The RYC Story

We were ready for another action-packed summer in 2020. Summer events, beach days, and of course, Hume Lake. Everyone was excited to see what was going to happen that year. We knew God would move mightily. However, none of us were ready for what happened. COVID-19 shut the world down, and Hume Lake cancelled on all the churches. It felt like a huge blow at the time, but looking back now, it truly was one of the best things that has happened to Rooted Youth Ministry (at least in my opinion). Don’t get me wrong; I believe Hume Lake Christian Camp is amazing and is doing great ministry. However, we needed a change. We needed to be unified. We needed something different. This is how Rooted Youth Camp (RYC) was born.

Year One

The idea RYC was born in the summer of 2020 when we held our own summer camp, if you can even call it that. We scrounged together whatever we could, and we held a five day, on-site, camp. It was called “Camp Rooted.” It worked well enough for what it was, but what really mattered is that we were together. We saw the benefit of diving into relationships with each other in a different way than we had done before. We asked ourselves, “could we really run our own summer camp somewhere else?” So, we decided we would try. Angeles Crest Christian Camp was recommended to us, and the rest is history.

The First RYC

In the summer of 2021, none of us knew how it would go. We told ourselves, “This is either going to be really awesome, or a big flop.” It did not start off well. We lost power on the first day and almost had to head back home. It was unbearably hot. And on top of all of that, we still didn’t know what exactly we were doing. This was our first rodeo! However, despite all of that (and other things), it was a HUGE success. Our students were bonded from the get-go, and the time at RYC really did break down barriers that had existed between students for many years. Students that are still in the ministry still talk about it with me from time to time.  We could not have planned how that week went. All the credit, glory, and honor go to the Lord. He is the one that made RYC a success in the first place. Now, we are about to embark on our sixth camp. It’s hard to believe if I look at it from man’s eyes. However, when I look at it through the lens that God is sovereign over all things, it’s no surprise at all to me that we are still going strong with RYC six years later.

The Next RYC

Over the years, here are some of the themes we have done: Daniel (Kings and Lions, 2021), James (Pirates and Kraken, 2022), Exodus (Cowboys and Aliens, 2023), Romans (Racers and Riders, 2024), and the story of redemption through the covenants (Tribal, 2025). This year's theme is from the book of Ephesians, focusing on the Armor of God. If you go to the bottom of this blog post, I added Ephesians 6:10-20, which is where our theme comes from. And this year's rec theme is medieval (I personally am very excited about this). Students are so excited to be diving into the Word of God this year, and I wanted to share with all of you some things that you can be praying for while we are at camp (June 21st – June 26th).

1.         Pray that the Gospel is made clear to both non-believers and believers alike. Here at Rooted, we say this often, “The Gospel does two things: it saves the lost and encourages the saints.” Pray that this is true for the week that we are at camp.

2.         Pray that our leaders rely on the Lord for their strength, endurance, and wisdom. Our leaders pour their hearts and souls into their students at RYC. Please pray that the Lord gives them what they need.

3.        Pray that students grow in likeness of Jesus. “My little children, for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ is formed in you!” - Galatians 4:19. This is the heart of what we do in Rooted.

4.         Pray that what students will grow deep relationships that they can carry for years to come. We want students to grow deep relationships with both their leaders and other students, so that can have God honoring relationships that encourage them in all areas of the Christian life.

5.         Pray that non-believers will be convicted of their sins, and their hearts will be opened to the saving faith of the Gospel. We desire to see lives changed for the Gospel. We have seen students saved at camp before, and we want to see even more this year!

After Camp

I also want to encourage all of you to ask your students, or students you know, about camp after they get. Ask them about the chapel sessions, worship, breakout sessions, rec, free time, and everything else you can think of. We do not want camp to be something that students experience and then never talk or think about it again. The more we talk about the things we have learned and experienced, I believe it will continue to shape us as we move forward.

Do you want to join us?

The last thing I want to share with you is an invitation. Camp is just one thing we do every year. But the “big” work we do is on Wednesday nights throughout most of the year. We are diving into the Word together and discussing it in small groups. Our ministry is growing, and we would love you to consider serving in youth ministry. We know it’s a big commitment, and we know the Lord will bring the right people. If you feel like that may be you, please reach out to us. We would love to meet with you!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore, take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the Gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” - Ephesians 6:10-20

In Christ,

Jeremy Provenghi