Loganville Christian Academy shows initiative and vision to kick off each school year with Alpha Camp, an off-campus retreat led by the senior class. The Upper School student body along with numerous faculty and staff members traveled to the Georgia Baptist Conference Center in Toccoa, Georgia, last week from August 8–10.
Alpha Camp is a chance to get away from the pressures of school and connect with other Upper School students in order to forge relationships that will last the year . . . and likely longer! Alpha is strategically positioned right at the launch of the school year so that ample time is given to ensuring that the year gets off to the right start.
These days were filled with engaging worship, study of God’s Word, small group accountability, and prayer while also providing plenty of time for recreational fun, renewing old friendships, and welcoming new students. Mr. Mark Davis, the campus pastor, said, “It so great to start the school year by being with students who are given a chance and provided the opportunity to worship the Lord.”
Alpha Camp is a highlight of the every school year, and the senior class takes a leadership role in planning the week for the underclassmen. The seniors started Alpha Camp a day early, which included senior sessions presented by Mr. James Schaeffer and Mrs. Jenny Medlin, who spoke on the topic of loving God and loving people. Senior Collin Sanchez said, “Alpha Camp this year was full of student bonding along with spiritual awakening and recovery. I love that we, the students, had the opportunity to be honest and open with each other and the staff.”
The seniors chose the theme of "Resist" for this year from James 4:7–8, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” From Wednesday afternoon through Friday at lunch, several faculty members shared their hearts in challenges to the students. When one young lady was asked what the highlight of her week at Alpha Camp was, she said to me without hesitation, “My friend and I got saved one night.” To God be the glory!
Mrs. Rachel Ernst, the Upper School principal, worked with the students to develop personal and grade level mission statements. She shared with the group that almost 20 percent of our high school students are new to LCA this year so coming to an overnight camp on the third day of school could have been a bit overwhelming. Mrs. Ernst said, “Seeing the LCA ‘veteran’ students embrace and get to know the new students was wonderful. Several new friendships were started, and connections were made that will make the year even better for all our students!”
Mrs. Vicky Welsch spoke about fighting battles like David vs. Goliath. Mr. Mark Davis presented a gospel message, and several students got saved or made decisions to rededicate their lives to following Christ. Mrs. Christy Monda and Mr. Andrew Martin also shared with the students.
In addition to the spiritual focus, the students enjoyed fun times of fellowship playing games, swimming at the lake, and participating in competition—with the yellow team winning the family group games for the week. Mrs. Vicky Welsch, an Upper School science teacher, summarized her thoughts about the week as follows: “Words can’t describe . . . the testimony of God working in the hearts of students was an encouragement to my heart.”
