Teens from around the conference were brought together this last summer for the Teen Bible Academy to do a week-long deep dive into scripture while camping in the Yosemite National Park. Thirty teens and 15 staff hiked into the forest and experienced God in new ways by connecting with each other, spending time alone, studying God’s word, and listening to God’s voice. This spiritual experience, which took place June 24-July 1, even led to eight baptisms.
The Teen Bible Academy has spiritually impacted teens every summer for 20 years by camping in the wilderness and experiencing God. Anil Kanda, Senior Youth and Young Adult leader for the Central California Conference, was part of the Teen Bible Academy when it started. He now oversees this program. He said that the program helps teens separate from the overstimulation of the world we live in.
“We get them away from all the cell phones and electronics, and we just get back to the woods. We do things like team-building activities and solitude time. We give teens a chance to get into the Bible, The Desire of Ages, and Steps to Christ. It's incredible to see the things that take place during that time,” Kanda explained.
After each solitude session, or time spent alone, they debrief and talk about each person’s experience and what they learned. Many of the teens said they saw a picture of God’s love in a way they have never seen before. “It gives kids a chance to be able to not just read, but be able to communicate the things they're learning,” said Kanda.
At the end of Teen Bible Academy, the group returned to Camp Wawona and took part in an Agape feast. Each teen had written a letter to themself at the beginning of the program, and at the Agape feast they opened the letters and read them.
“They were praising God, giving Him thanks,” said Kanda. The parents were also asked to write letters affirming their teens. “There were so many tears. They were seeing how God answered them, and also recognizing things that their parents sometimes aren't able to communicate. Having a letter that their parents wrote to them was very personal and affirming.”
Teen Bible Academy plans to do more programs with the purpose of uniting teens to study and connect. This fall, a weekend program is scheduled to bring together teens who want to take a deep dive into The Great Controversy.
Learn more about Teen Bible Academy at: www.teenbibleacademy.net.
Written by Brennan Hallock
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