands shook, and campers murmured final words of encouragement until Mr. Malone announced the first speech of the day:

“All the way from Down Under, with a speech entitled Make New Friends , please welcome Miss Samantha Robson.”

Robson shared three points with her peers—smile and be yourself, show yourself friendly, and do to others what you want done to yourself.

After her, her dorm mates delivered speeches on subjects including the meanings of different types of flowers, reasons to visit Chicago, the life of Martha Washington, and reflecting on moments from previous PYCs. Everyone in the room laughed at times, and some even shed tears as campers shared personal experiences and lessons.

“Good points, good thoughts, and good personal stories,” Mr. Malone said at the end of class. “Great facial expressions and vocal variety. This was a really moving class.”

After the last girl braved her five minutes behind the lectern, the mission was accomplished. 5G thanked Mr. Malone, swept together its gear, their nervousness, resolved, and headed to an opportunity to collectively exhale at second period: study hall.

—Kaitlin Eames

Day 15: 5B Offers Up Speeches On Life Improvement

EDMOND—As 5G filed out of speech class, the young men of dorm 5B marched in to deliver their five-minute speeches. As with every dorm, anxiety was high. Papers rustled as campers speed-read their notes a final time.

Spencer lead off the class with a talk about a lesson he learned when he broke his wrist: patience. First-time camper Jude, 12, followed him with three points on how to be more productive—plan out your time, prioritize, and focus.

“Busy-ness doesn’t always mean productivity,” Jude said.

Subsequent speech topics included carp hunting, a brief history of ice cream in America, and how to conquer glossophobia (fear of public speaking).

Third-time camper Jed, 15, spoke about goal-setting. Having a goal means that “you have a reason to put every bit of effort that you have into it,” he said.

Jed encouraged goal-setting at work, at school and even at home. “There’s no better feeling than knowing that you’ve done something that helped the family,” he said.

Sixteen-year-old Matthew spoke about concentration. Others talked about the importance of teamwork and about effective time management.

“Take ownership of your time,” said Harvey, 17, from England. He quoted educator Corita Kent, who said, “Life is a succession of moments. To live each one is to succeed.”

“Great speeches today,” Mr. Malone said, commenting on how he enjoyed the personal stories woven through many of them. “Whenever you have a speech and you relate it to us, we are going to perk up.”

Slinging their bags across their shoulders, 5B thanked Mr. Malone and jogged over to the Field House for lunch, feeling a touch lighter walking out of Memorial Hall than when they had walked in.

—Kaitlin Eames

Day 15: 1G Multi-tasks in Productive Study Hall

EDMOND—Campers from 1G finished the day’s activities with a study hall period—free time to work on camp-related projects.

“How many of you are ready for your speeches?” counselor Sherry Beezley asked the girls as they sat in a circle in their dorm. Three girls raised their hands. Beezley assigned those girls with the task of working on the dorm song, while the other girls finalized their speeches in readiness for giving them the following day.

Those working on their speeches settled down in various corners of the room, outside on the patio, leaned up against the bed, or in the closet.

Campers Chrissie and Julia disappeared into the lounge to rehearse their parts for the encore performance of Morning Star: The Acts of Waldo the Apostle the next day. Meanwhile, Vienna, Lauren and Kia lay on their stomachs in the middle of the room and pulled out the lyrics to the Beach Boys song Wouldn’t It Be Nice.

The temporary peace was interrupted by a sudden scream as the girls discovered a pea-sized spider scuttling across the floor. With the swift thump of a shoe, the threat was gone, and the girls resumed their activities.

Wouldn’t It Be Nice slowly transformed into 1G’s dorm song, as the girls changed lyrics and added new rhymes to the song, singing instead about how they wished camp were longer, and then they could all live like this together, and live like this forever.

“Can you read this and see if it is a good idea?” Ann, 17, asked, carrying her speech to another camper, who looked it over, smiled and returned it with a nod. As time passed, campers finished music practice, speeches and songs.

When 5 o’clock came around, campers put away notebooks, pens, lyrics and papers and prepared a new outfit for the faculty home visits later that night.

—Kaitlin Eames

Day 14: 6B, 6G Experience Air Conditioning, Couches For a Change

6B campers play foosball at the home of PYC director Wayne Turgeon. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Grant Turgeon)

EDMOND—Capping off another busy day on July 22, dorms 6G and 6B visited PYC director Wayne Turgeon’s home on the campus of Herbert W. Armstrong College for their faculty home visit activity.

The group spent three hours enjoying burgers, playing games and talking about lessons they had learned during the first half of the session. Games included miniature pool, chess, Boggle, Guesstures and Apples to Apples, as well as a Turgeon PYC tradition: a single-elimination fooseball tournament. Others played piano, played with the pets or jumped on a trampoline.

Camper Dylan Paul said foosball was his favorite part of the evening “because I was dominating. I got past two people and felt pretty good.”

“I hadn’t sat on a couch in forever,” camper Viktoria Monsalve said, “and I was like, ‘Ah, so good.’”

As campers sprawled on the floor of the family room, Mr. Turgeon shifted the mood from jovial to contemplative, asking campers what lessons they had learned. Campers opened up about struggles they face at home and shared camp lessons about leadership, authority, emotional control and gratitude.

Camper Sarah Sliger said, “It was wonderful because everyone was happy and laughing together and having a good time.”

—Grant Turgeon

Day 14 : 5B Dives in to Final Water Polo Match

5B takes on 4B in water polo. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

EDMOND—On July 22, 5B arrived on the pool deck for their last water polo game of the session: a matchup against 4B. As reggae fusion sounds emanated from instructor Kyle Cocomise’s playlist, Reese Zoellner and Kaleb Robson’s dorm dove in to the pool.

Ironically, although this was 5B’s last water polo game, even though they were yet to take their first swimming class. But the campers of 5B managed to keep their heads above water—and then some.

“We are very decent athletically and work well as a team,” Zoellener said.

In the pool, the campers took the lead, 6-3, and took off from there. 5B goalie Jed repelled shot after shot, and the offense notched up two more goals for a score of 8-4 at halftime.

Diving back in off the scalding concrete deck for the second half, 5B picked up where it had left off. Almost instantly, Daniel collected the ball an drilled it into 4B’s goal.

Soon afterward, Cocomise tore off his shirt, handed his stopwatch to his assistant, Brandi Davis, and jumped into the water to help 4B out. Cocomise secured the ball and scored a bounce shot from halfway. He later scored again, but 5B’s teamwork and skill sustained the rally, and Zoellner’s polo players cruised to a final of 12-6.

