PURPOSE

What is the purpose of this event?
Our goal is to be assistance to parents in their desire to have respectful, God honoring, obedient children. We use a camp type atmosphere with competition, laughter, refreshments, and cheering as well as, most importantly, the declaration of God's Word to do this. We believe that the best way for this goal to be accomplished is the preaching of God's plan of salvation. If a teen trusts Jesus Christ to save him or her from sin that is the first step to seeing that goal accomplished in the long haul. (see Bible Message below)

Are the three nights the same?
No. Each night has different games, different comedy routines, different messages and different refreshments.

Do you have to come all three nights?
No, you can come to whatever of the nights that you can. However, we caution teens that if you come one night, you will want to attend the rest.

Is the event only for people from the sponsoring church?
No. Teens from all church backgrounds or no church background are welcome. We have had teens come from Catholic churches, all kinds of Protestant churches as well as teens from Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, atheist, and Mormon persuasions.

Does this have anything to do with the US Military?
No. This is a ministry program that uses some military themes. We tell the teens, "Nothing to do with Uncle Sam so don't worry we won't shave your head and send you overseas."

How rough is the competition?
The games are intense, but are designed to be safe and memorable. Since 1979 we have used most of these games and have developed them to be fun and safe. Literally thousands of teens of all sizes and abilities have played these games with great enjoyment. They are teen tested. Occasionally there are sprains and very, very occasionally there may be a bone broken. In reality, the games are as safe as the average playground or safer than a sport's league (where occasionally there may be a bone broken).

Do all the teens play at the same time?
In the games where the action is more intense, we separate the guys and girls in their competing in the actual competition. In those scenarios we also separate the teens by size.

My kid was saying that you could "hurt" people. Is that true?
If your child was invited by his friends, sometimes they will talk competitions up to be something they are not. None of the competitions have contact except for Spoke Tackle. This event is a race where the teens can try to stop their opponents by tackling, pushing, shoving, etc. Any intent to hurt is forbidden.

BIBLE MESSAGE

How long are the Bible messages?
They are between 25 and 30 minutes. Most of the night is competition.

What do the messages deal with?
There are two basic things. The first is sin and it's consequences, the second is deliverance from sin and hell through Jesus Christ.
First the preaching of God's Word will include dealing with those sin issues which plague most teens today. Below is a representative list.
Dishonoring parents - Your teens will be challenged with the sin of treating parents disrespectfully.
Sexual Sin - Your teens will be challenged to keep themselves for their future mate.
Integrity - Your teens will be challenged not to lie or steal.
"Four Letter" Words - Your teens will be challenged not to use profanity or vulgarity in their speech.
Secondly, the message with point to salvation through Jesus Christ.
The most important part is the presentation of Christ as the only way of salvation from sin and hell. The messages basically point young people to the truth of John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." We will present how Christ died on the cross for our sins and that He was buried and rose from the dead conquering sin, death and hell. We will challenge your teen to put their trust (belief, dependence, reliance) in Christ alone for their deliverance from sin and hell.

Is their any cost?
The expenses are completely underwritten by the sponsoring church. Refreshments are complimentary. The only reason your teen may want to bring money is if he or she wants to buy a team T-shirt.

What is the cost for a T-shirt?
Team T-shirts are $10 and come in S, M, L, XL. The XXL shirt is $12.
The team color is the color of their T-shirt (Marine Recon – Burgundy, Army Rangers – Hunter Green, Navy Seals – Navy Blue).

SUPERVISION

What adult supervision will be on hand?
This differs with each church, but in addition to the team, several adults are involved each night. The team has been trained to handle a fairly large crowd with minimal help. You have got to see it to believe it! If you do see it, you will want the team captain to live at your house until your teen is out of the house!

Can parents stay and watch?
Absolutely. Though it is not necessary, we encourage it.