It’s close to 8:00AM and I (Jon Homesley) am the first to show up at our free continental breakfast here at the Sleep Inn. Wait…. Jordan Burrrows just walked in and sat down with me.

Last night’s concert was LOUD!  Remedy Drive, Starfield, Lecrae and gang were great, but Family Force 5 stole the show! They aren’t quite my cup of tea (think Pat Benatar meets hard rock screaming), but they package the message of the Gospel in a way that relates to teen culture.

Tom Richter was the speaker last night and brought it home by re-telling the story of the greatest commandment. He reminded us that we must love God will ALL our heart, ALL our soul, and ALL our mind. Of course following Christ with ALL of your life (family, business, how to spend your money, what to eat…) seems so crazy when we see someone really living it out.

Chris and I had the opportunity to treat Tom to dinner last night while the rest of the counselors and students stayed at the concert. As some of you will remember, Tom came to CCC about 7 years ago and spoke at our R.I.O.T. youth conference. It has been 7 years since I had seen him so getting to hang out was a highlight for me. Tom is a powerful speaker, who combines the intelligence of a theology degree from Princeton and the comedy of a Chris Farley film.  Out students will be talking about him for years to come.

Today students will have opportunity to hang out this morning before heading to some breakout groups. The evening concert features Fireflight, Hawk Nelson, the Newsboys and many more. I am sure that us counselors will find some time to chill at the campus bookstore/Starbucks while students are away at activities. More to come from Liberty University!

At this moment I am surrounded by 10,000 students singing, “I want to live for you, go where you lead me.”, while Starfield blows our eardrums! Liberty University is where every young person looking for an undergraduate degree should attend. This annual event hosted by LU starts off the new year by proclaiming Jesus as Lord and King. Tom Richter will take the stage in a moment and challenge us to make Jesus PRIMARY in our lives this coming year. Pray that our students will be radically moved toward Christ and His Kingdom!

The Dates:

The dates for our 2011 Summer Camp are Monday, July 11th through Saturday, July 16th!  We are headed back to Centrifuge at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee.  Union has been a favorite camp location for many of our students over the years.  Some of the reasons include: individual bedrooms (apartment style), private restrooms, and great camp food.  Not to mention a quality staff that leads our students in Bible study and worship.

Registration & Cost:

Early Bird Registration is now through Sunday, December 26th.  Students who register by this time will save $25 off the regular registration fee.

Early Bird Registration Fee is $50 (if registered before Sunday, December 26th)

Regular Registration Fee is $75 (if registered before Sunday, January 23rd)

Late Registration Fee is $100 (if registered after Sunday, January 23rd; spots may not be available at this time)

The remaining balance due after the registration fee has been paid is $250 and will be due on or before Sunday, June 5th.

The Registration Form and details can be found in the Summer Camp Registration Handbook available at the DRIVEN Kiosk.

What is Centrifuge?

Centrifuge is a week-long camp experience for youth who have completed at least the 6th grade up to 12th grade.  Centrifuge will challenge teenagers to a new and deeper understanding of Christ.  Centrifuge is a camp that incorporates a teenager’s need for activity with the desire to learn.  The Bible studies are deeply intertwined with games and activities, resulting in stronger group relationships and better application of spiritual truths.

Centrifuge divides the students into Bible study groups according to age.  Middle school and high school students are separate for all of their daytime activities and come together for worship services and church group devotions.  Centrifuge also focuses on teenagers’ interests.  Through what are called “Track Times,” teenagers can choose from a vast array of subjects.  Centrifuge doesn’t overlook the importance of youth worship either.  Drama, music, youth testimonies, and other creative sources add to powerful preaching aimed directly at the needs of today’s teenagers.  Would you believe that worship time often becomes a teenager’s favorite time at Centrifuge?

Ultimately, Centrifuge is about sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with teenagers of every background, culture, and walk of life.  It is about deepening the relationships with others in their own youth group.  It is about meeting teenagers from other areas of the country and understanding that teenagers are not alone in their faith.  It is about making a difference in the lives of individuals who, in turn, make a difference in the life of a community.  Centrifuge can truly be an experience that will make a lasting impact on the lives of teenagers!  You can pick up a copy of the 2011 Summer Camp Registration Handbook at the DRIVEN Kiosk.