Camp Hickory Hills

POWERHOUSE 2011

2011-11-25T21:11:00.001-06:00

On November 18th, close to 350 youth and youth workers arrived at Camp Hickory Hills for POWERHouse. This years challenge was SaltLight.

Friday night's opening service focused on the challenge to be catalysts for revival and how God had created us for such a time as this. In particular, focus was given to the call to repentance spoken by the LORD through the prophet Joel (Joel 2: 12-17). We were reminded to "Return to the LORD with all your heart", "Rend your heart and not your garments", "declare a holy fast" and for the leaders to call out to the LORD to "Spare your people". A final challenge was give to be the church that added thousands to the church daily.

Saturday opened with classes focusing on being the kind of church Christ can use. Classes covered our response to current events (David Brown), our Identity in Christ (Jay Johnson) and Holiness (Lindsey McKinley). Jason Dasher brought the message challenging the youth to be the Salt and Light of the world. His sermon focused on reaching out to the world around you, but also being a person that impacts the entire world. Asking the question, "How can we make this world a better place?" After the message, instead of focusing on the traditional altar call, the youth were divided up into POWERGroups to discuss how they can impact their world and for a time to pray with each student about issues in their own lives.

Saturday night closed out with a concert by Knoxville band OnTheBrightSide. They not only rocked the house, they lead the students in worship and the lead singer preached on Christ impacting our lives.

Sunday morning capped off the themed weekend with a powerful message brought by Sharron Farruggia. She focused on how the Holy Spirit can change our lives. Sharon also called for the youth to live of life in the Spirit of Excellence, which is the Spirit of Christ, in all they say and do. She closed with a time of prayer for those students feeling the call of Christ on their lives. Youth leaders anointed and prayed with each one and provided them time at the altar to seek the face of God.

Sunday's session closed with Bishop McKinley leading the students and youth leaders in a time of reflection and communion. The students then left with the closing blessing and challenge to go and be the salt and light.

POWERHouse 2011 Schedule

2011-11-07T19:01:00.002-06:00

Friday

4:30 pm Registration Begins

5:30 pm Supper

7:30 pm Worship - TN Youth Worship Team

Service - Jeff Jones

10 pm Late Night Fun

Midnight Lights Out

Saturday

8:30 am Breakfast

9:45 am Class

David Brown

Jay Johnson

Jeff and Kimmy Jones

Lindsey McKinley

10:30 am Change Classes

10:35 am Class

David Brown

Jay Johnson

Lindsey McKinley

Janice Miller

11:20 am Break

11:30 am Class

12:30 pm Lunch

1:45 pm Worship - TN Youth Worship Team

Service - Jason Dasher

3:00 pm Go to Break Out Groups

3:45 pm Social and Game Time

5:30 pm Supper

7:15 pm Youth Camp Promotion

Give Aways

7:30 pm Concert - OnTheBrightSide

9:30 pm Movie Night: "Soul Surfer"

Hay Ride and Bon Fire

Fireworks

Midnight Lights Out

Sunday

8:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am Cabin Clean Up

10:00 am Service and Communion - Sharon Farruggia

11:30 am See You Next Year

As always, schedule subject to change.

Family Worship Center Homecoming

2011-11-01T20:30:00.004-05:00

Pastor Bobby Peoples opening Sunday morning service.

Jeff bringing a message to the congregation.

We were blessed to visit with Pastor Bobby Peoples and the congregation at Family Worship Center in Hickman, TN. Bobby and Cindy are no strangers to our camping ministry. They served as directors for several years at Camp Hickory Hills, and Bro. Bobby serves as camp pastor for Senior Camp.

After worship, we enjoyed a church dinner. GREAT FOOD! Next time you see Sis. Cindy, you need to ask her for a piece of her delicious chocolate cake.

Family Worship Center has an incredible youth and children's ministry. They reach out to kids across their area, serve them food and teach them about Jesus Christ. Most importantly, as I witnessed one Wednesday night a month ago, they show them love. A job well done by Bro. Bobby and his staff.

Visit to HCF

2011-09-18T21:34:00.003-05:00

A few of HCF's youth group

We traveled to Knoxville on Saturday to eat dinner with a couple of friends. We were invited to Harvest Christian Fellowship for Sunday's morning service. Jeff shared the word. His message was entitled "Who Will Ascend the Hill of the Lord." He challenged the congregation to strive to be in God's presence continually. It's not just for our leaders to do...but we are all called to be in God's presence. He shared about the upcoming NEXUS Retreat and POWERHOUSE 2011. Thanks to Pastor Dyer and Sharon Farruggia for the invitation.

