ALABAMA—Around 100 Philadelphia Church of God members gathered for the eighth annual southeast regional campout held over Memorial Day weekend on the banks of the Coosa River in Lincoln, Alabama.

Preaching Elder Joseph Short gave a Friday night Bible Study, which was followed by watermelon and fellowship. Nearly 20 local members joined the campers for services the next day, where Local Elder Steve Irwin gave a live sermonette. For the sermon, members listened to Pastor General Gerald Flurry’s sermon. Then they participated in a lively question and answer session.

On Sunday morning, campers took on the “Alabama Adventure Challenge,” forming balloon lines, building cup towers with strings and solving puzzles in a treasure hunt. The traditional “build-a-boat” competition followed, with many successfully piloting cardboard boats across the finish line. That evening, members showcased their talents in an “Entertainment Night Extravaganza,” which included singing, jokes and poetry. Regional Director Wik Heerma finished the event with an impromptu song in Dutch. Fireworks and s’mores capped off the evening.

Storms had drenched the campgrounds early Sabbath morning, but God cleared the skies for members the rest of the day and all of Sunday.

Local member Aria Turner, who was attending for the first time, said her favorite part was “the togetherness and fellowshipping, and getting to know the different brethren.”