To the theme music of Pirates of the Caribbean, the staff pushed campers back into the pool in a unique ticket-giving ritual that recognized Jed for his goalkeeping. 5B wrapped up class with a cheer for their opponents before hitting the changing rooms to change into more appropriate clothing for their final activity of the day just up the hill: soccer.

—Christopher Eames

Day 14 : Bible Class #4: Campers Learn About Humility

Dorms 3G, 4G, 3B and 4B study during Bible class #4 during Philadelphia Youth Camp on July 23. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Grant Turgeon)

EDMOND—Dorms 5G, 5B, 6G and 6B gathered in the Barbara Flurry Memorial Hall classroom on July 22 to hear a Bible lecture from Local Elder Joseph Short on the subject of humility.

Mr. Short read excerpts from Herbert W. Armstrong’s autobiography about the Great Depression in the 1930s and how God used financial hardship to crush Mr. Armstrong’s materialistic ambitions. Mr. Short explained that Mr. Armstrong had to be humbled so God could use him.

“Mr. Armstrong felt that every business he started promised gold and glory in the eyes of men, but turned to nothing,” Mr. Short said. The material ambition Mr. Armstrong had caused him to value the opinion of men, rather than God, he said.

“God was molding and shaping Mr. Armstrong into the man he would use,” Mr. Short said. “God was working his mind down to a state that was useable—to a state of being truly humble.”

“Will we let God rule us?” Mr. Short asked the campers.

Campers turned to chapter 28 of Ezekiel, and male campers took turns reading scriptures aloud. One by one, the scriptures unfolded the history of the archangel Lucifer, who was created perfect and holy.

“Look at the opportunity that God gave to this being,” Mr. Short said. “He was right there at God’s throne, learning from God. God wanted the very best for him.” Mr. Short described how it all went wrong for Lucifer when he lost his humility and became vain, turning into the prince of darkness.

“God wants the best for us, but He wants us to do it His way,” Mr. Short said. “God hasn’t brought you here to PYC for nothing. God is going to expect greatness from you. How teachable are you?”

Mr. Short also described the downfall of the archangel Lucifer, who became obsessed with his beauty and rebelled against His Creator. Lucifer became Satan and destroyed God’s Church with an attitude of vanity; this evil being is now consumed with world domination, he said.

“Mr. Armstrong found strength when he was totally crushed,” Mr. Short said. “He realized that he had nothing to offer God, but that God was offering him something. Mr. Armstrong found real success and strength through surrender. Out of weakness, he was made strong.”

While Satan vainly seizes power, “humility is our path to glory,” Mr. Short said, telling campers to examine all areas of our lives to ensure they remain humble and submissive.

Mr. Short said that crushed, humble men like Mr. Armstrong are great tools for God. God used this man to restore law and government to His Church, he said, adding that humility can give campers the strength to fight and move forward.

—Kaitlin Eames and Grant Turgeon

Day 14: 6B Takes the Turf for Flag Football

Quarterback Gianni Welsh (3B) throws the ball to his teammates. (Photo: Tabitha Burks) (Philadelphia Church of God)

EDMOND—The proud Union Jack flag fluttered defiantly in the breeze over the football field on July 22 as 3B and 4B prepared for their penultimate football game of Philadelphia Youth Camp 2014. The signature item belonged to the counselor of dorm 6B, Herbert W. Armstrong College junior Abraham Blondeau. As Blondeau was unwell that day, his assistant counselor Emmanuel Michels was leading the dorm solo for the day’s activities.

6B strapped on their cleats and headed out onto the field with 3B to begin warmup exercises before the dorms were called together by head flag football instructor Jason Cocomise to begin a game.

3B started off with the ball, and after the snap, all silence was broken with the words: “One alligator! Two alligator! Three alligator!” before the campers charged at the 3B quarterback, Gianni. It didn’t take long before the green-shirted advance of 3B was stopped in its tracks, and 6B took control of the ball.

But as the game progressed, some stunning dashes by Gianni put 6B on the defensive. The tide of the game turned when 6B’s Gavin caught a long throw just outside the end zone, leading to a touchdown by 16-year-old Parker. The score was tied 14-14 at halftime.

Cocomise was happy with the class and his crew. “We have a really good staff,” he said. “They haven’t missed a call yet—just joking.”

After a brief halftime break, 3B scored two touchdowns in short order. As 6B tried to stage a comeback, almost scoring a touchdown, 3B’s Gianni plucked the ball out of the sky and sent the game back in the other direction.

The game ended with 3B as victor, leaving the score 28-14. But the blue-clad 6B was still in good spirits. Strongman Michael was awarded a ticket, and despite losing, the blue-clad 6B was in good spirits as it filed off for lunch.

—Christopher Eames

Day 13: Campers Go Faster, Higher, Stronger

Day 13: 3B Sets Canoeing Records

Canoeing assistant Albert Clarke rides along with two members of 3B, helping them better learn the various strokes. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

EDMOND—Dorm 3B ventured out onto the Seven-Acre Lake on July 18 during Philadelphia Youth Camp for their double-period canoeing class.

Led by counselor Kiall Lorenz, they were met on the island by instructors Kaitlin Eames, Maree Tolis, Albert Clarke, Jordan Ellis and Daryle Hochstetler as they waited for the head canoeing instructor to arrive. The sun was shining, the lake glistening, and sunburn was forecast for later in the day.

Across the bridge walked head canoeing instructor for pyc, Roger Brandon. “I’m Mr. Brandon,” he said. “I’m the handsome one. I should be: I made the other one!” referring to his son and archery instructor, James Brandon.

Mr. Brandon examined the various canoe parts and discussed several rules for safety and equipment maintenance. He then administered a short, simple quiz on what he had just explained.

Next, 3B learned how to unswamp a canoe. The campers proceeded to the water’s edge to watch instructors Eames and Tolis demonstrate. Mr. Brandon joked that Eames and Tolis had gotten into an argument on the canoe and as the two “had a falling out,” Mr. Brandon said, as Eames and Tolis collapsed into the water. They then expertly righted the canoe and paddled their way in to shore. Now it was the campers’ turn. They soon became experts at falling out of the canoes, but even more expert at getting back in.

Back ashore, Mr. Brandon explained proper paddling techniques, and the dorm took to the water to try them out.

The campers lined up their canoes for the start of the long race—and they were off! Jesse and Lane clocked a blistering time of 4:08, the fastest group so far for pyc this year. Unfortunately, at least one third of the dorm found themselves heading south as their canoes capsized during the race. All eventually crossed the line though.

