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jeff dover :: summit camp director
experiencing summit since 1992
I started taking my students to Summit Camp in 1992. We went not knowing much about the camp, except that it was new and "different" than other camps we had been to in the past. I am at my third church in over 19 years of student ministry now, and I have been able to take all of my groups from all three churches to Summit. I don't want to go to any other camp! I have also had the privilege of serving as one of Summit's Director's for over 15 years. I gotta say that no other Christian organization has influenced me or my students the way Summit Camps has! When you enter the grounds during a Summit week of camp, you're greeted by a bunch of staffers that are excited that you're there and ready to serve you in any way they can! The highlights during a day of camp for me is the Wild and Crazy Recreation and the evening worship experience. Summit strives to bring only the most Spiritually led, Godly leaders to preach, teach, and lead worship. I've seen tremendous change in the lives of hundreds of students as a direct result of seeing and hearing God during a week of Summit Camp. I give God all of the glory for using Summit Camps the way He has for 20 years! I pray He allows us to continue in this work for many years to come!
neal satterfield :: summit camp director
experiencing summit since 1994
I’ve had the privilege of being involved with Summit since 1994 as a college student interning for one of Summit’s past directors. At that point in time I didn’t have a choice about my involvement because he paid me and I did what he said. After being involved without a choice in the mater, I later became involved by my own choice. I could go on forever about how much Summit and the relationships I have made there have impacted my life and my walk with Christ over the past 16 years but I won’t. I will say that I appreciate Summit’s commitment to its vision over the last 20 years. Summit truly has been willing to do anything, go anywhere, and try everything without compromising the Word of God in order to see people’s lives transformed through the power of the Gospel. Summit has impacted my life, my wife’s life, our marriage, and has already begun to impact our child’s (about to be children’s) life. As a current Summit Director I consider it an honor and a privilege to be involved in various capacities with a ministry like Summit.
ashli williams :: summit director
experiencing summit since 2000
I feel like I can't adequately express all God has done through Summit in my life, but I will try. I began my journey with Summit when I was 14 years old and chose to follow Christ August 3, 2000. I remember Michael John Clement was leading worship that night and David Nassar had come up to speak and decided there was no need for a sermon. He flat out asked if anyone needed to accept Jesus and I froze. I was terrified. I had really been wrestling with it all week. After fighting for a few minutes, I jumped up and went down to the stage. I will never forget that sweet day and the new freedom I had found. I was no longer a weak, scared little girl because I had finally found hope in Jesus alone. When I reached my Sophomore year of high school I jumped to the occassion of being a Summit Staffer and have been involved ever since. The years I served in high school played a huge role in molding me into who I am now. I learned responsibility, accountability, how to serve, set up a sound system, share my testimony, blow up pools, play in the mud, and really how to grow in Christ. It really blows me away to think of how much Summit impacted my life. I have no idea where I would have been without the camp and the wonderful people that invested in me. Thanks be to God for giving a group of people, 20 YEARS AGO, a vision to build a camp and introduce students to an awesome God. I am forever grateful. justin white :: summit camp director
experiencing summit since 2005
I never had the privilege to go to Summit as a camper. The first time I was introduced to Summit was when I was asked to be a small group leader at a Fall Retreat. The following summer I got ask to be a staffer for Summit. That same summer I had the chance to go on a mission trip, intern for some guy named Mike Keahbone, be the interim youth pastor at a church, or staff at Summit. I felt God leading in the direction of Summit and so I staffed at 5 different weeks throughout the summer. Little did I know how much of an impact that summer would have. The whole summer I was shown the example of what it means to love God and to love people. I was shown the example of doing whatever it takes to minister to people. I was able to make tons of friends who I am still in contact with today. Not only that, but at the end of the summer, I had the great honor of being asked to be one of the Director's for the camp. It has been an awesome experience getting to help prepare for camps, getting to direct one of the weeks of camp, getting to be the speaker at Summit in Africa and this summer have the opportunity to be the speaker at Summit at Mission Arlington, not to mention the great group of directors that I get to serve with. I love Summit Camps and believe with all my heart that God is going to continue to use this camp to reach a generation for His name. To God be the glory for what He has chosen to do over these last 20 years and what He is going to do for the next 20.
