Camp Lukenya

Camp Lukenya was started in 2004 by Joel and Mary Ann Weaver, who are second generation missionaries here in Kenya. There son Paul, who is a third generation missionary here in Kenya is the director of the camp. I had the privilege of helping at the camp for three weeks as a counselor. It felt very strange going to youth camp in November and December. The first week we had 3rd-7th grade kids from a Christian school. They were middle to upper class. I was teamed up with another lady counselor that first week and between the two of us we had 13 5th grade girls in our cabin. They kept me on my toes. =)

The second week we had 8th grade graduates that would be starting high school. That week I was on my own. I had 8 very sweet girls in my cabin. They came from different areas in Kenya, but they still mingled together.

The third week we had mostly high school kids and a few younger ones. Once again I had my own cabin. My group of girls ranged from 7th grade to seniors in high school. Some were former street kids, some came from the slums, and some were middle/upper class. I worried the most about this group mingling. The first night in the cabin we spent “cabin devo” time getting to know each other and talking about how we are all equal no matter were we are from, what are home life is like, or what color of skin we have. I enjoyed seeing those girls reach out and mingle, making friends.

The campers were given devotion books on James 1. They would have a time in the morning to do their devotions and then later on we had a scheduled Counselor/Camper time that we talked with them about what they learned in devotion time. They were also encouraged to memorize James 1. Many of my campers came close to memorizing the whole chapter before they left at the end of the week. Of course I enjoyed memorizing along with them and joining them in the game time. Each week the girls took one afternoon and hiked Mt. Lukenya and the rest of the afternoons they were free to play games outside or play board games inside. I played checkers, sorry, dominos, and many other board games with them. Not to mention I taught some of them how to play chicken feet and the rest of that week they continued to teach the others. I also enjoyed playing sand volleyball with them, but the highlight was the basketball game. I have never played the actual game. I learned very quickly that it is not a game that you can stop or pause. I was exhausted afterwards, but had a blast playing! Each of the three weeks the girls would usually open up the last two nights and ask me about modest dress, music, dating, friends, movies, and many other things. I enjoyed hearing what they thought and sharing God’s Word with them.

All three weeks I would try to go around and talk to each of my campers and find out if they were saved or not. On the third week one of the girls looked right at me and with conviction said, “I know Jesus is my Savior. Let me tell you the story.” She proceeded to tell me how she grew up in a home where they were not allowed to go to church. She graduated from primary school and went to a boarding secondary school (high school). While there some people came to preach and she got saved. My heart broke for her as she went on to tell me that she is still not allowed to go to church when she is home from school. She finished by looking at me and saying, “Teacher, I read my Bible but many times I have questions about what I read.” Before she left I was able to get her contact and I’m hoping to be able to keep in touch with her. In fact just about every week I get at least 2 or 3 calls from my campers.

By the way, you can send a kid to camp for only $20. If any of you would like to take part in sending kids that can not afford to go to camp, let me know. I will be glad to get you the information. Camp Lukenya is a camp where kids can come and hear the gospel, learn God’s Word, learn songs that have a message to them, spend time with godly counselors, and have a ton of fun!