"All Saints ROCKS!" - Alexis M.

The inaugural summer season for All Saints Camp and Conference Center was a smashing success. Over 200 young people from across the diocese gathered on the shores of Lake Texoma for seven weeks of camping adventure.

Not only were more campers served than ever before in the summer program, but camps were held for a wider array of ages. Each age group, Senior High, Junior High, Upper Elementary and Lower Elementary, had their own week, designed especially for their needs and abilities. A special week was held for Middlers, 8th through 10th graders, to help them through the awkward adolescent years. Even families were a part of the mix with a ½ week intergenerational session.

"What is this …a Hilton?!? So nice-best camp facilities I've ever been in." - Dean The most striking feature of the camp was the brand new facilities. With nearly $6M in improvements built over the last year, the campers were treated to the very best in summer camping facilities. "The bunks were awesome!" - Rachel F. And thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who worked to improve the grounds last fall and spring, the natural beauty of the camp's 670 acres shown through as well. "The worship areas were gorgeous." - Liz W. Even the existing facilities, like the dining hall, were made brighter and lighter by the clean-up crews and the summer staff. "Food was yummy!" - Haley B.

Our first year staff was especially well received. Ten college-age young adults, led by Executive Director Fr. Bill Irons, steered the deans and campers through the new programming twists and options. "I was completely floored by how professional and yet not "holier-than-thou" the counselors were-I was totally impressed." - Dean Their dedication to the campers and to God showed in everything they did. Whether leading a devotion, striking up a silly song on the Beck Deck or challenging campers to hit a bulls eye on the archery range, each of the counselors made a special effort to treat the campers with respect and to model the Christian life. "Counselors were cool." - Camper

"This week helped me grow closer to God and make new friends." - Spencer H. As mentioned in their purpose statement, the real mission of All Saints Camp is to provide a safe, Christian place for gathering God's people. Campers were invited to slow down from their hectic paced summer of activities and to be open to God's still, quiet voice calling in the wilderness. "Camp gave me time to get back to God." - Beth K. God's presence was found in the quiet of the cabin at night, on the waters of the swimming and canoeing area and in the 15 outdoor chapel areas around the site. "I feel such a closeness to God at every worship time." - Anna S. First and foremost, God met God's people at camp. "Camp opened a new spiritual door for me." - Chase F.

"I loved the relaxed way the camp is run." - Dean It was a great summer at All Saints. Hearts were opened. "I liked the songs. They're beautiful." - Alicia M. Young people were challenged. "I liked doing stuff I don't do at home." - Sivonne God was invited in and joy overflowed. "This is the funnest camp." - David G.

Click here to see group pictures from Summer 2006.

Plan now to be a part of next year's summer adventure when we will explore the theme, Listen! God is Calling. Camp will begin June 10th, 2007; don't miss it! "I will definitely come back to camp again-with a capital D." - Khy M.