October 13, 2025 • Jacob Anders

Camp Workers Empowered, Equipped, and Emboldened at IYC 2025

In September, we were blessed to host another Holy Ghost-filled and anointed International Youth Camp. This was a wonderful time of training for those in the camping ministry and those in youth ministry in general. Please begin making plans to attend September 18-21, 2026, in Browns Summit, North Carolina. 

If you work in camping ministries or any youth ministry, you are not only invited but strongly encouraged to attend. We hope to see you next year! For now, please enjoy these testimonies from some of those who attended this year. 

Danielle Fearer: To describe this IYC as simply “wonderful” does not truly capture the depth of the experience. I honestly debated whether or not to attend this year. I work at camp almost every summer, usually helping with worship during services and recreation during the day. Because my role doesn’t involve as much direct interaction with campers as teachers or cabin leaders, I often wondered if IYC was really meant for me. In the past, I only attended because I was selected to do so. But this year was different. The devotions, classes, and mock scenarios were outstanding—full of wisdom not only for camp but also for everyday life. I left with practical insights that I can carry into every situation I face. I was also blessed with the opportunity to fellowship with brothers and sisters from different regions, which was both refreshing and uplifting. On top of that, having my two older sons, Toby and Matthew, at IYC with me was a special joy. Watching them pray and worship throughout the weekend was a blessing that is beyond words for this momma. 

One moment that deeply impacted me was during Brother Estep’s class. He spoke about the darkness of today’s world and how vital it is to be led by the Lord in responding to the challenges we face. Afterwards, there was an invitation for those who were struggling to receive prayer. I longed to go forward but hesitated, feeling the pressure to maintain a “mask” of joy while silently carrying heavy burdens. I left that moment without my breakthrough, but I determined in my heart not to leave IYC the same way I had arrived. On Sunday night—the final service—the message was powerful. I went to the altar but still felt as though my breakthrough hadn’t come. Then a prayer line began. Deep within, I knew that this was my moment. At first, I was asked to help sing, and I feared I had missed my opportunity. But later, I found the courage to step forward. By then, the weight I had been carrying became too heavy to hold in. As I was prayed for, I heard others speaking scriptures and promises of God’s faithfulness. Growing up in the Church, I knew those promises well, yet I often felt like I couldn’t admit to struggling, afraid I would disappoint others. In that moment, God reminded me of His faithfulness and renewed my joy, which I so desperately needed. My problems didn’t vanish, but I left that service with a peace that I cannot explain, encouraged that, with God’s help, I can endure and overcome. If you have never been to IYC, I wholeheartedly encourage you to go. It will not only change how you view the camping ministry, but it has the power to change your life. 

Jake Whitcomb: It was a great time at IYC. I want to encourage everyone, if they can, to PLEASE attend. This year we had amazing classes and sermons. We talked about tough issues and hard questions, but we had Bible answers given so we can help those who are lost in the world. If you want to get educated and be motivated, go to International Youth Camp. 

At IYC, we talked about how to deal with LGBTQ situations, and as we were traveling back to Des Moines, Iowa, we stopped at Texas Roadhouse near Charlotte, West Virginia. When we arrived, we had a nice waiter who was a part of the LGBTQ community and very open about it. At IYC, I was moved by the classes and equipped with some things to say and ways to help those lost souls. I began talking to this man. He happened to be from Minnesota and had moved to West Virginia. He told me that he was just thinking about Minnesota that day, and I don’t think that was a coincidence. I think that was God moving on this man. I eventually said I would be praying for this man, named Skylar, and I gave him my number, some scriptures, and the address of The Church of God in Minnesota. I told him that if he ever came back to Minnesota, I would love for him to be at our church! So, if you ever think about this man, please pray for him that he will be molded by God the way God intended. He has felt that he must be transformed by this world, but that is not the case at all. Thank you, IYC and the staff who had a huge role in getting us equipped and emboldened to spread God’s one and only true Word! 

Madison Adkins: It was my first IYC, and it was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve ever had. The comfort, belonging, and support I felt from the counsel, teaching, preaching, worship, and fellowship were astounding. Growing up in the Church but not a part of the Church, I always felt isolated and alone. There is something different about it now. I feel seen, heard, worthy, and so appreciated. IYC not only cares about our spiritual health, but our practical training as well, and it was so meaningful for those two components to come together the whole weekend. 

I thank God for His goodness. And I am so, so, so thankful to be in The Church of God, the Body of Christ. I will definitely try to attend IYC as much as I can in the future. 

Brantlee Steptoe: International Youth Camp was a tremendous blessing. I had expectations, but the Lord far surpassed them! The Spirit was so amazing, powerful, and beautiful! Brother Jacob Anders put it well when he said, “I feel like the walls are gonna fall down!” 

I went into IYC feeling slightly anxious, and I needed to be filled up and refreshed. The Lord delivered! From powerful messages to inspirational classes, and even being put in mock scenarios, it was an awesome experience! I left IYC feeling rejuvenated, at peace, and ready to work for the Lord! The theme “Empowered, Equipped, and Emboldened” was incredibly powerful, and every minister was anointed and used by the Lord. I left feeling “Empowered” by the Holy Ghost, “Equipped” with the tools to spread the gospel, and “Emboldened” in my faith. I’m looking forward to what the Lord has in store next year! 