While the no records were broken in the obstacle course, 3B redeemed their efforts in the two-canoe rescue. In this race, one canoe starts off submerged and must be righted by the other canoe, the timer stopping when both canoes are afloat and all occupants are seated. The men of 3B cut four seconds off the previous fasted time, setting the new record at 18 seconds.

The jubilant, soaked, record-setting men of 3B filed their way off to lunch, ready to settle down before a more mentally-drowning exercise that afternoon: speeches!

—Christopher Eames

Day 10: 1B, 2B Break the Ice

EDMOND—Campers from 1B and 2B faced their public-speaking apprehensions and delivered three-minute ice breakers on July 18 in their second speech class of Philadelphia Youth Camp.

The 24 campers spoke on a range of subjects including pyc experiences, nicknames, lessons learned from injuries, growing up on the farm, and playing instruments.

Many of the young men used humor to describe aspects of their lives that make them unique.

“When you hear my name, you probably think of a snobbish, bratty, stuck-up, know-it-all punk who never had to work for anything…” began 2B camper Micah. “Sadly, you are right,” he continued, the classroom vibrating with roaring laughter from campers and guests.

“I have a Russian piano teacher; enough said there,” Micah joked. “I got into Irish dancing because my sister convinced me. My diet consists of carbs and … carbs.”

“We’re remodeling my bathroom now,” Camden (1B) said after telling the audience about a prankster friend’s idea to place firecrackers in the toilet.

“My dorm mates call me ‘Thai Rice,’” 2B camper Tyrhys (pronounced Tie-Reese) said in a moment of hilarious irony. “I don’t know why.”

“I feel strangely comfortable up here,” Adam (1B) deadpanned. He went on to tell some of his nicknames including “Paulie,” and “boy.”

Some speakers took a unique approach to their icebreaker assignment.

Reagan from 2B explained in his make-believe show-and-tell presentation that he found a 50-year-old journal of Reagan in a mineshaft. He then read chapters from it that detailed the long-dead miner’s interests and goals.

Usually reserved 1B camper Jordan surprised the audience by beginning his speech with an exaggerated Australian accent. He ended with a self-deprecating one-liner: “That is probably all you will care to know about me.”

After an information-packed hour of comedic and creative speeches, speech instructor Ryan Malone evaluated all 24 speakers in just 13 minutes. He gave special recognition to Micah and 1B’s Evan for his speech about owning a web design business.

After class, the two dorms of relieved and enthused boys departed for lunch and an afternoon of campus improvement, flag football and cycling.

—Grant Turgeon

Day 10: 6G Buoyant at Chilly Swim Class

Girls from 6G tread water during swim class on July 18. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

EDMOND—Dorm 6G spent a cloudy Friday afternoon learning swim strokes and dancing for fun at swimming class on July 18 during Philadelphia Youth Camp.

“We only have as much fun as you guys do,” instructor Kyle Cocomise said as the girls danced to music playing on a stereo. “If you guys want to have a fun time, we’ll join in too.”

Assistant instructor Brandi Davis led the dorm in stretches, asking the girls their favorite animals. Some campers, like 15 year-old Erica, had trouble narrowing it down.

Under gray skies and cool temperatures following several days of rain, the high for the day was 63°F. When the time came to get in the water, girls tried several methods, some easing in as slowly as possible, others jumping in squealing, and some huddling together, hugging each other as they shivered.

Instruction included a lap of freestyle, the breaststroke, and treading water. The class also included a challenge in which two girls dove to the bottom of the pool, retrieving nine-pound kettle bells (Viktoria and Tyrsa) while one girl (Erica) treaded water and one (Zoe) held her breath. After all kettle bells were retrieved the four swimmers had to take a lap. The goal was to break the current session record of 1 minute, 31 seconds.

6G notched a time of 1 minute, 44.56 seconds, but the girls said they were eager to get another chance to beat the record in their next swimming class the following week.

“My favorite part are the kids who are eager to improve,” Davis said.

6G spent the remainder of class in a free swim, resuming their dance moves while playing water volleyball as Cocomise restarted the music.

Before heading on to campus improvement class, the girls gave the swimming staff a lyrical cheer: “Under the sea, under the sea. Swim class is better down where it’s wetter; thank you swim class!”

—Sharalee Fraser

Day 9: Wacky Games Provide Change of Pace

EDMOND—During the second week of the Philadelphia Youth Camp session, the intense days of organized sports capped off with evening activities including “wacky games,” which lightened the mood.

This session, wacky games included stations such as human scooter bowling, volleyball played with an Omnikin ball, and backwards basketball.

“It gives everyone an opportunity to get involved …” flag football assistant Ben Young said. “[It’s] a way to relax after two weeks of competing in the heat, and everyone can really enjoy themselves.”

“It was a great time for all campers, athletic or unathletic, to participate with enthusiasm.” said Spencer, a second-year camper from Pennsylvania.

“It really built the campers teamwork and communication,” said Kassie, a five-time camper from Washington, said.

After the games finished, campers and workers moved outside for a barbecue and an open swim in the pool at the John Amos Field House.

—Brandi Davis

Day 9: 6B Improves Campus

Campers from 6B help weed the landscaping around the PCG Hall of Administration. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Grant Turgeon)

EDMOND—The first class on the itinerary for 6B on the morning of July 17 was Campus Improvement. The Philadelphia Youth Camp campers trekked across campus through the rain to the flower beds near Barbara Flurry Memorial Hall to help beautify a campus springing up with grass and flowers—and weeds—after unseasonally cool weather and heavy rains.

“Whoever pulls the most weeds, I’ll give three tickets,” counselor Abraham Blondeau said. (Tickets are worth $1 in the camp store.)

“We picked the best day for you,” landscaping supervisor Carl Hilliker joked as a light rain continued to saturate the ground. He gave the campers their equipment and their mission, saying, “Choose your weapon. Be sure to get the roots out.”

Using fencing stakes as makeshift weeding tools, 6B filled bucket after bucket with unwanted green growth, also finding a small turtle burrowed in a hole next to a shrub.

Several campers said they think Campus Improvement contributes to the PYC.

“We beautify the campus to set a standard for the rest of the world,” Gavin, 16, said.

Victor Granados, 18, said, “We beautify camp to please God.”

In 75 minutes, 6B filled an entire truck bed with weeds, then rinsed their hands, wiped their shoes, and marched inside to attend Bible class.

—Grant Turgeon

Day 9: What Leadership Looks Like

EDMOND—On July 9, male campers from 1B and 2B attended leadership class with Pastor Joel Hilliker. Mr. Hilliker taught the 24 boys and four counselors about the unique role of being a Christian man and the responsibility to lead in a giving way.