New Big Shot Camp Directors Announced

2011-09-17T11:04:00.004-05:00

Torrey & Valerie Shelby

We want to welcome Torrey and Valerie Shelby as our new Big Shot Camp Directors. It is our goal to continue to create new and creative camp experiences. Torrey and Valerie are experienced children's ministry leaders at Empowered Ministries in Dickson, TN. We know they will bring new perspectives and creative ideas to the camping ministry. Please be in prayer for them as they take on this leadership role. Check out the CHH website's profile on our new directors.

www.camphickoryhills.org/bigshot

First IMPACT Event 2011 - Lebanon, TN

2011-09-12T20:43:00.006-05:00

We had our first IMPACT Event. IMPACT Events are student led worship, student leaders speaking about prayer and then guided prayer services. The initial idea was taken from the International Youth Ministries event that was held at the Hickory Valley COGOP last fall. We want to get our student leaders in Tennessee involved in leading their peers in worship and in prayer for every aspect of the world around them, from their personal lives, to their churches, and their government.

Our first event was held at the Lebanon COGOP and we appreciate Pastor Meadors for allowing us to come and gather at his church. Worship was led by a youth band called Promise Given. Our service was opened by Jon-Thomas Calvert and Lindsey McKinley spoke and challenged the young people on the importance of prayer. The service concluded with guided prayer.

You can check out the IMPACT pictures on our Facebook page:
IMPACT September 2011 - Lebanon Photo Album

Arrowhead & Crab Orchard COGOP

2011-08-22T23:36:00.002-05:00

Jeff and I traveled to Knoxville this weekend to promote camp and youth ministry.

Sunday morning we visited Arrowhead COGOP. We were invited by Pastor Barnwell's son, Evan. Evan is the youth pastor at Arrowhead and we were encouraged to see this young man stepping up and leading the students at his church. Evan and the youth lead worship and also presented a drama. We thank God for moving in the hearts of the young people after the message. We appreciate Pastor Barnwell, his family, and the Arrowhead church for the opportunity to be a part of their service.

Sunday night we traveled to Crab Orchard to be with our friends, Terry and Heather Swaw. We have enjoyed working with Terry and Heather as they directed camp in the past. We certainly missed them this year but celebrated in the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Sarah Grace. I'd like to say, never has a youth group been so bold and concerned for me as they were Sunday night. After an opening devotion by their youth pastor they had a special prayer for me...unfortunately, their prayers were in vain. No amount of prayer will change my heart...to being a Tennessee Vols fan. :) As they laid hands on me, they played that old familiar tune of Rocky Top and a few VERY OLD CLIPS of TN touchdowns. Distant memories, I'm sure. :) Thanks guys. It's the heart that counts.

There was a prayer time before worship and God truly ministered to the hearts of his people. The youth presented a drama, lead worship and sang two special songs. It was great to see so many youth involved. Jeff spoke on being Beautiful, Loved, and Blessed...we are God's beautiful broken vessels. We enjoyed our time at Crab Orchard and thank the church family for showing so much love.

Gallatin COGOP

2011-05-23T16:51:00.001-05:00

Sunday, we were privileged to attend Gallatin COGOP. Jeff promoted camp and brought a challenge to the church.
We were very encouraged to see their heart for the camping ministry. That morning, they prepared an awesome breakfast and held a silent auction to raise money to send children and youth to Camp Hickory Hills. They raised over $1750.
We want to thank them for their gracious hospitality and their heart for the camping ministry. They have been supporters of Camp Hickory Hills for many years. We were blessed to share our heart with them.

Camping Season 2011

2011-05-09T12:49:00.000-05:00

The camping season is quickly approaching with less than a month before our first camp begins. Preparations are being made and applications are pouring in. Be in prayer for our directors, our staff, and our campers. We want a safe, healthy, and spiritually transforming year at Camp Hickory Hills.

Clinton COGOP | District Convention at Arrowhead COGOP

2011-02-28T20:00:00.000-06:00

Jeff and I traveled to Knoxville this weekend to attend the Clinton COGOP for their Sunday morning service. We were excited to promote our camping ministry. Jeff spent some time updating the church on our camp dates and events and the importance of their prayers and support. He then shared a message with the congregation on "Turning the Hearts of the Fathers." We want to thank Pastor Massingale and his family for allowing us to come and share with their church family. Here is a pic of their children singing a song at the end of service.

