Mt. Hermon Special Camp

Have you ever considered serving at JEMS Special Camp? Please prayerfully consider whether the Lord might be calling you to serve this year. Male aides are especially needed. No prior experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is required. Applications will be accepted starting in early February 2012, at www.jemsspecialcamp.org.

2012 Rates: $581 for conferees
Conferee and Special Camp Aid Registration - Please call 213.613.0022

Since 1975, the Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society (JEMS) has sponsored a week long Christian Camp primarily for individuals with developmental disabilities of Asian descent. This "Special Camp" held at the Mount Hermon conference grounds in Northern California, originated under the direction of Rev. Saburo and Marion Masada. This couple's daughter is developmentally disabled, and others like her, needed a camp program designed specifically for their special needs. Over the years, the ministry of this camp has changed the lives of many people - both conferees and volunteer staff. Special Camp will be under the leadership of directors Bruce and Val Satow.

The goal of this Special Camp is to provide an opportunity for individuals with developmental disabilities to experience a fun-filled time of activities in an atmosphere of Christian Love.

The 2012 special camp dates are July 1- July 7, 2011.

Bus transportation, please see Bus Registration Special campers'
bus - Evergreen SGV only

What We Do At Special Camp? :::

The campers participate in arts and crafts, bible lessons, and praise and worship singing. Activities include bowling, swimming, a presentation at JEMS Family Camp, a carnival, and Special Olympics. Throughout the week of camp, God's love is communicated to the campers. By the end of the week, relationships are built; "barriers" broken down, and both campers and aides have learned a tremendous amount about themselves, each other, and God.

All of these events and activities add up to a fun-filled and meaningful camp ministry designed specifically for individuals with developmental disabilities. Special Camp is a place where they can come, learn, fellowship, worship, and grow in the Lord.

Special Camp touches the hearts of many people. The Lord has used the camp to reach out not only to the campers, but also to their families and the volunteer staff.

A typical day at camp begins with everyone getting up and dressed for breakfast, followed by morning exercises, worship, Bible lessons, and arts and crafts. After lunch, there is a different activity every day such as bowling or carnival. After dinner, we have an organized game time followed by worship and carnival time. After the campers go to bed, there is a staff devotional time and a staff meeting.

Though many of the volunteers have never worked with the developmentally disabled before, they have shared how they were humbled and convicted by witnessing such simple childlike faith. in God's amazing plan, He uses these special ones to minister to the "normal" people of the world.

"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly things and the despised things - and the things that are not - to nullify the things that are..."
- 1 Corinthians 1:27-28

For additional information regarding camp history, camp calendar, parent/guardian info, camp helper's info and application and related links, please click HERE.