Several years ago, when the Synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America (RPCNA) met jointly with the Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARPC), two members of the RP Disabilities Ministry Committee observed a ministry of the ARPC called Camp Joy. A little over a year ago, Nola Youngman, a third member of the committee, became aware of the same camp and was motivated to investigate possible participation in this ministry by disabled members of the RPCNA and their caregivers.

Camp Joy is run by the Brice-Sanders Foundation, whose board of directors is approved by, and consists of, members of the ARPC. Camp Joy hosts individuals 16 years of age and older with disabilities for a week-long residential camp experience. The camp provides a wonderful opportunity for those with disabilities, in addition to offering greatly needed respite for their caregivers. Many campers as well as counselors return on a yearly basis. One such camper has attended for 20 years!

The Disabilities Ministry Committee is pleased to introduce and commend Camp Joy to the denomination. Camp Joy holds summer residential camps in South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Virginia. A camp in Tennessee is in planning stages. For more information, please visit the Camp Joy website (campjoy.net) for the registration dates for each camp.

The Disabilities Ministry would like to encourage attendance by providing some financial assistance, although funds are limited. This would enable the committee to obtain a firsthand view of the life of a camper at Camp Joy, with a view to increased funding for additional campers in the future. If you are interested in having your loved one attend, please contact Pastor Rich Johnston of Second (Indianapolis, Ind.,) RPC, Pastor Martin Blocki of North Hills (Pittsburgh, Pa.) RPC, or Nola Youngman from Rose Point (New Castle, Pa.) RPC, for possible financial assistance.

Executive Director of Camp Joy Jeff Lesslie shares a more detailed description in the article that follows.

An Introduction and Invitation

With over 40 years of history, Camp Joy is a testament to God’s faithfulness and active work in the hearts and lives of so many. We are now entering an exciting new chapter and would invite you to join us. Formerly under Christian Education Ministries, Camp Joy has now formed an independent 501(c)(3) entity: the Brice-Sanders Foundation (B-SF). Named after the founders, B-SF still operates as Camp Joy, and we are excited to see where the Lord takes His camp.

Ben Bartel, a camp counselor, shared his experience with Camp Joy by saying, “Camp Joy is where Jesus reigns and takes pleasure in all that He sees.” That statement reflects the spirit of Camp Joy.

How are human value and dignity measured in our society? Someone dependent or independent? Someone weak or strong? Someone meek or assertive? Sadly, our culture chooses the “successful” and often disregards the rest. I think if I let the Lord search my heart, I, too, fall into that temptation of prioritizing people.

However, it is Christ’s command that we declare and celebrate the dignity of life for all people. A life severely marked by physical disabilities, for example, is worthy of love, respect, and care. It’s vital that we view them as worthy of all our sacrifices and made in the image of God.

What Is Camp Joy?

In 1980, Ann Brice and Frances Sanders were rocking on a porch at Bonclarken Conference Center in Flat Rock, N.C., and saw a group of youth campers walk by. They instantly had the vision, and saw the need, for a Christian camp that would serve those with special needs. They could picture it and followed the Lord’s nudging.

Today, Camp Joy serves hundreds of people each year with sessions in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia, with potential for more on the horizon. It is possible through donations that underwrite the cost.

Our Mission and Philosophy

We seek to help campers, counselors, and staff develop a Christian attitude in their lives, which will enable us to enjoy the fellowship of one another in Christ. Each camper will have the opportunity to participate in all activities, regardless of mental or physical ability.

The staff is to model Christlike character and show concern for each person taking part in Camp Joy. Each camper’s unique talent will be pursued and utilized in a manner that will highlight how their different gifts complement one another. This is a great illustration of 1 Corinthians 12:12: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”

Blessed to Be a Blessing

Everyone is served at Camp Joy, and a light shines on how God is ultimately the one who serves us, even as we are the ones toiling.

While serving the counselors and families is a great goal, the primary focus is on serving and learning from the camper. Imagine, for instance, someone who has been in a wheelchair since childhood, who cannot fully communicate, someone completely dependent on others for survival, entering heaven with their renewed and redeemed body!

Imagine them embracing their Father and telling of what they learned about Him at Camp Joy, a place where the gospel was proclaimed and shown to them, where they were loved, and where their dignity was upheld. What a beautiful vision. That is a mission to get behind.

Camp Joy in My Life

My first exposure to Camp Joy was in 2000 when my brother’s life was changed by being a camp counselor. He gave his younger brother no choice but to serve the following year. So, in 2001, I went as a counselor and brought my father as the camp doctor and my mother as the Bible teacher. I was very nervous.

The Lord put His hooks in all of us that week and changed the trajectory of my life. I met my future wife there, who was also a counselor, and years later we brought our kids to serve. Serving at Camp Joy was a non-negotiable for my wife, Katie, and me. Here I am 22 years later, my life completely changed. I am honored and humbled to be the executive director of such an amazing ministry and will never lose grasp of the bond between camper and counselor. That is a sacred space where the Lord works, and I am a living testimony of that.

I want to introduce you to a friend of mine. Anthony has cerebral palsy and only has very little control over his neck and right arm. He speaks with great difficulty and now has a feeding tube. But Anthony has the most patience of anyone I have seen in my life. His compassion for others seems to grow with each failed attempt as they try to understand him. He’s amazing; his joy and contentment radiate and are contagious.

Meditate on the words from Ecclesiastes 5:18–20: “This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given them—for this is their lot. Moreover, when God gives someone wealth and possessions, and the ability to enjoy them, to accept their lot and be happy in their toil—this is a gift of God. They seldom reflect on the days of their life, because God keeps them occupied with gladness of heart.”

Anthony has figured out the secret to life. While he longs to talk and run freely, he has embraced the life he has received with joy and contentment, found only through Jesus Christ. He will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy—the very joy we celebrate at Camp Joy. This is the type of man I want to be like. This is how I want to live, and what I want to share. This is what God teaches at Camp Joy.

Respite for the Family

Caregiver fatigue is a real concern, and Camp Joy provides an opportunity to help those in that situation. As one can imagine, care for someone with significant special needs is a 24/7 endeavor that requires rest. With camp sessions being a week long, this gives family members and caregivers a much-needed time of respite. The camper to counselor ratio is 1-1, and at least one medical professional is on site at all times. There is a medical director over all the camps. Each camp has either a doctor or a nurse present, sometimes a doctor and a nurse, or sometimes two nurses. Camp Joy is a place that caregivers can feel secure that their loved one will be cared for.

Why Is Camp Joy So Effective?

If I were to boil it down, I would say Camp Joy is effective through pouring all of oneself out (physically, emotionally, and spiritually) in complete denial of self, while praising God. From sun-up to sundown. Lather, rinse, repeat. However, the key is in the order of operations. It’s in our name. J.O.Y. Jesus, then Others, then Yourself. Although done imperfectly on our part, I believe God is glorified when we order things this way and watch the Holy Spirit give us the strength we need.

Matthew 13:44 says, “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” That is the message of the Bible and the message of Camp Joy.

For more information, please visit our website at campjoy.net and check out one of our Camp Joy promo videos below. Thank you so much for your support and prayers!