Sunday night we went to Arrowhead COGOP for the district convention. Bro. McKinley preached a powerful message about revival.

Powerhouse Schedule and Class Synopsis

2010-11-08T16:27:00.004-06:00

Powerhouse is just a few days away! Here is the schedule for the weekend:

Friday

4:00 pm Registration

5:30 pm Supper

7:30 pm Worship - DecembeRadio

Service – Bro. McKinley

10 pm DecembeRadio

Saturday

8:30 am Breakfast

9:45 am Class

§ Missional Living in College – MavinEscew

§ Missional Living in High School – Matt Hopkins

§ Missional Living in Middle School – Jason Dasher

10:30 am Change Classes

10:35 am Elective Class

§ Awesome God: Praying Teens – Janice Miller

§ Christianity is Not a Spectator Sport – Robby George

§ Dreams to Destiny – Gary Clements

§ Fearless - Lindsey McKinley

§ I See Dead People – Kevin Carver

11:20 am Break

11:30 am Elective Class

§ Awesome God: Praying Teens – Janice Miller

§ Christianity is Not a Spectator Sport – Robby George

§ Dreams to Destiny – Gary Clements

§ Fearless - Lindsey McKinley

§ I See Dead People – Kevin Carver

12:30 pm Lunch

1:45 pm Meet in Chapel

2:00 pm Mentoring Moments

3:00 pm Social and Game Time

5:30 pm Supper

7:30 pm Worship – TN Youth Worship Team

Service – Sharon Farruggia

§ Movie Night: “How to Save a Life”

§ Hay Ride and Bon Fire

Sunday

8:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am Cabin Cleanup

10:00 am Service and Communion – Darren Schalk

11:30 am See You Next Year

Here is a description of the elective classes:

Awesome God : Praying Teens

What happens when teens pray?

Session 1:

This is an interactive session where we will discuss some of the issues that teens face:

· Relationships

· Depression/Negative emotions

· Finding our Purpose

· Peer Pressure

· Sexuality

· Eating Disorders

· Temptation

· Safety

· Making Wise Choices

· …….and more

Christianity is Not a Spectator Sport

No more sidelines time to get in the game!

God has called us to be Christians, which means to be Christ like. However, too often instead of Christ-like, we have become Christ-lite. We only want appear to look like Christ, by only doing as much as it takes to just get in to heaven, and nothing more.

Jesus expects more from those of us who call ourselves Christians.

He has called us to truly live a Christ-like life.

To be Christ-like is more than just not cussing, not drinking, and not watching really bad movies (that often).

In this class, we will attempt to learn how to follow him by not focusing on the "Thou shalt nots", but rather on the "go and do's"

Dreams to Destiny

This class will take a look at the story of Joseph and the destiny God has for each of our lives.

Fearless

Think of your greatest fear.

Everyone has something that terrifies them, and although everyone’s fears may be different, they have one thing in common; these fears stop you from living your life to the fullest.

How can we live in the abundant life Jesus offers if we are constantly stricken by fear and anxiety?

In this class, you will learn biblical principles to help you overcome fears that keep you from experiencing God’s plan for your life.

I See Dead People

A class on how to live the life of Christ while surrounded by those that are spiritually dead.

New Pre-Teen Camp Director

2010-09-02T09:23:00.000-05:00

We are happy to announce to you that we have a new director for Pre-Teen Camp. Julia Timson has agreed to serve in this capacity. Julia's talents, experience, and passion are a welcome addition to our team. We look forward to the 2011 camping season!

It is finished....

2010-07-12T21:31:00.002-05:00

What a summer we have had at Camp Hickory Hills! It was a camping season that saw Ninjas, Super Grover, campers being tucked in at night (with a song to help them sleep), an awesome new water slide (thank you brother Chris), tons of fireworks, and most importantly, the presence of the Lord.

Total attendance of staff, visitors and campers were over 850 for this year. There were 139 salvation experiences, 100 Sanctified, 106 filled with the Holy Ghost, and over 150 baptized.

Thank you to the directors for planning, creativity, and giving. Thank you to all of the staff for giving up part of your summer to show the love of Christ to these youth and children. A big thank you to all of the campers. Without you, camp wouldn't be possible.

And now, all praise and glory and honor be given to our heavenly Father for Your grace, Your mercy and Your love.

