Jamaica Easter Youth Camp took place this year at Camp Hope, a pretty spot on the south coast of the island, right on the water. With the bright turquoise of the Caribbean Sea as a back drop, about 45 Jamaicans and overseas visitors gathered for a weekend around God’s word.

Inside, Bro Gideon Hewitson led the young people through the main set of classes on the topic “Preaching and Living the Gospel” while outside—sometimes on the porch, sometimes under the mango tree, always with good crafts—a group of kids learned about the book of Acts. Several Jamaican young people also took lively roles in teaching afternoon sessions and kid’s classes, which is so fun for Bro Nathan and me to see after watching them grow from teens into young adults over the decade that we’ve been visiting Jamaica.

The days began with Morningspiration—a thought for the day and enthusiastic singing—and the afternoons were jam-packed with a sports day, a cook-off competition and pick-up soccer games. Deportment lessons preceded a fancy banquet and talent night.

Three year old Caleb got scooped up by 42 aunties, uncles and cousins when his mama had to take his big sister to the hospital, and he was a proper little champ. Without any fussing or crying, he did his coloring quietly during class and spent the rest of the day running around after a ball fully half the size he was.

We rounded out the weekend with a fraternal, when the campers were joined by a number of brothers and sisters from the nearby ecclesia in Broughton. Easter Camp is always a fun, hectic and uplifting time and we’re keen to share the experience with anyone who would be interested in spending time with the lovely group of believers in Jamaica. If that’s you, please get in touch at antoniagiordano@gmail.com.