By Brian Blackwell, Baptist Message staff writer
WOODWORTH, La. (LBM) – A field at Tall Timbers Baptist Conference Center was transformed into a bazooka battlefield for 23 individuals with special needs during the fourth annual Champions Camp, Sept. 6-8.
The campers, accompanied by 30 “buddies” and staff, did their best to dodge nerf rockets that were fired from air launchers.
Among those campers was Matthew Otto, a member of Christ’s Community Church, Denham Springs.
“I really loved all of it,” Otto, who attended his first Champions Camp, told the Baptist Message. “I’m loving the chance to shoot the balls and I’m very excited about singing some Sesame Street songs later during the karaoke party. This weekend has been one of my favorite times of my life.”
Jon Johnston, Christ’s Community Church, was a “buddy” to Otto. He enjoyed the chance to share Christ with him.
“It’s an opportunity for us to get guys like Matthew and whole bunch of other folks that wouldn’t normally be able to go to a camp to experience this,” he said. “We can serve them and best of all tell them about Jesus while we have lots of fun.”
Matthew Otto and his “buddy”, Jon Johnston, Christ’s Community Church, spent the weekend having fun with other campers and sharing the Gospel during Champions Camp. Brian Blackwell photo
The Louisiana Baptist summer camp for people with special needs matched participants with buddies who accompanied them during the event. The camp featured karaoke, petting zoo, glow in the dark foam party with snowballs, an ice cream party, fishing, Bible study and worship designed for campers from ages 8 and up who have intellectual or development disabilities.
Champions Camp Director David Anderson, who also serves as the Louisiana Baptist children’s ministry strategist, said the camp allowed individuals with special needs a chance to experience the camp experience that so many of them have never had a chance to experience. It gives us the opportunity to give them a sense of normalcy and while they are there to pour Jesus into them.
He noted that they, along with their families, are one of the most unreached people groups in the state. He cited a 2022-2023 study from the National Center for Education, which found that the number of students ages 3–21 who received special education and/or related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act was 7.5 million, or the equivalent of 15 percent of all public-school students.
“It gives people that normally don’t a chance to experience camp in their own environment,” Anderson said. “This camp is a great opportunity for a church and families to offer something of quality to their members and family that include those with special needs. A church can advocate and offer this ministry as a key to reaching people in their community by showing that they care.
“Some of the best moments every year is getting to participate in worship and Bible study with our campers. But sometimes the small, unexpected moments speak just as loud,” he continued. “One of those moments was one evening when a camper was getting ready for bed and struggling, and all of our buddies and staff were involved in other situations at that moment. So, a camper with special needs stepped in and helped his friend complete his bedtime duties. It was a great moment as we saw what we had been teaching them about how God can use every one of them get put into practice. It really was a beautiful moment.”
Next year’s Champions Camp is set for Sept. 5-7.
“Our future plans are to keep the camp scheduled for the weekend after Labor Day every year,” he said. “That will allow families and church to plan ahead when looking at their future calendars.”