Day 8: It’s the Work! It’s a Party!

EDMOND—All 144 Philadelphia Youth Camp campers spent their evening learning more about the work of the Philadelphia Church of God during the “work party” event on July 16. All 12 dorms cycled through six stations at the church’s Mail Processing Center, Hall of Administration and Armstrong Auditorium. Stations included the television set of the Key of David and Trumpet Daily programs; the mail department print shop, fulfillment center and warehouse; the unveiling of the revived True Education youth magazine; an Imperial Academy classroom; a Herbert W. Armstrong College classroom and bookstore; and the lobby of Armstrong Auditorium.

—Philip Nice

Day 8: 3G Learns to Jump Higher, Throw Farther, Run Faster

EDMOND—In the center of activity at Philadelphia Youth Camp, 12 girls from 3G learned about competing for their dorm and against themselves during their track practice class on July 16.

As boys dorms charged up an incline to the soccer field for a game of flag football, a girl’s dorm stretched out at the cycling station and two boys dorms sang the American national anthem at the softball field, instructor Steve Hercus welcomed the girls to the track and field station, giving them a rundown of what to expect, splitting them into threes and sending them to their first stations.

At the 40-yard dash station, Hercus timed the girls initial sprints and put them through drills including skipping, running and even bursting off of the starting line tied to a tire. After crossing the finish line on one of her subsequent attempts, 17-year-old Crystal flashed a smile as Hercus exclaimed that she had shaved two seconds off her time using improved technique.

“One of the things we have done different this year is teaching sprinting,” Hercus said, adding that the skill applies to the other sports the campers play. He said he wants to help the campers learn to “harness more speed. It’s about getting their minds to engage the right muscles at the right time.”

“They improve every single day, and it’s so encouraging,” counselor Chelsea Cocomise said of her “darling” dorm. “ … Each and every one of them has such a sweet personality,” she added. Later she pointed out one of her campers at the 40-yard dash station. There, Rebecca, less than 5 feet tall, sprinted down the lane with enthusiasm, trailing behind her a rope and a bouncing tire seemingly bigger than she was.

The campers cycled through long jump with Lauren Eames, javelin with Daryle Hochstetler, discus with Albert Clarke and shot put with James Lowry, meeting what is the largest-ever pyc track and field staff and consequently receiving instruction that was “a little more detailed” than in years past, Hercus said.

At long jump, some campers already began using the sprinting techniques they had learned with Hercus. At javelin, 17-year-old Alina said she was enjoying her favorite track and field event.

“Last year I hit myself in the head with it, and this year I did a lot better,” she said. She later signed up to compete in the javelin event at the July 21 track meet.

In preparation for the meet, track practice helps campers try out, choose and prepare for events: 40-yard dash, long jump, javelin, discus and shot put. The meet will include the field events plus the mile, 400 meters, 100 meters, 40-yard dash and 4x100 relay running events. At the end of track practice, each camper chooses three events, including at least one track and one field event.

Hercus wrapped up the class emphasizing the importance of constantly competing against oneself to improve, and the importance of each camper’s contribution, since each competitor earns a point value.

“Each person gets to help contribute to dorm score,” he said, adding that even the difference between 17th and 18th place can impact which dorm comes out on top.

After the girls signed up for their events, the staff handed out tickets to those who had given their best effort: Emma, Eleanor, Jeanine and Alexa.

The 2014 Philadelphia Youth Camp track meet begins July 21 at 6:30 p.m.

—Sharalee Fraser

Day 8: 4G Brightens Cloudy Archery Class

Olivia from 4G draws her bow as Brianna holds her projectiles and checks her form. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

EDMOND—Under gray clouds sprinkling rain, 4G huddled under the army surplus tent for archery class at Philadelphia Youth Camp on July 16 with instructors James Brandon and Justin Wainwright, who said that their excitement brightened the experience.

During “Story Time With Billy Joe,” the girls introduced themselves and answered the question of the day: What is the “coolest” thing you have killed? For Brianna, it was a black widow spider. For Rachel, it was “targets.”

Brandon explained the rules of the archery range and introduced the five points to shooting: “ground, draw, set, aim and release,” as Wainwright demonstrated. Then it was time to shoot.

Pairs of campers walked through the drizzle up to the 10-yard firing line across from a row of targets. Balloons pinned to the bullseyes fluttered in the breeze. Brandon instructed the girls to focus on consistency for the first, non-scoring round, but that after that, there were tickets on the line for the girls who could pop the balloons.

Assistant counselor Anya Trietsch, from South Africa, says she is happy to be part of pyc in Edmond—her last session was as a camper in 2004.

“It’s all fantastic,” she says. “The greatest joy is seeing [the campers] improve.”

After Trietsch struggled with her first shots, counselor Sarah Culpepper shouted “Miss Trietsch needs encouragement!” The 12 campers promptly responded with a chorus of loud and energized exclamations: “Go Miss Trietsch!” Her shooting immediately improved, and her campers continued to smile and cheer her on.

“I like the experience of being a sports instructor and getting to know all the campers,” said Wainwright, a first-time pyc worker who in this class popped the balloon on his first shot. “I enjoy getting to spend time with them and see them improve.”

As the girls shot, Katie and Laura manage to also pop their balloons. With 53 points, Laura came one point shy of tying the girl’s archery record so far this session. She and Olivia won tickets for the most outstanding shooters of the class.

“I am much better this year than last year because of the clear instruction,” Olivia said.

“They really paid attention,” Brandon said of the dorm. “They have some good shooters, but they all allowed Justin and I to teach them. … They are the best dorm we have come through so far. Immediately I noticed their enthusiasm.” He added that a dorm’s enthusiasm also encourages the sports instructors themselves. “They have an excitement for life not just archery,” he said.

—Sharalee Fraser

Day 7: Dorms Play Bible Pictionary and Bible Charades

EDMOND—Two sets of brother and sister dorms took turns playing Bible “pic-charades” July 14, 15 and 17 during the first week of evening activities at Philadelphia Youth Camp.

At Bible-themed stations of Pictionary and charades, four dorms at a time challenged their ability to answer Bible trivia as a team. Teens acted out subjects including “the Good Samaritan,” “Christ’s cleansing of the temple,” and “Samson tying the fox tails together.”

Isaiah, 15, from Massachusetts, said he thought the night was “a great time for dorms to get together and meet each other in a friendly environment and laugh together.”

