Kids gather on Tinian for annual boot camp
Around 250 youths and 50 team leaders and counsel staff from all over the Marianas and the US will convene for the fourth annual youth camp at the Tinian Dynasty on April 8-12, 2001.
Initiated by the Grace Christian Academy of Tinian, the convention started as a small camp out in the open on Tinian five years ago. The idea of a youth gathering during school vacation with an activity program grew so popular that it soon became the largest youth convention in the Marianas.
They shifted from tents to hotel rooms to accommodate the large numbers and became affectionately known as ‘Boot Camp’. This year will be the second time that the convention is held at Tinian Dynasty.
“We look forward to welcoming the campers this weekend,” said Tinian Dynasty’s Hotel Manager Tom Liu. “We hope that they will enjoy their day on Tinian and experience our hotel services. Likewise they may be encouraged to consider a career in the hospitality industry.”
Known as ‘Boot Camp 2001’, the convention aims to unite youths from different islands, promote positive relationships and at the same time grow in their relationship with God.
“It’s an excellent way of getting to know other kids from other islands who usually don’t travel,” remarked camp director Reverend Eileen Lang. “Some kids have been attending camp since the first year. They have made very good friends on other islands that they keep in contact with long after camp has ended.”
This year’s theme is ‘Run The Race’. “According to Hebrews 12:1-3, Christian life is a long race. Rewards come in the end after a difficult and long road,” said Reverend Lang. “The Camp is interdenominational and multicultural. We help them to grow in their personal relationship with Jesus Christ.”
The camp will be divided into two age levels: 4th to 6th grades and 7th to 12th grades. Workshops during the camp include Video Production, Island Explorer, Drama/Human Video, Christian Art, Bible Quiz, Choir, Vocal Solo, Photography, Homiletics, Sound Crew and Peer Counseling. At the end of these electives, students will perform their talents in the Teen Talent Show at the Tinian Dynasty’s Ballroom.
Guest speakers include Reverend Brian Bopp who traveled throughout US to school assemblies and is renown for his live drama shows.
Boot Camp 2001 is sponsored by Grace Christian Academy, Tinian Dynasty Hotel & Casino, Tinian Mayor’s Office, Tinian Municipal Council, and Island Apparel. For more information about joining the Boot Camp next year in March, contact Reverend Eileen Lang on (670) 433-3333.
