TBC Truth Bible Camp July 15-18

By AMY DAVIS
for Tennessee Bible College

COOKEVILLE—Bible classes, devotions, preacher training and more are the focus of the 9th annual Truth Bible Camp coming up July 15-18 on the campus of Tennessee Bible College in Cookeville.

The camp is for young men and women ages 12-18. A day camp for children ages 9-11 will be held simultaneously with the full-time camp.

What's the best part about camp?

"Everything!" said 18-year-old Andrea Beason of Monroe, who attended last year's camp and plans to return for this summer's event. "I love it all!"

Beason, a graduate of Pickett County High School and member of Swallows Chapel Church of Christ in Livingston, joined approximately 20 other young Bible enthusiasts from the Upper Cumberland area last July for four days and three nights of Christian service training and recreation.

"I really enjoyed all the wonderful things this camp has to offer," she said. "I really enjoyed every one of the speakers."

Sixteen-year-old Rachel Criswell of Cookeville, who attends Rocky Point Missionary Baptist Church, described camp as "great!"

"I made friends and played games," she said. "We had very interesting classes and really good teachers."

Both of the girls, as well as others who attended last year's camp, had expressed interest in someday teaching children's Bible classes at church and were instructed in how to do so. Girls are also educated in other aspects of Christian living, including modesty and purity.

Many of the young men who attended last year's camp — including 14-year-old Jordan Danner of Livingston — are planning to become ministers.

"There's no better profession you can do," he said. "Serving God should be first on everybody's list."

In addition to preaching, boys learn to be Bible teachers, elders and deacons.

Plenty of recreational activities are also on the camp agenda.

Truth Bible Camp is directed by TBC faculty and staff members, with TBC students serving as counselors.

Former TBC campers (2004) from left, Josh Johnson, Mallory Hill, Eric Rue, and Dominique Hedges pause from camp activities for an ice cream sundae snack session.

David Hill, camp director, said, "I can't think of a more practical camp for Christian young people and those interested in being Christians. It is a highlight of our year at TBC."

Camp reservations can be made by calling the TBC office at (931)526-2616. The deadline is Monday, July 9.

Registration takes place at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 15, at TBC.

Prior to registration on Sunday, campers and their families are invited to attend the 9 a.m. Bible study and 10 a.m. worship service at Northeast Church of Christ, located next door to the college. Camp concludes on Wednesday at the church, with young men from the camp conducting the 7 p.m. Bible study service.

The cost is $25 per camper, which includes meals, materials and recreation costs.

Day camp for the younger children is $15 and includes meals. Daily sessions will be 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

And new this year, campers who will be juniors or seniors in high school have the option of extending their days at TBC by enrolling in a college-level course through the college's Early Admission program.

The two-week course, contemporary philosophy, is being offered July 16-27, and prospective students should contact the college as soon as possible to begin application procedures, which must be completed before registration can take place. Class times are 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. The course fee is $90.

"We've offered early admission before, but this is the first time we have had a special time in the summer just for an early admission course," said TBC Dean Kerry Duke. "It's a good opportunity for high school juniors and seniors to pick up three hours of college credit."

Credits earned through the Early Admission program can be applied toward a bachelor's degree in religious education at TBC or transferred to another college or university.

For more information about Truth Bible Camp or the Early Admission program, call (931)526-2616 or stop by the TBC office, 1616 McCulley Road, Cookeville, to pick up brochures and registration forms. To learn more about Tennessee Bible College, visit www.tn-biblecollege.edu.