Still Water Camps
Breaking barriers
to reveal the
truth of the Lord
BY INEZ KIRCHNER
B E A CON W R I T E R
What do you thirst for?
This is the defining question and
the anchoring scripture at the Still
Water Camps in Blanco, Texas and
Harper, Texas.
For 18 years, more than 12,000
campers have encountered this
question and for some, the question
leads to meeting Jesus for the first time.
Still Water Camps offer
high-quality youth camp experiences
despite income, background, or walk
in faith. “Eleven summers ago, I
started as a camper, and Still Water
is how I came to know the Lord,”
says Dempsey Warren, Still Water’s
Director of Marketing and Ministry
Development. So goes the story of
many of the youth Still Water has
reached, with nearly 50 percent of its
high school staff made up of former
campers.
“ This is more than just about money.
We can paint a diverse picture of
God’s kingdom.”
– Dempsey Warren,
Director of Marketing and Ministry Development
Jasmine Jacob was also eternally
changed at Still Water. “The Lord
used Still Water to show himself five
years ago. Still Water has brought me
people who teach me how to love and
who walk life with me. Praise the
Lord for the work He is doing
through this ministry,” she says.
Still Water began in 2001 with one
boys’ sports camp at a rented facility and
has since expanded to include a home of
their own, Knott Creek Falls, and various
camps offering sports, adventure and
leadership skills for girls and boys aged
6-18. The camp challenges every camper
to engage in God’s Word and self-reflection
to discover strengths and encourage
others.
Christians and non-Christians are
invited and welcome to the camp that
is highly intentional in its faith-based
programming and activities. “We
certainly don’t water down the truth of
the Lord,” says Dempsey. “Whether the
kids can directly spot it or not, everything
is tied to the gospel.” Daily activities
include prayer, Bible study, sports
lessons connected to scripture, and
even the “Golgotha Run.” With two-byfour
planks on their backs, the shadow
of the cross is reflected as campers
participate in this run. Through this
experience, campers identify strongly
with Jesus’ crucifixion and sacrifice for
them. All campers receive a clear
invitation to accept Christ. They’re
given additional guidance to navigate
the Bible and walk in their faith after
camp. Still Water is moving into a
campus ministry that is interacting
with and encouraging students
throughout the year.
“ It’s why I have such a big heart for this
ministry; I’ve seen the eternal ramifications
of providing a safe place for everyone.”
– Dempsey Warren,
Director of Marketing and Ministry Development
Bridging the gap between the
“haves and have-nots” is a pillar of the
mission. According to the Still Water
Camps website, more than 1.5 million
“At Altitude Trampoline Park, we believe we have a
responsibility to give back to the community which
supports us. The sheer numbers of customers we
serve puts us in a high-profile position in our city.
This enables us to make a difference. We serve
children and support positive social growth and
active entertainment. Still Water reflects these same
values. I admire their efforts and encourage others to
join Altitude in supporting their cause.” Lane Hudson,
Owner Altitude Trampoline Park
March / April 2019 www.saBeacon.com 7
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