ATLAS Ministry recently completed three weeks of summer camp, welcoming 120 campers each week for a season centered on faith, friendship, personal growth, and community support.
ATLAS Camp serves rising kindergarten through sixth-grade students in a gospel-centered environment designed to strengthen faith while building relationships and life skills. Campers participated in a low-ropes course, basketball, swimming, fishing, and archery, while also taking part in daily devotions, worship, and specialty tracks that included culinary arts, agriculture, woodworking, cheerleading, and wilderness survival.
This year's theme, "Marching Home," was based on Hebrews 13:14 and reminded campers that this world is not their permanent home but that God has prepared an eternal home for those who follow Him. Through worship, small-group discussions and time with counselors, students were encouraged to live with that truth in mind.
Beyond the activities, the camp focused on mentorship. ATLAS staff, volunteers and high school student leaders spent each day building relationships with younger campers, encouraging them and reinforcing their identity in Christ.
High school students also participated in ATLAS' six-week Leadership Summit, where 60 students received training in leadership, discipleship and service before serving as camp counselors. They helped lead activities, encouraged campers and modeled servant leadership throughout the summer.
ATLAS recognized the many sponsors who donated food during camp, including HSBC Open Hearts, BP SAV-A-LOT, Greer Force Marketing, Pastor and Lady Pete, Surcheros Fresh Mex, Ray and Beverly Mullins, Matt and Macy Green, Zaxby's, The Yesterday Café, Lake Oconee Area Builders Association, Calvin and Cari Borisuk, The Greens, Lakepoint Community Church, Growing in Grace Small Group and Mike Dawkins Small Group.
The ministry also thanked volunteers who prepared and served breakfast and lunch each day. Volunteers grilled hot dogs on lake days, picked up and delivered meals, prepared fruit, plated food, and handled cleanup after each meal.
"I loved seeing all of the children and their camp counselors having so much fun," volunteer Laurie Head said.
Several other volunteers said serving during ATLAS Summer Camp was the highlight of their week.
Because of the generosity of sponsors and donors, every child attended camp free of charge, removing financial barriers for families while providing students with a summer of encouragement, friendship, biblical teaching and lasting memories.
"ATLAS Camp is about so much more than summer fun," CEO Ryan Gibadlo said. "It is an opportunity to build relationships, speak truth into the lives of students and help equip the next generation for God's purpose. We are incredibly thankful for every sponsor, donor, volunteer and family who helped make this summer possible."
For more information about ATLAS, its programs, or ways to support its mission, visit ATLASministry.org.