Matthew Fearer: This year was my first year at IYC, and it was the best first-year experience that I could have had. All the classes, activities, services, and even the volleyball games were such a blessing to have been a part of. 

I went into IYC feeling like there was a wall between me and God, and it caused me to feel very discouraged. I was in the altar every service, hoping that this wall could be torn down. It wasn’t, however, until the last service when people were being prayed for, and someone had told me that I needed to go get prayed for. I couldn’t be happier that that person told me. They prayed for me, and Brother Jacob Anders asked if Brother Colin Shuler could pray with me. We went and prayed, and I felt like I had finally received the victory, and the wall was destroyed. I highly recommend that everyone, not just youth, attend IYC. It was a huge blessing, and I’m so glad I went. 

Rebekah Cox: I’m so grateful I attended IYC this year. For a moment, my husband and I weren’t going to make it. But the Lord worked everything out for us. Every class proved timely, preparing camp workers for the challenging days ahead. The Lord really blessed me as an individual. I feel encouraged and excited for the camping ministry this year, as well as the interactions I will have in my daily life. I am better equipped to deal with the issues of our day. Praise the Lord for the sweet presence of the Holy Ghost as He taught us each day! 

If you’re on the fence about attending next year, make up your mind now and make plans. Do whatever is necessary to be at IYC 2026. You won’t regret it! 

Trevor O’Dell: I thank the Lord for the opportunity to be able to go to IYC this year! I was able to build relationships with young people whom I have not had the privilege of building a relationship with. The classes were fantastic, the services and messages were anointed, and it was evident that people came expecting a mighty move of the Holy Ghost! 

We thank the Lord for Brother Jacob and his hard work in putting this function together! Although the strawberry pretzel salad was amazing and seemed divine within itself, a special time for me was spending time in the cabin after services listening to the young men as we discussed Church history, evangelism, and doctrine. The youth in The Church of God are hungry and truly drawing close to the Lord! 

Josh and Britney Anders: IYC was a great blessing! The training is great! You can’t get training like this anywhere else! The mock scenarios were a bit unnerving, but needed, and very eye-opening to situations that, if not already, will eventually be faced in our camps. The services, messages, and altar calls were icing on the cake! Thank the Lord for allowing us to be able to go and experience IYC. 

Legend Smith: The classes were such a blessing and covered subjects that are truly more of a problem than we would like to admit. Coming into this camp, I was expecting to be blessed, and it did not disappoint. From the moment we set foot on the campground, you could tell the Lord was going to be with this camp. I learned so many lessons from the Lord during this time. 

Joshua Bates: This year at IYC, there was such a sweet Spirit that the Lord blessed us with. These topics were something everyone needed to hear, to ensure that we are Empowered, Equipped, and Emboldened for the work of the Lord! All the classes were so helpful and educational to give us the knowledge that we need to handle every situation as Christ would. It was an experience I will never forget! 

Ashton Cabales: IYC was an absolute blast! I learned so much about how we should handle situations as a camp staff member, and my love for the camp ministry grew so much during the event! I’ve always loved camp, but I left IYC realizing just how important it is for someone! I think everyone who can go should do everything they can to be there! Not only was it great spiritually, but getting to fellowship with people of God is irreplaceable. IYC is definitely added to my long list of Church events that I will be attending every year! 

Madison Montgomery: I was so blessed to be able to attend IYC this year for the first time. The Spirit moved the entire weekend. I am so thankful for Spirit-filled and Spirit-led leaders who were sensitive to the leading of the Holy Ghost throughout all the classes and services. Because of that, the Lord helped me overcome many personal doubts and fears that I have been facing for a few years. I feel peace. I feel refreshed. I feel encouraged, emboldened, and ready to work for the Lord. I feel confident in who God has called me to be. I feel inspired to learn more about the Bible and the struggles others face. I am so excited to see how God moves in our camps this next year and the testimonies that come from them. 

Emily Lambert: This year was my first time coming to an IYC, and it was the perfect one to start on. The weekend was so educational and also fun. I have learned so much and feel better equipped for not just camp, but for whatever the world may throw my way. 

God was in every part of the camp—in the classes, fellowship, and services. He was in the midst of the whole weekend! I have felt God wanting to use me for more and feeling callings in my life. However, the spirit of fear and not being the best at socializing has kept me from answering that and serving Him to the best of my ability. But oh, the power of our God and the Spirit I felt and experienced at IYC. I have been EMPOWERED, EQUIPPED, and EMBOLDENED! I have felt a rise and fire burning in the youth ever since the Assembly, and, in IYC, I felt that power just explode in me personally and witnessed it move through the rest of the youth. 

I’m ready to fully serve in any way He has for me, and the spirit of fear and the devil can no longer deter me. We serve a mighty God, and I’m thankful and excited to see the next chapter He has for our youth!