rendy janssen :: summit camp director
experiencing summit since 2000
Summit Camps has made a lasting impression on my life. As an early teenager I truly experienced God and the love he has for me for the first time at Summit Camps in the summer of 2000. It was that summer,
on August 1, 2000 that I have my life to Jesus Christ. While I am well aware that God can move in multiple places, He used Summit to not only introduce me to my Savior, but also as a place I was later discipled. Starting the summer between my sophomore and junior year of High School I began to staff for Summit Camps. It was there that I learned much more about serving others and God's heart for his people. During the hottest southeastern OK sun, I realized the importance of pointing others to the Son. And that it was not always a glamorous thing: there's not much praise to be seen for the person who fills up the water jugs, but I learned it was something that I needed to do in order to serve my brothers and sisters in Christ. It was also at Summit Camps where I met some of my most influential mentors, who have become friends of mine now that I have entered into adulthood. These people have guided me, loved me, given me advice when I would not or could not speak to my own family. I was comforted and encouraged in the hard times. They have celebrated my marriage to a wonderful man of God with me, they have taught me lessons that only those who have walked with God for years often know. They have prayed over me, encouraged me as I try to minister to hurting world of students, and have been so unsure of how to do. These are my brothers and sisters in Christ. Summit Camps is celebrating its 20 year this summer! I am so thankful for my opportunity to be involved in such a wonderful place for the 8 years. Now, as a Summit Camps Director I have been allowed to grow, stumble and watch the Lord move in amazing ways from an adult perspective at Summit. It has been a blessing in my life now as a youth minister's wife to attend Summit Camps with my students. It is wonderful to see the way the Lord has moved in our students at Summit and see it become a special place to others around me. I cannot wait to see what all the Lord has in store for Summit Camps. darrell haley :: co-founder - summit camps
experiencing summit since 1990
In 1990 after many years of trying to make a change at the camp that my group was attending, I decided to listen to my friend Genie Chaney. She told me of her old youth pastors and others that were interested in starting a new camp. So in the fall, Genie and I went to a meeting in Henryetta where about 30 others came to discuss whether to start a new camp and where it would be. After that meeting there were 3 youth pastors who commited to attend the camp. Rick Snyder- Immanuel Poteau, Butch Booth- Immanuel Shawnee and Me- Emmanuel Edmond. I remember Genie and I on the way home from the meeting trying to come up with a name. She suggested Summit! I thought this was perfect since summit means the highest point. I never imagine what a journey the Lord would take me on for the next 20 years. Sherry, Rachel and Elizabeth and I have been so blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group of believers. Working this camp has always been a family ministry and I would not have been able to do so much for the camp with out Sherry, Rachel and Elizabeth. We have so many memories--wonderful memories--and look forward to many more. There are tons of people to thank for such a wonderful camp but most importantly the Lord Jesus Christ!!! We have been able to work with incredible ministers and great staffers.
I wish I had time to share all the stories but I will just share this one. I will not forget the year that we gave everyone that came to camp a rock. This rock was to represent whatever is was that was keeping them from being close to Christ. As the week went on, kids would lay the rocks on the stage as they gave their lives totally to Christ. One week as we were cleaning things up. I was moving the rocks and found a piece of paper that said,"I lost the rock, but I let go of the sin." I have this paper on my desk so I can look at it everyday and be reminded to let go of anything that keeps me from Christ. Summit Camps is truly a blessing to me.
joseph mckeen :: summit camp director
youth pastor - wards chapel baptist church
Growing up in Jr. High and High School, I never got the chance to attend a summit camp. Until I became
As soon as I knew it summer was approaching and I was preparing to go to both camps, After witnessing such a well run fun atmosphere and great worship, I was converted to Summit Camp. The Veil had been torn and my eyes were open, I have been involved in I am proud to be a part of
kerry white :: summit camp director
experiencing summit since 2006
I never had the chance to go to a Summit camp as a student. I heard stories from my wife, who had been every summer as a teenager, about how incredible the experience was. But I didn't get the chance to witness it firsthand until I actually became a student pastor.
In 2006 I joined the staff at Eastside Baptist Church in Collinsville and began leading a group of students who had just started attending Summit the previous year. They fell in love with the experience and quickly informed me that going to camp anywhere else was absolutely out of the question. I soon discovered why they were so attached.