“I was really impressed with how enthusiastic the campers were to be in the spotlight. It was refreshing to see teenagers forget they weren’t ‘fitting in’ and do their best,” music department assistant Jordy Rouser said. “I also loved how everyone was really supportive of both teams and didn’t try to cut anyone down.”

“It was great to see everyone throw themselves into the activities and support each other. They really showed how games are meant to be played,” canoeing assistant Kaitlin Eames said.

Assistant to track and field James Lowry coordinated the Bible games activities; he said, “I wanted to give these campers an exciting, exhilarating, enthusiastic night that would be one to remember.”

—Brandi Davis

Day 7: PYC Takes on the Sky Trail at the OKC Boathouse District

OKLAHOMA CITY—A convoy of pcg vans, rented mini busses and personal vehicles flowed out of the Herbert W. Armstrong Campus gates the morning of July 15 as 144 campers and dozens of staff members visited downtown Oklahoma City’s Boathouse District. The group spent three hours exploring the Oklahoma River’s newest recreational attractions.

Arriving just after 9 a.m., the campers went kayaking and paddleboarding on a 2-mile round trip on the calm waters of the rivers, paddling under several bridges and seeing the city from a new perspective.

Some campers and staff took the opportunity to ambush each other.

“My favorite part was getting dunked by [3G camper] Alina,” staff member Rishanna Cheek said. “The water felt so good and relaxing even though it was disgusting.” (Rivers in Oklahoma, swirling with red clay, are not known for clarity.)

Campers and staff also overcame any acrophobic apprehensions as they strapped on safety harnesses and negotiated rope bridges swaying in the wind and other obstacles 80 feet in the air. At the top of the course, participants took either a spiral slide back down to solid ground, or clipped onto a thick rope and jumped into a free fall.

Camper Dylan (6B) said he wasn’t bothered by the heights: “I broke my fear of heights at Disney World,” he said.

“It was exhilaratingly awesome,” camper Tori (1G) said. “Jumping off felt cool because, whenever I’m up high, I get a crazy urge to jump.”

Sixty campers paid an additional fee to experience the gut-wrenching 700-foot zip line, many of them waving at boaters in the river below as they zoomed over their heads, across the water and back again.

Campers and staff also pulled themselves up a climbing wall, bounced on a large trampoline and climbed a jungle gym.

5B camper Jay said his favorite activity was rock climbing “because it really tested my endurance.” He also said he liked ringing the bells at the top of both 20-foot walls to announce his achievement.

“It was like a big loaf of bread,” 3B camper Nathan said of one of the trampolines. “It was easy to bounce deeper because there was more room.”

Tired yet fulfilled youngsters and adults piled back into the vehicles a little before 1 o’clock for the trip back to the Herbert W. Armstrong College campus.

—Grant Turgeon

Day 6: Softball with 5G

5G’s Berkeley swings at the ball while dorm mate Kassandra practices her swing. (Photo: Tabitha Burks) (Philadelphia Church of God)

Cami, Montana, Berkeley and Christina smile as they high five 2G at the end of their softball game. (Photo: Tabitha Burks) (Philadelphia Church of God)

On day six, 5G played its first softball game of the session. Rays of 90-degree sunshine shone down onto the diamond as “Rachel’s Rays of Sunshine,” got ready to take the field.

After counselor Jessica Dalton and assistant counselor Charlene Campbell assigned fielding positions and the batting order, softball instructor Grant Turgeon determined home field advantage through a competition of “rock, paper, scissors.” He also called on the dorms to select team names: 5G chose the Philadelphia Phillies, and 2G chose the New York Yankees.

The offense was quiet as the first few batters walked. Turgeon exclaimed “Let’s hear some cheers ladies!”

The girls immediately responded with a loud cheer in unison for their next batter, Kassandra: “I see a hole out there. I see hole out there. I see a H-O-L-E, hole out there. So hit that ball out there, so hit that ball out there, so hit that B-A-L-L, ball out there!”

After connecting on a pitch but fouling it off, then striking out, Christina, 14, kept her smile and commented, “I am glad I picked softball for open sports—I need to get some practice in.”

5G learned something about itself as Cheyenne, Cami and Darla all connected with the ball and advanced runners home.

“I didn’t know how well they could bat,” Dalton said.

“We have some really strong players,” said Campbell, who has several years of softball experience. “They listened to the advice they were given and applied it. A lot of the girls have picked it up, even if they haven’t had a lot of experience.”

Defensively, 5G finished the inning as Cami fielded a come-backer to the pitcher and whipped the ball to first, holding 2G to one run in the first inning.

At the top of the second inning, enthusiasm ran high with both dorms. Throughout the game, Turgeon occasionally paused to give pointers to the girls on their batting form. Even when they missed the ball, their teammates kept cheering; “That’s alright, that’s okay, we still love you anyway!”

One defensive gem came when first-time camper Wendy substituted in for the catcher and a 2G batter hit a pop-up foul. As the ball began to fall, workers excitedly shouted for Wendy to try and catch it; she almost nonchalantly snagged it in the nick of time. The campers erupted in cheers.

The 5G Phillies held on to their early lead for the 6-to-2 win. After the last out, 5G and 2G exchanged high fives, then began squealing as the softball staff bombarded them with chilled water balloons. The girls circled up and began to cheer for the presentation of camp store tickets to the game’s two stand-out players.

“Louder!” Turgeon called out. “You’re being too polite!” The campers responded with a piercing cheer, and instructors Rachel Culpepper and Danielle Underwood recognized Christina (5G) and Ashlynn (2G)—by squashing water balloons on them.

Before heading to its next class, water polo, 5G offered a thank-you cheer: “Thanks for getting us off to a great start 2G and softball staff!”

—Sharalee Fraser

Day 5: 2014 Teen Talent Contest Performing Artists

4B’s William plays a Beethoven sonata during the 2014 Philadelphia Church of God teen talent contest performing arts finals on July 13. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Wik Heerma)

Kassie Verbout: Reverie (Debussy)Seth Malone: Scherzo, Op. 12. (D. van Goens)Julia Goddard: Serse (Handel)Callie Cocomise: Impromptu (Schubert)Jordan Saranga: “The Job of Journeywork”Chrissie Dattolo: “Memory” (Cats)Judges evaluate a violin performance.Campers await the performing arts finals.Jessica Brandon: Don Giovanni (Mozart)Zechariah Henderson: Sonata in C (Haydn)

EDMOND—Thirteen performing arts finalists took to the stage of Armstrong Auditorium on July 13 for the seventh annual teen talent contest during the 2014 session of Philadelphia Youth Camp. Over 300 pyc campers, workers and local members attended the performance live, and approximately 200 people in 10 countries streamed the performance live at live.pcog.org.

