For the middle school workshop we were fortunate to have a beautiful weekend and we were also able to gather our regions largest group yet, counting about 60 in total with 50 as participants and the remaining as staff. It primarily consisted of members from Ohio. However, we were also lucky to have a group drive all the way from Kentucky and participants from Indiana as well

The first night was awesome as we all joined together for the workshop. Many of the participants were already friends and were glad to see each other again. The rest of the workshop was also filled song worship, team activities, and sports competitions. It was a perfect chance to worship together, have a good time, and enjoy the presence of one another. In addition, many different activities were creatively designed to demonstrate the theme. We had an art activity, skits, and sports.

One thing we all agreed before beginning the workshop was the importance of creating strong relationships with those who share the same beliefs. It helps to create a support group to guide us through the challenges of life. Many times it is these bonds that become the encouragement and protection for the youth in the outside world. We also felt that it is in these workshops that we are able to give some older youth this same opportunity to lead and build relationships with the younger kids, so several high school youth were team leaders for the first time.

At the end of the workshop, it was sad to see everyone leave. However, it seemed that this workshop was a great step in the right direction for the Ohio Youth ministry in inspiring our youth to take a bigger role in their own lives of faith and in guiding their younger brothers and sisters in making that very first leap of faith towards God. Overall the workshop was an incredible growing experience for everyone, as well as another wonderful opportunity for many of the BC's in our region to meet and create friendships with other BC's.

It is so great to watch everyone grow, and I as well as the other older 2nd generation really want to be there to help the second generation find happiness in their lives. While there are always things to improve, we all acknowledge that we are involved in a growing process here in Ohio. However, there is excitement because the workshops keep getting better and better. We've created a great foundation and I hope that we can continue to grow here as a youth ministry in Ohio.

Garrun Abrahams

"This Camp was really great. I enjoyed all of the activities and lectures. The lectures opened my eyes to all the different things that I have never even thought of before. All the counselors were so loving. I felt like I could be myself here with all of these crazy BC's. I would like to say that I enjoyed this workshop. It was a great opportunity to build some strong relationships that will last forever."
Katherine Williams

"I really enjoyed this workshop. I appreciated how all of the counselors took their time to help and have fun with us. I liked how I got to meet new people who treated me like one of their siblings"
Joshua Davis

"Camp Agape was really great. I LOVED it so much. We learned that you have to start from Children's Love, the sibling's, conjugal love, and parental love. I really had fun at this camp. I met so many people from different places and had fun playing with new people and I'm glad we learned about True Love. Now I understand what real love is. I also hear that Agape means Love, True Love. Camp True Love."
Yuka Nagata

"Thus was my first time at Agape and it turned out to be the best week ever. I had so much fun here and made so many new friends. Usually when I listen to lectures my eyes get droopy and I feel like I'm about to go to sleep. None of that happened to any of the lectures here. I actually enjoyed all of the lectures and learned many new things. I feel like I want to come back next year. When I first came here I was really nervous. I was thinking about strict counselors, boring lectures, and so many other things. None of that happened here. This workshop filled my teeny, tiny brain with many things that I haven't learned and it feels like I kind of got stronger and less shy."

"Again, I enjoyed this camp very much. The people are always so loving, and live for someone else's sake. And I really wanted dot come to this camp because I really wanted to learn more about God and His heart so I can be like Him. And that is exactly what this workshop did…Thank you for making me a better person."
Jenni Presley

"The first thing I want to mention is I had fun. I don't think I would change anything for the workshop. The food was great. I liked the games. I learned a lot of things about love."
Yoshi Akutsu

"I loved Camp Agape (true love). It was the best camp experience ever! I learned a lot of things from the lectures that I never learned before. I made great friends, including staff and counselors. I was very happy we got to play together inside and outside, eat together, and do skits. I will never forget this wonderful experience."
Aika Callahan

"I had a lot of fun here. This was my first time! And yet I know so many people that I think of as my family. I like that we had a lot of laughs and learned a lot. Everyone is so happy! I have learned to treat my brothers better. I also know that I should live for the sake of others! I like how we all get together and sing songs and get pumped and excited! I can't wait to come back next year!" -- Michelle Davis

"I think this camp is really great. After this day, I'm going to think back on all the fun things I did with my group and friends. Thanks for everything."
Yurika Yamada