In 2007 we went to Summit at Grand Lake for the first time, and to say I fell in love with that environment would be an understatement. It broke my heart to leave student ministry in the winter of 2008, but I am counting the days until we take our children here at FBC Gore to Summit at GLBA the first week of June!
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marleigh dietz :: summit camper
experiencing summit since 2010
My name is Marleigh, and my first trip to summit was when I was in the third grade. I didn't like it very much so for the next couple of years I didn't go. Then when I got to know some of the kids in my youth ministry at church, they were always talking about church camp, how much they loved it and all the stuff they did. It all sounded so cool and so different than how my experience had gone. They ended up talking me into coming to church camp again this last year during the summer of 2010. I am so glad they did, because I had the time of my life!
The pastor at the camp I went to (GLBA) was Mike Keahbone! His preachings were amazing and completely changed my life! He inspired me and opened my eyes up to things I had never thought of before! I now see things and think about things differently than I did before I came to church camp!
I now recommend to anyone who thinks they might want to go to church camp but are not for sure if they want to, to definitely go you will love every minute of it!
ashli gipson :: summit camper and staffer
experiencing summit since 2005
My first year at Summit was 2005. I went as a camper. Little did I know that it would be the week that would change my life. I had already accepted Christ, but Summit taught me how to grow in my relationship with my Savior. I feel in love with Summit that week, and have never looked back. I have attended Summit for the past five years as a camper, sponsor, and staffer. The Summit directors and staff have become family. I have been blessed to serve with these guys for the past four years.
Summit hast taught me so many different things. It has taught me to grow, it has taught me how to serve, and it has taught me how to step outside of my comfort zone. I would not be who I am today if it was not for this camp. I am so thankful for Summit and the heart of all of those who are part of making this camp possible. I am looking forward to another great summer at Summit, and I know God will continue to do amazing things through Summit Camps. kris gellenbeck :: summit student, staffer, and youth minister
experiencing summit since 1994
My experience with Summit started in after my 6th grade year. I had never experienced any kind of camp so I was well out of my comfort zone from the get-go. I went to have fun, but it turned into a life-changing time for me. I quickly fell in love with the camp and with my youth minister (Darrell Haley) and I became very involved with Summit. By the time I was in the 8th grade I was leading tract times in woodworking and various other areas. I spent my high school and some of my college years staffing at Summit. In 2002 I got the opportunity to do drama in the morning services. That year I also met my wife Evelyn (Blankenship at the time). We have now been married for almost 6 years, have a son, Colten who is 2, and in 2009 got to take our own youth group to Summit for the first time. We have truely been blessed by Summit and the people involved. Can't believe it has been so long.
kyle cantrell :: worship leader
experiencing summit since 2006
I have had the privilege of being a part of Summit for 4 years now. The thing I am continually most impressed with is the heart of the leadership! There is a unity among the leaders to lead students to Christ and teach them to become followers of His Word. They do that with great freedom in worship. At Summit they are more concerned with where God is leading, than a schedule and getting to the next event. They teach Christ through fun and relationship. Rec times build community, and have a purpose. No one ever takes themselves too seriously, people are real! At Summit they teach the word in Love. It is evident that the students are loved and cared for with a genuine heart to see them grow.
I count it such a blessing to be a part of Summit! I know when I am there I am surrounded by people who love and glorify Jesus in everything they do. Because of that, many generations of students will know Christ through Summit. An amazing move of God has begun and will continue to grow in the future. Thank you for all you do! chris white :: worship leader
experiencing summit since 2004
Leading worship for Summit in 2004, 2005, 2006, & 2008 was a true honor. Some of our best worship memories come from that crowded, sweaty, outdoor gathering, that was full of hungry hearts and truly Spirit-filled moments. I remember one year when we were so enraptured with the presence of God in worship, that it was as if we had stepped into heaven for a moment where we were no longer leading, but were all caught up in the glow of His glory. It was intoxicating. I will take those memories to my grave with a smile. The sweetness of Darrell & Sherry Haley, the staff, and the humility of the Oklahoma youth pastors make Summit what it is...a God glorifying place that loves students and pursues Christ with true abandon. I am honored to have been a small part of those memories.
greg "gib" gibson :: summit camper, staffer, director, youth pastor, camp pastor
experiencing summit since 1996
I suppose there many ways to describe my experience with Summit camp, but I'll begin with the most significant...
