Those who have traveled to America’s 49th state know: it’s not hard to feel close to God when you’re in Alaska. But imagine waking up as a ten-year-old for an exciting day of summer camp with snow-capped mountains as your backdrop. Alaskan children attending Echo Ranch Bible Camp don’t have to imagine. They have the privilege of seeking God and (for many) being introduced to Him for the first time in one of the most stunning places on earth.

Children listen to a story illustrating biblical truths, told by Activities Director, Grant.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the fun kids had at Echo Ranch this summer while learning about Jesus.

Many of these children come from impoverished families, and are brought to the camp by friends who attend church. Here, they have the opportunity to hear about the unconditional love of the Savior who has a perfect plan for their lives. Your prayers and giving make this possible! On behalf of these smiling faces, we thank you!

Beyond the outreach to children, we’re pleased to share two major developments currently taking place at Echo Ranch Bible Camp.

Kitchen Construction Underway

A  classic part of any camp experience is the mess hall, and we’re pleased to share that 2022 saw plenty of progress on Echo Ranch’s new kitchen. This building project is well underway, thanks to the work teams who have volunteered their skilled labor. The foundation has been laid, the interior and exterior walls have been raised and the roof has been sheeted.

Volunteer workers, taking advantage of Alaska’s long summer days, make progress on the Bible Camp’s new kitchen facility.

Everyone is looking forward to the completion of this project and the blessings it will bring to the staff who serve and the kids who eat at Echo Ranch. Praise God!

Theology 101 Meets Alaskan Wilderness

Another brand new development at Echo Ranch is an innovative program designed to bridge the gap from camp to the real world, created in partnership with the theology department of LeTourneau University.

“Today’s youth need discipling; they need theology, and a deep love and a sense of wonder for God’s Word,” Ministry Director Steve Cochrane explains. So, Echo Ranch designed a new program to meet this need. Passage Week, Echo Ranch’s first-ever theology camp launched this summer with 20 campers between the ages of 16-18. The young adults met with two LeTourneau professors hosted by Echo Ranch for concentrated instruction on topics such as Creation, the Trinity, and our identity as those made in God’s image.

The teachings went deep; touching not only their minds, but their hearts. The experience made a big impact on the students. Here is just some of what they had to say:

“So much can be taken away from what seems to be the simplest parts of the Bible.”

“I have a better understanding of the Trinity.”

“The way we started from the beginning and moved through to the end of the Bible was very helpful!”

God is at work in the lives of kids and young adults through this amazing ministry. Thank you for being a part of Travel that Gives, and for partnering with Echo Ranch through your prayers and ongoing support.

Did this update encourage your faith? Let us know in the comments below! We look forward to bringing you more praise-reports from this Christ-centered Alaska Bible camp in the future.