Tennessee Youth Harvest Training 2010

2010-03-11T11:45:00.004-06:00

The very first Tennessee Youth Harvest Training has come and gone. Kim Batson did a great job facilitating and heading up this event. We worked on a team with Bishop McKinley - State Overseer, Tim Farmer - State Youth Director, and Kim Batson - State Children's Director and our goal was to combine all three ministries: children's, youth, and camping, into one training event.

All three ministries: Children, Youth, Camp - feed into one another and so the vision was to offer a training event where all three could come together and train workers from across the state. The weekend offered a Friday night worship service. A group of people from West TN to East TN was put together to lead worship. Friday night's message was brought by our General Overseer, Bishop Randall Howard. He spoke about the vision over the next 10 years: Turning To The Young Harvest. After the service, a reception was given for all who attended.

Saturday was full of break out sessions for each ministry track. We had general sessions which brought together workers of all three ministries. Kim Batson spoke passionately about Safety for our children/youth, in our ministries, and living above reproach.

The camping ministry track involved 4 break out sessions:
1. General vision and camp updates - Jeff and Kimmy Jones
2. Everything Is Spiritual - Victor Rodriguez
3. How To Minister In The Alter - Victor Rodriguez
4. Serve Like Jesus - Jeff Jones

Thanks to Victor for stepping in with short notice. Pastor Bobby Peoples had prepared for classes 2 and 3. He was unable to attend due to a death in the family. Our prayers were with him during this weekend of training.

Thanks to Empowered Ministries for serving and cooking for the weekend.

The training weekend concluded with a short message and challenge from North American Presbyter Sam Clements.

We will be debriefing and planning for the 2011 TN YHT this upcoming week. We have heard many positive things about the entire weekend and we hope to build on what was started in 2010.

Youth Harvest Training

2010-03-07T18:10:00.002-06:00

What an incredible time! That's the words that I have heard time and time again describing the Youth Harvest Training that took place March 5th and 6th. The opening session featured our General Overseer challenging all in attendance (pastors, children's ministers, youth workers and camp workers) to turn to the Young Harvest. The closing session on Saturday finished with North American Presbyter, Sam Clements, speaking in a consecration service.

Everything in between these two sessions is the heartbeat of the ministries in our state that are geared towards the young harvest. Breakout sessions took place across the campground training workers in Children's Ministries, Youth Ministries, and Camping Ministries. There was also a time of training geared towards the safety f those we minister to, led by Kim Batson.

Thank you for all that were able to attend. Look for news coming to you soon about future training coming to the state of Tennessee.

Year Round Planning

2010-02-18T15:01:00.000-06:00

The camping season for Camp Hickory Hills requires year round planning. We meet and communicate with directors throughout the year in order to prepare for each camp's one week of ministry. We have an up coming directors meeting this weekend. Please help us pray for fresh creativity and anointing, that we may minister to each camper with excellence.

Youth Harvest Training 2010

2010-01-23T15:22:00.002-06:00

We had a wonderful time in Murfreesboro last weekend. Camp Hickory Hills was well represented this year. Chris and Melissa Bohanon (representing our directors), Julia Timson, Marty Benson and Katrina Graves (representing our volunteer staff), and Shelton Campbell, Caleigh Graves and Nick Rodriguez (representing our student leaders) all received training in the area of camping and youth ministry. Tennessee was also represented by pastors Milton Gordon and Verlin Thorton and TN State Youth Director, Tim Farmer. Victor and Renee Rodriguez (Senior Camp Directors), Shaun McKinley and Bro. McKinley all helped teach classes.

The classes covered a wide variety of topics. Friday's main focus was on ministering to this generation. Guest speaker Paul Robertson, from Canada, spoke both the morning and afternoon sessions. There was a lot of information to take in. The presentation was fun but challenging at the same time. Friday evening closed with a general session focusing on running day camps to minister to children and teens.

Saturday began with a general session led by Shaun McKinley on Making Ministry Spaces Safe Places. Many of these topics will be covered at the local church and at training sessions we will hold at our campground. Saturday closed with Biship Billy Wilson delivering the Word to us.

Sunday morning opened with a final general session. Darren Schalk spoke on Holiness/Pentecostal youth ministry. He was followed by North American Presbyter, Bishop Sam Clements who delivered the closing challenge.

During each day, there were break out sessions that focused more intently on specific ministries.

Trevor and Aileen Reid deserve to be commended for providing a weekend full of information that was not only useful, but practical as well.

