In just a few short weeks, more than 2,000 campers will step onto the grounds of Oil Belt, and many of them will encounter Jesus in life-changing ways!
The excitement is already building.
As the final retreats before summer camp wrap up, it’s clear that this has been an incredible “off-season.” Thousands have come through Oil Belt for Jr High Strange Overnighter, 3rd-5th Grade Big Overnighter, Men’s Night, High School Retreat, and Ladies Day. Community events, regional tumbling events, and a winter basketball league have also brought many new families through the gates of camp.
Then registration opened.
On March 2, summer camp registration went live, and by the end of the day 580 campers had already signed up, including 283 registering in the first hour alone! That puts Oil Belt ahead of last year, which ended up being the biggest summer since 2019. Right now, more than 2,000 campers are expected to come through Oil Belt this summer.
That’s why the preparation happening at camp right now matters so much for the campers who are coming.
One of the core values at Oil Belt Christian Service Camp is simple: “Camp is for the Camper.” Everything at camp, from cabins to worship spaces, is intentionally designed to help campers grow closer to Jesus.
That impact is already being seen.
Bryson, from Scott Avenue Christian Church, recently made the decision to pursue full-time ministry and attend Bible college after high school. Lena, a student from FCC Flora, believes using her musical gifts is one of the ways God has called her to serve the church.
There are also 5 students from Parkview Christian Church, Lana, Gracie, Maggie, Karli, and Colbie, who lead worship in their youth group. Over the past few years, they have led worship at summer camps and, most recently, the High School Retreat in February.
Then, 26 Jr High and High School students in the Step Forward group from Red Brush Christian Church are also stepping into leadership. They led worship and teaching for the 3rd–5th grade Big Overnighter this March.
This is what discipleship looks like at camp.
When younger campers see students like these serving and leading, something powerful happens. They begin to picture themselves doing the same thing one day. That’s how discipleship grows.
It’s why Oil Belt Christian Service Camp says it’s mission is “Making Disciples of Jesus Christ through the Teaching of God’s Word.”
Because of that mission, keeping camp ready for thousands of campers isn’t just important, it’s essential.
Every summer, life-changing moments happen in spaces that are clean, safe, and ready, from cabins and bathrooms to worship areas and gathering spaces. Preparing those spaces takes constant, behind-the-scenes work.
Over the past few years, Oil Belt has made important upgrades such as HVAC systems, plumbing repairs, and replacing roofs on shelters and gazebos. This year, a system called Flo-Logic is being installed to detect water issues before they turn into costly damage. Recently, it caught a running toilet and automatically shut off the water before an overflow could happen. At the same time, repairs are needed on pool filters to ensure the pool is ready and operating well for campers this summer.
It’s not glamorous work but it allows camp to operate smoothly so nothing distracts from what matters most.
And as more than 2,000 campers prepare to arrive this summer, these kinds of needs are part of what it takes to ensure camp is ready for every camper who arrives.
Some of those 2,000 campers are names already known, while others are stories still waiting to be written.
That’s why this season is an opportunity to invest in what God is doing through Oil Belt.
Every gift plays a part in helping keep the water running, the lights on, the cabins ready, and the spaces where students worship and grow prepared for life-changing moments.
Efforts also continue to add LED lighting and new retractable bleachers to the ARC building through the Fill the ARC campaign. $125,000 has already been given! The goal to complete funding for this $360,000 project by the end of 2026 is well underway!
If this is a season when a special gift is possible, it would help Oil Belt continue its mission of helping children, students, families, and adults encounter Jesus and grow in their faith, just as it has for more than 80 years.
Thank you for being part of this ministry and for standing with us in the work God is doing here at Oil Belt.
Gratefully,
Tyler Mulvany
Executive Director