Five boys and eight girls, ages 13-17 and representing eight dorms, performed cello, violin, vocal solos, piano solos and Irish dancing. The finalists hailed from Edmond, Canada, Texas, Florida, New Jersey and Washington.

Spotlights illuminated the cherry paneling of the stage, as 6B camper Seth Malone began with a cello performance of “Schezo, Op. 12,” accompanied on the piano by his father, pyc speech instructor Ryan Malone.

1G’s Julia, from Florida, sang “Va Godendo” from the Italian opera Serseand later performed a piano solo.

“It was a little nerve-wrecking, but fun,” she said, of her first time competing and performing as a finalist. “I love playing the piano, so the Minute Waltz was my favorite.”

4B’s William, of New Jersey, played Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata, Allegro di molto e con brio. In his fourth year competing, “I was a little more nervous this year because the piece was a lot longer,” William said, also giving a nod to Kassie’s piano solo and Vienna’s violin performance. “I liked Vienna’s,” he said. “I like music that I can put a story to.”

Four Imperial Academy students performed dances including a soft-shoe routine and three hard-shoe routines. 1B’s Jordan closed the night with a hard-shoe performance of “The Job of the Journeywork.”

Jordan, who has performed in several Irish dance competitions, was also a first-time teen talent entrant. “I was a little bit nervous, but excited, “ he said. “I’ve practiced a lot recently. It’s a bit easier dancing in the [auditorium] because I feel at home. There’s no traveling involved, so I’m feeling my best. The stage also feels more solid.”

Music faculty Mark Jenkins and Imperial Academy dance instructor Paris Turgeon served as judges for the competition, along with oboe instructor David Price and OKC Philharmonic violinist Sarah Brown.

The winners of the 2014 Philadelphia Church of God teen talent contest will be announced at the pyc awards night on June 28.

—Sharalee Fraser

Day 5: First Bible Classes: Teach Us to Pray

PYC instructor Wik Heerma delivers the second Bible lecture to 5B, 5G, 6B and 6G at the Barbara Flurry Memorial Hall on Day 6 of Philadelphia Youth Camp. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

EDMOND—Bible classes continued during the first full week of the session on July 13. Campers from 4B, 4G, 6B and 6G took their first Bible class for their first period of the day from Philadelphia Youth Camp director Wayne Turgeon, who spoke about how they can make their prayers effective.

Mr. Turgeon began by describing increasing world troubles and the need for human beings to seek God while there is still time.

“Today, I want to show you how to best reach God,” he said.

Mr. Turgeon said that everything in life can be altered by prayer and that campers can pray to God for help, guidance and strength, and to express thanks for blessings. He admonished the campers to be energetic, original and unselfish in prayer.

Mr. Turgeon then expounded on Jesus Christ’s prayer outline in Matthew 6, encouraging campers to start their prayers by praising God. “God lives beyond the farthest stars, but spiritually we can be in His bosom,” he said. He also said to include prayers for God’s Kingdom to come to Earth soon, remembering that billions of people are suffering; ask for God’s will to be done in world events and in the Church, also asking for blessings for the Work and the ministry; be concerned about the needs of others, laboring fervently for them; pray for forgiveness, making sure to forgive others; ask for help in the challenges of Christian life; and come full circle by again praising God.

Mr. Turgeon gave several more tips for making prayers effective: plead with God for His people, pray like great men of the Bible prayed, ask others for tips, keep a prayer book, pray through Christ’s name and authority, be patient in waiting for answers, be persistent, pray in faith, and pray in private and on your knees whenever possible.

“Seven days without prayer makes one weak,” Mr. Turgeon quoted. He then concluded with an exhortation for campers to get switched on to God before it’s too late.

—Grant Turgeon

Day 4: Dance Along if You Feel Like Happiness Is the Truth

The Philadelphia Youth Camp dance floor fills with 144 campers and dozens of workers on July 12. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Stephen Coats)

Dancers freeze during “Knights, Mounts and Cavaliers.”Dancers freeze during “Knights, Mounts and Cavaliers.”Dancers freeze during “Knights, Mounts and Cavaliers.”Campers on the floor during the first dance of PYC on July 19.Dancers freeze during “Knights, Mounts and Cavaliers.”Dancers bounce down a gauntlet on July 19.

As the rhythms of the 2013 hit “Happy” sounded throughout the building, boy and girl campers streamed into the John Amos Field House on July 12 for their first Saturday-night dance. Their faces were beaming with smiles, and their feet were already tapping to the music.

Dance instructors Brent and Michelle Nagtegaal kicked off the dance with a progressive cha-cha; campers danced with several partners as they moved around the giant circle.

Next came the continuation of a pyc tradition: a progressive dance that begins with a male camper and an unusual dance partner—a broom or mop. The camper dances to the music with the cleaning implement until the music stops, at which point he hands it off to another male camper, then asks a real young lady to dance. This year, “Mildred the Mop” began her evening with first-time camper Jude, who Nagtegaal warned, “Be mindful of the mildew.” The dance snowballed until every camper was on the dance floor.

For many of the numbers, campers, wearing their casual-best instead of their uniform camp shirts, danced the slow rhythm. The song set also included faster tunes for breaking out their swing steps.

In the freeze dance, 4B assistant counselor Nick Irwin and 5G camper Jessica froze their way to victory. In another type of freeze dance, assistant canoeing instructor Jordan Ellis and 1G assistant counselor Elyssia Lancaster were the quickest to snap into the poses of Knights, Mounts and Cavaliers.

According to a show of hands at breakfast the next morning, about 20 percent of the campers danced every single dance. Director Wayne Turgeon issued a challenge for next week’s dance: Increase that percentage to 50 or 70.

—Emma Smithies

Day 4: Playing ‘Baseball’ on the Sabbath

EDMOND—Campers participated in a different kind of “sport” on the Sabbath evening of July 12. After dinner, 144 campers and dozens of staff members filled the John Amos Field House gymnasium—but not a single basketball, volleyball or baseball bat was picked up. Instead, the campers played Bible baseball.

Dorms fielded two six-player teams in this test of Bible knowledge. Each team was captained by the dorm’s counselor or assistant counselor and played at one of 12 “baseball diamonds” spread throughout the gym.

The game play involved a player coming up to bat and receiving a pitch: a Bible trivia question. Drawing a random paper slip determined the difficulty of the pitch: a single, double, triple or home run. Each inning consisted of three “outs” (incorrect answers) per team.