YHT (Formerly IYC) Representatives for Tennessee

2009-11-07T21:37:00.000-06:00

The following campers, staff, and directors have been chosen to receive scholarships to Youth Harvest Training (formerly IYC).

Camp YHT Rep Scholarships

· Nick Rodriguez

· Shelton Campbell

· Tarah Williams

Staff YHT Rep Scholarships

· Marty Benson

· Julia Timpson

· Brian Self

Director YHT Rep Scholarships

· Chris & Melissa Bohannon

Youth Harvest Training - Formerly IYC

2009-10-22T12:13:00.026-05:00

IYC (International Youth Camp) was a camp to train camp workers. Each year, the directors and coordinators would choose a certain number of campers and staff to attend IYC. With the transition to the new International Youth Directors, Trevor and Aileen Reid, they have gone into a new direction called Youth Harvest Training.

Tennessee will be choosing a set number of campers and staff for the new YHT (Youth Harvest Training) and that announcement will be made on our new camp website and blog very soon. Campers and staff are chosen based off their attitude, spiritual maturity, hard work, and their commitment to work in future camps at Camp Hickory Hills. Those chosen will receive a scholarship to attend YHT for valuable training.

YHT is open to all who want to attend but those not receiving a scholarship will be responsible to register and pay for their own attendance. Please see some valuable information below from Trevor and Aileen regarding YHT.

Youth Harvest Training (YHT), the official training arm for youth and camping ministries, aims to reach every level of youth and camp ministries staff at every stage of ministry (i.e. beginner to veteran). We are calling state/regional directors, local directors, board directors, pastors, workers and volunteers to join in this training. We have enclosed the focus areas for this training as well as a copy of the application form (English and Spanish) for distribution to each local church. Please note that YHT has replaced IYC, which will no longer be held. Further, there is no selection criteria for YHT; as many leaders may attend from your particular state or even a local church as possible. Please assist us in getting the information out to local churches as some still may not have received the application forms for YHT.

Logistics:
We realize that the early bird deadline is November 4th, but please do try to get your application in. If you do not have the deposit at this time, please send in the form with deposit following by December 1st. The rates listed is an attempt to assist you as much as possible with rooms, particularly those traveling in small groups or alone. The Embassy Suites is a great new hotel and the rate offers includes a full made to order breakfast. Lunch and Dinner would be on your own. There is a mall and several restaurants just a few steps away from the hotel. So, you will not need a car if you are flying in.

Please note also that each room has two queen beds and one queen sofa bed, so if more than three people desire to share a room, we can work out the adjusted price for you if you give us a call. Our goal is to make this as affordable for you as possible. If these rates are still out of reach for you, we have listed a conference only price so that you can shop area hotels if you need to. All we ask is that you let us know your intentions by sending in your registration form by November 4th. We’ll have to release rooms at the hotel if we do not get satisfactory responses.

Schedule:
We are offering a Thursday intensive for those able to come in early. There is no additional cost for the intensive except for your room Thursday night. The Thursday intensives will begin at 1:00 p.m. For everyone else arriving after the intensive, the first general session will begin on Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. and continue through Sunday at 12 noon. We are in the process of updating the website with a preliminary schedule, speakers, trainers, etc. in the next week or two. We will also send out another email once this info is available. Please take some time to prayerfully review the attached focus areas for the weekend. We have designed it with you in mind. We will also be sending out a letter to each state/regional overseer regarding YHT.
We hope we have covered most, if not all of the questions you have to date. If there is anything that you feel we have missed, please do give us a shout by phone or email. We appreciate your partnering with us to make YHT as edifying and effective as possible and we look forward to hearing from you soon.

Click here for YHT Registration Forms

Encounter Camp Update

2009-10-14T23:24:00.001-05:00

Please welcome Janice Miller as director of Tennessee's college and career camp. We were able to meet with her this past Monday night and we're very excited about the direction this camp will be taking. Janice brings to this camp excellent leadership skills, professionally and ministerially. She shares our vision for what this camp can be for our high school graduates and beyond. Our goal is to share her vision and the new direction she will be taking this camp by POWERhouse weekend. Stay tuned!

Welcome To The New Website

2009-10-05T19:41:00.003-05:00

Welcome to the new Camp Hickory Hills website. We hope this site is a helpful resource and a great way to stay informed.

This site is best viewed in an up to date browser. Internet Explorer 7, Firefox, or Safari.

Our goal for the future is to offer online registration and online payment for campers. This should make registration more convenient.

Thanks for stopping by and come back for event updates and announcements.