Truth Bible Camp: 'Not your usual summer camp'

by AMY DAVIS
TENNESSEE BIBLE COLLEGE

COOKEVILLE — Another session of Truth Bible Camp has come and gone at Tennessee Bible College, and as always, campers had their slate full.

The 10th annual event was held July 13-16 on the college campus in Cookeville, drawing in 25 young men and women from the Upper Cumberland area and beyond for a busy week of Bible classes, devotionals, sermon preparation classes and more, along with arts and crafts, sports and activities such as archery and mule-drawn wagon rides.

Award-winning campers...
These campers at Tennessee Bible College's 10th annual Truth Bible Camp were chosen by their peers to receive top honors. They are, from left, Ann Marie Anderson of Cookeville, who was voted as "Most Christlike Girl"; Brad Cavender of Cookeville, "Top Camper"; and Tyler McHenry of Moss, "Most Christlike Boy." Next year's camp is planned for July 12-15. For more information, call (931)526-2616. 

"It's not your usual summer camp," said camp director David Hill. "Our purpose really is to try to generate future leaders in the church, and this year was very good in that way. I think it's been the best camp yet."

He described Truth Bible Camp as a hands-on learning experience.

"We show these kids the tools they need to prepare and deliver a Bible lesson and actually give them some experience and the confidence to know they can teach others," Hill said.

And many of the campers hope to do just that by someday becoming preachers, Bible class teachers, church elders, deacons or by helping in some other capacity.

Preparing to preach...
Fourteen-year-old Pate Hill, a student at Cookeville High School, preaches a sermon at Northeast Church of Christ during the conclusion of Truth Bible Camp, which was hosted recently by Tennessee Bible College in Cookeville.

Seventeen-year-old Brad Cavender of Cookeville, who was chosen as this year's "Top Camper" by his peers, said he is interested in helping with his church's youth group. Cavender, son of Tim and Margie Cavender of Cookeville, attends Northeast Church of Christ in Cookeville and was one of five young men chosen by the TBC faculty to deliver a sermon during the congregation's Wednesday evening service at the conclusion of camp.

Also taking a turn behind the pulpit at Northeast were 16-year-old Brock Ealey, son of Mike and Margaret Ealey of Cookeville, who is planning to become a deacon and Bible class teacher; 16-year-old Jordan Danner, son of Rick and Gina Danner of Livingston, who would like to preach; 14-year-old Pate Hill, son of David and Lisa Hill of Cookeville; and 15-year-old Tyler McHenry, son of Tim and Connie McHenry of Moss, who plans to be a Bible class teacher.

In addition to preaching a sermon, McHenry, who attends Mt. Gilead Church of Christ in Tompkinsville, Ky., was chosen by fellow campers as "Most Christlike Boy."

The honor of "Most Christlike Girl" went to 15-year-old Ann Marie Anderson, daughter of Stanley and Samantha Anderson of Cookeville. She is a member of Northeast Church of Christ.

Bible study and much more...
Campers at Tennessee Bible College's 10th annual Truth Bible Camp enjoyed a full slate of activities, including archery and mule-drawn wagon rides. Above, Janessa Ford, left, and Sarah Ford of Algood take a wagon ride with Clay Couch and "Belle." Below, Sarah Ford aims for the bull's eye as she receives pointers from archery instructor Bobby Worthington of Pikeville.

While the young men were offered a chance to preach and lead in singing and praying at the Northeast congregation, the young women had the opportunity to teach children's Bible classes.

Also attending this year's Truth Bible Camp were Sarah and Janessa Ford of Algood; Sarah Harvey of Livingston; Emily Simmons, Christopher Cope and Alex Mooneyham, all of Spencer; Halie and Zac Beason, Dallas Whited and Dylan Young, all of Monroe; Tiffanye Brown, Paige Greene, Heather Hunter and Tyler Hill, all of Cookeville; A.J. and Clay Worthington of Pikeville; and Jaisha, Jameshia and Jarkaria Wilkins of Mendenhall, Miss.

"We had a lot of good kids at camp this year, more than ever before," Hill said. "Their enthusiasm was outstanding, and they were very sincere about the subject matter being taught. They are interested in advancing in Christianity and in what they can do as leaders in the church someday. That's very encouraging to see in our youth."

Next year's Truth Bible Camp is slated for July 12-15. For more information, visit the Web site or call Tennessee Bible College at (931)526-2616.