School and church grow together in the mountains

Church members and academy students fellowshiped and adventured together Sabbath afternoon on the mountain at Glacier View Ranch, the summer camp and retreat center operated by the Rocky Mountain Conference. Activities, including three intensities of hikes, and crafts in the Longhouse, were available for everyone.

"I didn't grow up going to camp, but I love coming here to be in nature. Being up here at the camp and in the mountains brings me closer to God," said lead pastor Rodlie Ortiz at the top of the Lions rock formation.

On the medium intensity hike, adventurers created biblical dioramas of stories including a representation of the feeding of the five thousand with pinecones for people and five rolls of candy and two leaves as the loaves and fish. 

In the Longhouse, participants created small wood slice coaster art and used string and nails to create signs reminding them to "Be the Light” to those around them.

After a fellowship meal and some time to make new friends and catch up with old friends, Brooke Malkin, sophomore, remarked, that “(Mountain Sabbath) is special to me because we get to worship God in His creation.”

When asked why Mountain Sabbath is important, Bruno Lopez, senior, said, "Having the church and students come together is important because just being at church can sometimes make students feel as if they don’t belong (in the church community), but here everyone feels more equal and approachable.”

Similarly, Pastor Ortiz said, "When Jesus comes back, He isn't going to ask other churches ‘What did you do for the students I gave you?’ We are the academy church and I feel a responsibility for stewardship. I think events like Mountain Sabbath should happen more often - the church body coming out to mingle with students in nature. It’s a win-win!"

As the sun neared the mountains, Denison Sager, Campion Academy’s new director of recruitment and marketing, gave a short worship thought to close out the Sabbath. He reminded everyone of the importance of staying united as a church family, even in changing circumstances. 

Denali Sager, Student News Team

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