The highly anticipated annual Senior Youth Camp 2021, which ran from July 29th to August 1st, was conducted “Virtual, with a Twist” on a dedicated Zoom platform (and streamed via the NCC Facebook and YouTube pages), and what an amazing time the young people had! Campers, aged 16-35, from all over the North Caribbean Conference were able to interact with one another through prayer, praise and various icebreaker games such as ‘Home Scavenger Hunt’ and ‘Kahoot’s Quizzes: Guess that Gospel Song’! Let’s not forget the powerful and impactful messages brought forth nightly from guest speaker Dr. Clive Dottin, which reminded the campers that they are loved, cherished and chosen by God.
Ask any seasoned camper and you would know that one of the main highlights of Senior Youth Camp is the highly competitive NCC Bible Connection Competition; where interested youth across the North Caribbean Conference are tasked with studying sections of the Bible and other resource materials, competing to see who ‘Knows the Most”! This year’s Bible study passage was Psalm 1 to 46, along with selected chapters from the book ‘Patriarchs and Prophets’. The British Virgin Islands fielded two participants, both from the island of Tortola: 18-year-old Keshawn Carey from the SDA Church at Belle Vue, and 16-year-old Ellea Watts from the SDA Church at East End. They both showed minimal nervousness as they prepared to go live for the competition and even displayed true Christian sportsmanship as they encouraged one another and compared notes. There were some moments of unease as Tortola was, at this time, under a curfew of 7:00 p.m., due to COVID-19 precautionary measures, so there was a slight addition of pressure to complete the competition and allow the participants to return home safely and on time.
Regardless, lots of prayer, laughter and encouraging words were shared among the participants and support staff as they headed into the Zoom session to face off with the other participants from the various islands of Anguilla, Saba, Saint Eustatius, Sint Maarten and the U.S.V.I. (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix). Both BVI participants (Keshawn and Ellea) did their best to represent their respective churches, and the online support could be seen via the many text messages posted on the online platforms. The Head AY Leader Khadisha Isaac (from Belle Vue) said, “Regardless of what place he comes in; we already deem him a winner just for being willing to participate.” Keshawn was gifted with a surprise package from the Belle Vue AY Department after the competition came to a close.
It was confirmed, later that week, that BVI participants Keshawn Carey ranked 2nd and Ellea Watts ranked 7th place, respectively, with Jahmeka Lake from St. Thomas capturing the coveted 1st place.
We are so proud of these wonderful youth who realize they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them. We certainly want to thank the Holy Spirit for allowing the Church to creatively think outside the box! And that, dear readers, is another successful Senior Youth Camp for the books!