EDMOND—One hundred forty-four young people are arriving on the Herbert W. Armstrong College campus today for the start of Philadelphia Youth Camp. For many, July 9 is the most anticipated day of the year. pyc day 1 marks the beginning of a memorable, life-changing journey for God’s youth. At the end of these three weeks of lectures, sports, dancing, dining and activities, they will have made friends, built good habits, pushed their limits and strengthened their relationships with God. Over the years, pychas created lasting memories. Here, current and former campers share memories from camp sessions in America, Australia and the Philippines.

“My favorite pyc memory is establishing a good relationship with my counselor and the many AC students who were working at the time. She set a great example for me to learn from and follow. She really showed that she believed and lived the lifestyle that camp and AC was teaching. She spent quality time with each one of her campers in our dorm. Whenever I asked a question, she always seemed to have the answer. It was my first pyc. It opened my eyes to a way of life filled with happiness and joy that I had no idea existed. It was my first and best year.” —Tiffany Watson, Oklahoma member

“My assistant counselor took me aside and told me I need to try harder, work harder, and get out of my comfort zone. Since then, I haven’t looked back. Years later he told me I had changed a lot from that first year at pyc. God can do powerful things [with] small moments.” —Abraham Blondeau, hwacjunior

“One of my favorite camp memories is when we would all sit around the dorm room after the day’s activities were over and just chat. We all got to know each other on a more personal level during those times.” —Lori Hochstetler, Indiana single

“My favorite pyc memory has been the faculty home visits. For the past three pycs, I’ve been privileged to attend the Malones’ home. [W]e go to their piano room and Mr. Malone starts playing some common songs that everyone knows, and everyone starts singing along.” —Andrea Garcia, Kansas teen

One of my favorites is when Mr. Hilliker came into our dorm in the morning and talked to us about being more manly, stepping out of our comfort zone and giving 100 percent effort in all activities. The rest of the day, our entire dorm worked together on what he told us. That moment changed not just that camp, but all the ones after it.” —William Brown, Oregon teen

“I think my favorite pyc memories are the campers I taught soccer to who weren’t necessarily the most talented, but gave all their effort. They were the ones who made teaching so fulfilling. They applied what they were taught, and that mixture of teachable attitude and 100 percent effort made the biggest impact on the soccer field. There is definitely a spiritual lesson in that.” —Matthew Friesen, Canada member

“My greatest camp memory has to be my first year. I wasn’t very good at sports. My dorm and I were playing basketball. I really didn’t get the ball too much, so I was excited when I got it this time. I got passed the ball while I was standing on the 3-point line, shot and made a perfect swish.” —Jared Schow, Oregon teen

“Winning the 4x100 meter relay with my dorm in 2010. It was a crazy night with ominous clouds, thunder and lightning, and ended up being an awesome night for track and field events.” —Kyle Cocomise, hwac junior

“My greatest pyc memory is when the campers beat the workers at volleyball all-stars. We were all so excited and hoping to get a win.” —Cheyenne Chaney, Ohio teen

“My favorite pyc memory was when we traveled to Lawton for the wakeboarding/rock climbing combo. My favorite part of that year’s pyc was the rappelling portion. The sinking and weightless feeling in my stomach made me feel terrified, then I did it again, and a few more times. What at one point scared me became one of my most cherished memories of pyc. Life I have found to be a lot like this rappelling experience—once you let go of the death grip you think you have on controlling everything, and just listen to God’s instructions to take the leaps in life, then the experience is not only a lot of fun, but also the lessons carry over into all other areas of life.” —Laskey Hart, Canada member

“One good one is when we were hiking up Mt. Arayat in the Philippines. I knew I was low on fuel. I needed sugar. Luckily, Maree had a banana with her. As soon as I took a bite, the feeling was indescribable. I immediately forgot about my sore and shaky muscles. Apparently this was hilarious to the Filipinos, who keeled over laughing at me. Although we had funny times coming up the mountain, on the way down I really understood and felt that God had His angels there with us, pushing us on. The entire activity unified the entire camp. It was the camp miracle.”—Joella Tolis, Australia teen