The Southeast Region’s Camp Kairos was held June 15-20 at Potomac Parks in Falling Waters, WV, and this year marked our summer camp’s second year in a row! There we had an amazing time together during Winter Camp in January, and we couldn’t wait to get back there for summer camp.
The theme for our week at camp was 24/7. During the week, we looked at what consumes our minds and our time. What are we filling our day with? How do we reset, renew, get ready, and rely on God? Campers spent the week learning the importance of resetting their perspective, renewing their identity and purpose, refueling with joy and hope, and being ready to go out and make disciples. The overall theme was also paired with a theme day: color day, water day, around the world, corn day, and ice cream day. Fun activities and crafts accompanied each theme day. Campers’ favorite activities included having a paint war, sliding down the enormous slide, trying different snacks from around the world, and eating corn on the cob.
Each evening, a different Brethren practice was incorporated into worship. This helped youth learn more about the Kingdom of God and the reasons behind our beliefs and practices as Brethren. A prayer walk with various stations encouraged different (and to some, new) forms of prayer, as well as different topics to pray for.
A highlight of our week together was the lantern parade. Campers decorated lanterns and walked as one large Camp Kairos group through the residential portion of Potomac Park Retreat Center. Potomac Park is more than just a retreat center; many retired pastors and missionaries call Potomac Park home. As we walked, we prayed for the camp and its residents. We shined our lights as a tangible example of how God’s light can shine through us to impact those we encounter.
On Around the World Day, we hosted a missions panel that discussed local, stateside, and global missions. It was led by local missionaries who shared their experiences of God’s calling on their lives and how He calls all of us to share the gospel and His love with everyone we encounter. Afterwards, elementary campers packed 100 blessing bags filled with items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wipes, combs, tissues, band-aids, and Tic-Tacs. Each bag also contained an encouragement note. These bags were donated to Open Doors, a homeless shelter in Harrisonburg, VA. As small groups, campers collaborated to make fleece tie blankets that will be given to shut-ins in nursing homes.
Our last evening, we celebrated the Brethren tradition of a threefold service consisting of a dessert/snack love feast, foot washing, and communion. A lot of kids were very hesitant about the foot washing, but as we continued through the love feast and taking of bread and cup, they got more comfortable, and everyone willingly participated. Some kids had never experienced communion before and told us they loved it and would love to learn more and participate again next year. Many campers were quick to comment that the three-fold service was their favorite part of the camp week.
Overall, we could not have asked for a better week and are so appreciative of all the prayers and donations we received. We are excited and hopeful for how God will use Camp Kairos in the future!
We ended the week by recognizing campers for their character through fun candy theme superlatives, ice cream floats, and yearbook signing. It was a week filled with worship, fellowship, fun, and learning to live a life for Christ 24/7.
For Senior Camp, we had 47 youth and 7 counselors from more than 6 different churches in the region. Elementary Camp had 25 campers who had completed 3rd – 5th grade, along with 9 counselors.
Want to join in the fun of camp as a camper or leader? Mark your calendar!
Winter Camp will be held January 16-18, 2026, at Pine Creek Retreat Center in Gore, VA. Summer Camp will be held June 14-19, 2026, at Potomac Park in Falling Waters, WV.
We can’t wait to see you!
Gail Heiston
Pastor, Bethlehem Brethren Church
Southeast Regional Resource Coordinator (RRC)