Each game consisted of two innings. Workers pitched questions ranging from down-the-middle softies like, “Name the last book of the Old Testament” to sliders, change-ups and other off-speed pitches, such as, “Who befriended Paul when he was a prisoner?” (The home run-worthy answer: Onesiphorus.)

2B camper Caleb, who got out on the latter question, said, “I was very flabbergasted with the curve I got.”

By correctly answering questions, campers advanced around three chairs, or “bases,” trying to score runs by advancing to the “home plate” chair.

Fans saw some intense face-offs between boy and girl teams, such as the game between 1B and 2G.

“We have a lot at stake here,” 1B camper Austin said in the midst of a contest against a 2G team.

“We have nothing to lose, but they have pride on the line,” 2G camper Adrienne joked.

1B camper Zechariah, who attends Imperial Academy in Edmond, racked up a number of hits.

“If I didn’t go to IA, I wouldn’t have known any of this,” he said.

After Zechariah and fellow Imperial student Jordan carried the team to victory over 2G, 1B counselor Michael Cocomise joked, “I’ve been recruiting these guys out of Imperial Academy—some really impressive prospects.”

—Grant Turgeon

Day 3: Cycling With 2B

2B camper Tyrhys weaves through the cycling slalom course on July 18 at Philadelphia Youth Camp. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

2B camper Owen waits for his turn on the short course. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

Members of 2B applaud their dorm mates during cycling class, July 16. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

EDMOND—Dorm 2B wrapped up its last period on Friday with its second cycling class. The blue-shirted campers took on the short course and the slow course in an attempt to set new camp records.

Instructor Michael Benedetti, a Herbert W. Armstrong College junior, instructed the class, along with fellow junior Tasha Eagle. As the group stretched, campers introduced themselves and shared a unique fact about themselves.

Hopping aboard mountain bikes, the dorm pedaled to the slalom-like short course. Caleb clocked a 52-second ride, but the camp record of 46 seconds remained unbroken. At the slow track, the group rode from one end to the other, taking as long as possible without touching the ground. The dorm record broke the camp record: 80 seconds, again set by Caleb.

“Cycling seems to be going pretty well so far,” Benedetti said of his activity, which requires a high amount of equipment maintenance to keep 16 bicycles operational. “All the campers seem to be pretty enthusiastic about it,” he said. “It started out a little hectic, but we got all the kinks worked out.”

The class ended with a huddle, into which Eagle ran with a water gun, giving the two standouts of the class an honorary dousing: Caleb and Tyrhys.

—Christopher Eames

Day 3: The Great Outdoors

1B’s Austin takes flight on the long jump during track and field practice as his counselor, Michael Cocomise, watches his form. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Philip Nice)

1B’s Azariah throws the javelin during track and field practice. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Philip Nice)

3G pulls into the cycling station during their final class of the afternoon and the week. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Philip Nice)

How does instructor Anthony Chibarirwe have his dorms start soccer class? By having them literally charge the field. (Philadelphia Church God) (Photo: Philip Nice)

Day 3: Learning to Speak Out

In their first class of the day, 4B, 4G, 5B and 5G learn how to express themselves from PYC speech instructor Ryan Malone. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

EDMOND—For their first class of the day, dorms 4G, 4B, 5G and 5B met in the basement of Armstrong Auditorium for their first speech class—a lecture delivered by Philadelphia Youth Camp speech instructor Ryan Malone.

Keying on the camp theme, “Arise and Shine,” from Isaiah 60:1, Mr. Malone asked campers to share ways they can shine every day. Responses included smiling, setting a positive example, respecting parents, helping and encouraging others, and working hard. Mr. Malone said campers shine through one word: example.

Mr. Malone quoted 1 Timothy 4:12, in which the Apostle Paul told the young Timothy not to let anyone despise him on account of his youth.

“Even though you’re young, you can still shine,” Mr. Malone said.

Campers receive several speaking opportunities at camp: stick night introductions, dorm prayers, praying over meals, song leading, reading scriptures, etiquette night, fellowship and encouraging others during sports.

Mr. Malone turned to the book of Isaiah and had male campers read how the prophet made excuses, saying he couldn’t speak for God because of his foul language. Campers read further scriptures that showed God forgave Isaiah and used him to accomplish great things.

“Isaiah became one of the most masterful communicators in the entire Bible,” Mr. Malone said. “He is the most quoted prophet. Others dub him the Shakespeare of the Bible.”

Mr. Malone finished the lecture with four practical steps to effective speech organization:

1. Choose a topic that is meaningful to you
2. Narrow it down
3. Measure out the material
4. Order it logically

“When you use your own experiences in a speech, it’s a home run,” Mr. Malone said. He finished by admonishing campers to use their tongues with wisdom, saying, “Ruling our tongues is a type of how we will rule the world.”

—Kaitlin Eames

Day 2: Stick Night!

2B counselor Justin Goodearl expresses enthusiasm for stick night. (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

Staff members and 144 campers get ready to introduce themselves, one by one. (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

Camp director Wayne Turgeon and his wife, Laura, kick off the meet ‘n greet. (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

Cheyenne and 6G introduce themselves. (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

Campers and staff love stick night. It’s when every last person directly involved in camp comes forward and introduces himself or herself. This year, 72 boys, 72 girls and more than 100 staffers took the “talking stick” and stepped up to the microphone.

Each introduced himself or herself and shared their goals for camp. Some also made a few memorable comments. Canoeing instructor Roger Brandon observed that he and his staff have had 61 camp experiences—the lion’s share of which were actually his own, dating back to the Worldwide Church of God’s Summer Educational Program, the model on which pyc is founded.

Volleyball instructor David Weeks identified his crew as a bona fide choreographer (Herbert W. Armstrong College freshman and Irish dance enthusiast Paris Turgeon), a bucket of energy (experienced athlete sophomore Victoria Terrell) and Superman (cape-owning junior Charles Wittsell).

Archery instructor James Brandon, whose range is just north of the lake, set a goal to “keep the canoeing staff alive”

After a tidal wave of kitchen staff—and a solitary landscaper—introduced themselves, it was the dorms’ turn. Many counselors commented on the life-changing effect camp had on them and their desire to show the campers God’s way of life.

Older campers like 4B’s David talked about their desire to reach out to the younger campers. 3G’s Eleisha threatened: “If you don’t have a smile, I’m going to come find you.”