I met Jesus at Summit camp in August 1996. As a camper with FBC Heavener, I came to faith on the final night of camp, and that event has drastically altered the course of my life. Since that encounter, I have had the privilege of serving and participating in virtually every facet of Summit camp. When assisting as a staffer, director, youth pastor or camp pastor, my experience with Summit has always been marked by one particular person. No, not Darrel. Jesus. Jesus saves sinners. Jesus rescues the lost, weary, broken, and confused. Jesus works, moves, and changes the lives of students each and every summer through the ministry at Summit Camp. I am but one small example, as I am sure thousands have come to faith through their experience at Summit camp. It is because of Jesus that I am who I am, but Summit Camp has been used, again and again, to help me know, trust, and have faith in Jesus. Thanks Summit! meredith lamarr :: summit camper and staffer
experiencing summit since 2004
My first time to Summit was the summer of 2004. Before i had even attended as a camper, i went as a staffer, trusting that it would be as fun as other people said it would be. Well...they were right. I ended up attending as a staffer every week of every summer until the Summer of 2009. Yes, it was a lot of fun, and i developed so many great friends through it, but it also aided in helping me to learn a good work ethic. One of my good friends and i always joked that we were "summit slaves", and though at some points it may have felt like it (times like carrying a giant bucket of ice water all the way across a huge field)...we knew that in the end we were helping to further Christ's Kingdom. Summit was the first place where i first learned how to truly worship in freedom. It was an evening service, and Chris White was playing, and i was standing out by the trees, and there was just something in me that broke loose, and there i was, physically worshiping the Lord like i never had before. truly an eye opening experience! Now to the actual camp part of it. What a blessing it was to be a part of a different kind of camp with a different kind of people! A camp with PASSION and INTIMACY, passionate leaders...both in worship leaders, camp speakers, and the camp directors! So creative and kingdom minded in everything they do! Sadly enough, last summer was my last summer to be a full time Summit Staffer/Camper. Now as i am about to get married, and move onto a different chapter in my life, i'm SOOO excited to still be a part of Summit Camp from a different perspective! As a youth pastor's wife! to be able to take our youth to a place where they can break free with no cares, have fun, grow, and learn, excites me so much, because i know how much it has blessed me, and SO many others!! Thank you Summit Camp for playing a big part in my journey of who i am today!! love you all!! (even when you do make fun of me)
dr. stephen woodson :: original summit camp board member
experiencing summit since 1990
Where to begin? When Darrell asked me to serve on the original camp board, I had no idea the camp would be so life-changing, so used by the Lord. The focus on Him and His will made the camp a guaranteed soul-winning success. And not only winning souls, but an opportunity for young people to grow in their faith and expand their circle of faithful peers. My four children grew up, both physically and spiritually at Summit Camp. Two have served on staff. I continue to pray for, to love, and appreciate the ministry of Summit Camp, and give nothing but praise and honor to you who choose to serve as directors and staff. From the bottom of my heart, thank you, and God bless you all! cody vaughan :: antlers FBC :: former staffer
experiencing summit since 2003
Summit Camps has been very close to my heart. I can remember the first time I went to Summit was in the Summer of 2003. Through Summit camps, my love for God was developed through the amazing worship and great speakers. I got to start staffing in the summer of 2007. Through staffing I learned how to be a servent and show God to many youth through out Oklahoma. I thank God every day for the people that have helped me get to be the person I am today. I first have to thank God for saving me and giving me the opportunity to be his child. Second, Justin and Jana White for showing me how true God is and for being there. Darrell and Sherry Haley for leting me staff at summit Camps and for also being there. All my peeps I staffed with over the past three summers, you guys rock! I love all of you like family! I hope this summer God shows off big unlike any other summer. I am glad to be apart of Summit Camps and I will always be close to my heart!
sandy rodriguez :: summit parent
My name is Sandy Rodriguez. I am the mom of two girls and a niece that spent many summers (and fall retreats)at Summit Camps. They were campers and also staffed at different times as they grew up. My girls grew so much in the Lord and learned so much about life and how much God truly loves them during the weeks that they spent at camp. I am so thankful for a place that they could come to and be taught the truth. My oldest daughter is finishing up her junior year at OSU, my youngest will graduate from high school in May, and my niece is pregnant with her first child so they have all grown up now but I know that what they were taught during the times they spent at camp will remain instilled in their hearts forever. THANK YOU!!!!
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