Camp Good News Makes a Big Impact on Local Kids

On July 5th, 5 children who had participated in our local Good News Club during the school year, boarded a van to make their way to Camp Good News near Lake Lopez in Arroyo Grande. Alina Raynor, Levy and Mai Cabrera, Ruby Celio, and Abbey McKee, along with Michael Ishimaru, the Good News Club leader who had the privilege and distinction of leading all 5 children during the school year at the three different clubs they attended, delved deeper into Bible study while at the same time having great fun!

The best part of the camp, according to the campers, were pool and recreation time with basketball and bumper wrestling and the food. Each activity there was full of meaning, from a full Thanksgiving meal served on the traditional day of Thursday, to the Bible lessons that were described as “almost being there”, the sensation of experiencing the people come to life 2000+ years later.

Camper Alina told us that it was “one of the best camps she had ever attended and hopes to be able to go back next year!” Camp Leader Michael truly enjoyed getting to the know the kids better and growing in Christ with them each day.

Camp Good News is led by the San Luis Obispo County CEF Chapter and is open to all kids throughout the state. It is the only Camp Good News in the southern and central California areas, though there are other states that also lead a summer camp ministry. Camper Abbey may have started a legacy of Camp Good News in her family as her aunt also attended the same camp years ago as a young girl.

This summer marks the first time in many years that children from Good News Clubs in the Santa Barbara area have attended. This wonderful experience for these 5 children was made possible by the generous donations of many people in the Santa Barbara. Thank you to all who have made this time of growing closer to the Lord possible for these children. You have blessed them abundantly!