—Mark Jenkins

Day 2: The First Canoeing Class

Campers from 2B practice their paddle strokes, taking pointers from embedded canoeing instructors. (Philadelphia Church of God) (Photo: Jessie Hester)

EDMOND—Dorm 2B met at Seven Acre Lake on July 10 for the first canoeing session of Philadelphia Youth Camp. Led by counselor Justin Goodearl and assistant counselor Timothy Guenther, 12 campers learned canoeing basics from instructor Roger Brandon and his five canoeing assistants.

After Mr. Brandon covered ground rules, the instructors demonstrated how to un-swamp a canoe and paddle to safety in case of an emergency. Campers paired up and launched canoes, practicing swamping and un-swamping. Then canoes paired up and campers learned how to perform the tandem rescue, in which canoeists use their boat to flip over an overturned canoe and help its occupants get back aboard.

Back on land, campers took up paddles, imitated Brandon’s basic paddle strokes, then jumped back in their boats, each with an instructor to coach them.

“I think I’m finally getting the hang of it,” first-time camper Westley said. “I haven’t tried archery yet, but this would have to be my second, if not favorite.”

Campers then got the chance to navigate a long course and a short obstacle course for time, paddling against strong wind.

Goodearl called the class, “extraordinary, spectacular …. Some of the campers weren’t expecting to have a lot of fun with it, but at the end they said they really enjoyed it.”

—Kaitlin Eames

Day 2: Sports!

A first-year camper from Mississippi weaves through the obstacle course cones as his dorm, 6B watches. (Photo: Grant Turgeon)

PYC volleyball instructor David Weeks leads 4G in a chant: “And-serve-and-pass-and-set …” (Photo: Grant Turgeon)5G’s Montana takes a shot on goal against soccer instructor Anthony Chibarirwe. (Photo: Grant Turgeon)

Day 2: Entertainment Night Practice

PCG music director Ryan Malone (center) and song leading instructor Mark Jenkins (right) face the future performers of the Morning Star musical during entertainment practice on July 10. (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

The first full day of pyc started with a downpour, thunder, the sun breaking through and, for 4B and 4G, the first class of the session: Entertainment Practice.

Philadelphia Church of God music director Ryan Malone and song leading instructor Mark Jenkins welcomed 4B, led by Herbert W. Armstrong College junior Kyle Tremblay, and its sister dorm, led by junior Sarah Culpepper. The goal of the class: to prepare campers to sing the finale to Morning Star—The Acts of Waldo the Apostle. Campers will perform the musical, which debutedon June 22, for pyc’s entertainment night (July 24). The campers will also perform the song for special music during the last Sabbath of the session (July 26).

Mr. Malone taught the campers basic singing techniques, including posture and breathing, and divided them into sopranos, altos, tenors and basses.

“We have an exciting dorm of both experienced and new campers—this is the first camp for four boys,” Tremblay said. “They have gelled really well in the first 24 hours. [Assistant counselor] Nick Irwin and I are ecstatic to work with this wonderful group of young men.” Before heading to their next class, 4B formed a huddle and gave a cheer for 4G: “You have beautiful voices, sister dorm!”

—Christopher Eames

Day 1: Camper Orientation

Campers attend the PYC 2014 orientation lecture in the Barbara Flurry Memorial Hall. (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

Philadelphia Youth Camp director Wayne Turgeon delivers the orientation lecture and camp theme, “Arise and Shine,” on July 9. (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

Campers from all over the country and around the world arrived in Edmond on July 9 for the 2014 session of Philadelphia Youth Camp. They unfolded themselves from their cars, said good-bye to their parents, met their counselors, received their camp shirts (different colors for each brother/sister dorm this year) and unpacked at their dormitories before getting ready for the first official event of pyc 2014: orientation.

In his orientation lecture, Evangelist Wayne Turgeon, the camp director, set the theme for the session: “Arise and Shine.” Mr. Turgeon quoted Isaiah 60:1, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.”

“I want to illuminate you on how all of you can arise and shine,” Mr. Turgeon said. Light shines brighter in darkness, he said, telling campers, “We can really help this dying world by being lights.” He also pointed out that God represents each era of His Church with a lampstand (Revelation 2-3), and that the truth is characterized by light.

Mr. Turgeon said darkness is naturally comfortable, so the campers’ and workers’ light must come from an outside source: God. Campers and workers must not mix with the world because God’s people are called to support His Work, he said.

The lecture then focused on the concept of pillars. Mr. Turgeon said that a lighthouse, a picture of which accompanies the camp theme on the camp welcome poster and worker binders, looks like a pillar, and campers and workers should also strive to embody pillars. As pillars, they should support others and stand up under pressure, which brings out the best in them if they allow it, he said.

The stronger we get, the more strength we can give to Pastor General Gerald Flurry, the Ezekiel 33 watchman, Mr. Turgeon exhorted, adding that though God’s people are outnumbered, they have nothing to fear with God on their side. He also encouraged campers to use the time during pyc to build a strong spiritual foundation, and said that as lights and pillars, God’s young people will continue to prosper and thrive beyond Christ’s return.

—Grant Turgeon

Day 1: Let’s Get Ready for Some Campers!

Herbert W. Armstrong College freshman James Lowry gets ready to swap out his checkered threads for PYC worker red. (Photo: Tabitha Burks)

EDMOND—Early July at the Philadelphia Church of God campus is always one long stretch of anticipation. Tan tents come out of storage, bright red worker shirts come out of boxes and a mass of Herbert W. Armstrong College students sit for lectures and anticipate their job assignments. This all means one thing: The campers are coming. And on July 9, they arrived for the 21st summer session of Philadelphia Youth Camp.

In the final days of preparation, students and staff members clean water coolers, spray-paint lines and haul out faded red wooden boxes filled with footballs, soccer balls, orange practice cones, bicycle pumps, bows and other equipment. Under the big Oklahoma sky spotted with clouds, khaki-colored shade tents pop up at the archery range, the soccer field and the softball diamond. Inside the gymnasium of the John Amos Field House, volleyball and basketball instructors teach drills to their crews.

At the main campus entrance, a long white passenger van pulling a cargo trailer pulls onto Bryant Avenue, bound for the Oklahoma City airport. Then the cars start rolling in, bearing license plates from Arizona, Arkansas, Ohio, New Jersey and about a dozen other states, all filled with sleeping bags, luggage and teens who have anticipated for hundreds of miles driving through the Bryant Avenue gate and pulling to a stop under the carport of the John Amos Field House.

Yesterday, 144 campers as young as 12 and as old as 18 flew, drove and/or walked to the field house from 29 states and five countries. Seventy-five staff members and 28 kitchen volunteers were waiting for them.

The anticipation is over. Now the real thing begins.

The 2014 Philadelphia Youth Camp runs through July 29.

—Philip Nice